Steam & Excursion > My best of 4449 in Montana

I have been working on this for the last few days.

Now there seems to be some whiners about too much 4449.

You tell me. Here is ten of my favorites.

I have nine more of the Montana portion of the trip I could post if you want. Let me know.

I previously posted my favorite shots of 4449 working east on the BNSF Lakeside Sub on Oct 8 on another fourm. Look up railroadfourms.com in the Western Trip report if you want to see those.

cp1400


First up is day one along Lake Pend Oreille nearing Hope, Id.

---

The much anticipated Noxon Bridge crossing. Unfortunately a MRL derailment not too many days before cause a 10 mph slow order over the bridge which totally changed the look of the steam.

cp1400

---

A little bit further east near Tuscor there was this short bridge over the still waters of the Clark Fork River. I did my best James Speaker impression to get this shot from a tree. The two fisherman on the other side of the bridge apparently made some remark like "all that for a choo choo". To me one, two, four or six hours of sitting with my line in the water without catching anything would likely bring a response from me "all that for no fish?" Fisherman, they're a different breed.

cp1400

---

Speeding east along the Clark Fork river near Eddy.

cp1400

---

The shot of the day. Splitting the semaphore pair at Donlan Flats Rd.

cp1400

---

Another spot of sun as the 4449 arrives at Superior. It was nice to see Ted Benson choose the same location for a photo.

cp 1400

---

Desmet, Montana. Junction of the 4th and 10th Subs. As we waited here a very distinguished guest wandered about and was complimenting everyone. I felt honored to be in the company of Richard Steinheimer at this location.

cp1400

---

Leaving Missoula in a cloud of steam on day 2.

cp1400

---

Some very nice compositions. Good work.

One of the most popular photo spots on the 3rd Sub. The barn shot at Jens. Unfortunately this is where I received the sad news that friend and steam fan Sandy Kisselburgh had passed away chasing the 4449 on the first day. He will very much be missed.

cp1400

---

Night photo at Bozeman after the second day on the road.

Let me know if you want to see more. I have nine more shots scanned and ready to go.

All these were scanned from film so some of the fuzzieness comes from the scanning process.

cp1400

---

I personally enjoy seeing pictures of 4449. I have loved that engine ever since I saw and chased it on the Freedom Train. I used to drive to Oregon every time it was in steam to see it run, and now I can see it on my computer. Nice!

Thanks for all the great pictures.

Rudi.

cp1400 Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Leaving Missoula in a cloud of steam on day 2.
>
> cp1400

Outstanding! My favorite. I would love to see this poster size in B&W or color!

cp 1400

As a response to your question about posting too many 4449 photos, I don't think that the fat lady is even warmin' up yet !!!

If someone else can post some exciting photos of recent steam action, I'm sure that all of us would love to drool over them as well.

Keep showing these outstanding photos. Not only is the Daylight a stunning and modern looking locomotive, it has the distinct advantage of being surrounded by marvelous scenery (and someone with the patience of a saint to download these images).

For those of you who love Sandpoint, Idaho for its marvelous scenery and concentrated rail activity, I plead with you to keep this our own special secret.

redberan 4449

Hi!

Keep the pictures coming!

Tony Burzio
San Diego, CA

I was fortunate to chase the #4449 for both directions and was just
excited with the multitude of images. I most shot video but have
seen many great photos of this rare opportunity including yours.
Please send us more "food for the imagination" when you have the
chance. Thanks for sending these first images.

Excellent coverage! I really wanted that shot at Donlan, or at Ted's spot further down the road. How many fans were there? As far as keeping Sandpoint a secret, no way. Those of us who were there for the first time have certainly discovered it. Thanks for posting.

There's always room for quality shots - although some are a tad fuzzy, the locations are fantastic as is the composition!
Thanks for sharing!

BTW - I thought the 4449 ran with a Montana Rail Link diesel?

Mgoldman Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> BTW - I thought the 4449 ran with a Montana Rail
> Link diesel?


Ken, you know we're always up for more of your great photos! Enjoyed watching you leapfrog and pace us, I think got a couple shots of ya.

As for the MRL diesel, only had it when we needed it.

Nice work.

Perhaps you didn't see the local bumper sticker we have around here... "A bad day fishing is better than a good day at the office". Same could be said for chasing trains.

Dave in Msla
Montana Fishing Licence No. 163977

PS- No diesel Kootenai to Missoula eastward, Billings to Livingston westward. Nor on ferry moves from and to Portland.