Welcome to the Trainscapes segment! Each week here on Geek Alabama, Trainscapes will feature train content including videos of trains and behind the scenes action of trains and locomotives. Some people have an interest in seeing trains, and we here at Geek Alabama aim to please the train lovers!
7idea Productions takes you on a winter journey through Marias Pass! This spectacular mountain railroad skirts the southern boundary of Glacier National Park in Montana.
From Whitefish, travel east on BNSF’s Hi Line Subdivision as trains traverse the icy canyons along the Flathead River. Visit the iconic Izaak Walton Inn and maintenance of way yard at Essex. This is the base where snow fighting equipment is kept on hand for the annual war against snow. We will see spreaders and vintage Great Northern snow dozers at work keeping the line clear.
Avalanches are a constant hazard and we will take you into the heart of the snow shed district, from both trackside and the air, as trains battle the 1.8% climb to the Continental Divide. Unit grain, crude oil, intermodal, and several mixed manifest trains ply the rails daily, along with Amtrak’s Empire Builder.
Watch trains crest the top of the pass while gale force winds whip up the snow. On the east side, forests give way to open prairies as trains pass the classic GN station at Glacier Park and on to Spotted Robe. This is the perfect combination of big trains and beautiful mountain scenery in winter! Bundle up for Winter on Marias Pass!
