I am clueless why I am fascinated with the MLR. It must be the thought of heavy mountain railroading at its finest. My last several post links to photo essays on the MLR. Why should this one be any different. Here is a link to a post on their new SD70mace soon to come. http://www.railroadforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7706

I wonder if any other regional road will buy new locomotives instead of used ones?

NateF40Amtrak

After reading about the Port of Tillamook Bay railroad in Trains, it makes me wonder why railroads decide to run 50 year old units still. Don't get me wrong, I love older units, but from a business prospective, it must cost a ton to keep these guys running. BNSF still has a fleet of older units running around America. Here is a link to a SD9 running on CSX - http://www.clevelandtrains.net/ngallery/albums/7.aspx

NateF40Amtrak

Another post on the MRL, but from a different prospective from the inside looking out. Enjoy

http://www.railroadforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7519

Here is a link to a couple of guys that had some time on there hands to visit the MRL. The MRL currently have the second largest fleet of SD45's that contain a true V20 engine rated at a full 3600hp. Soon, these beast will be replaced by new SD70ACe's. Their time is very limted in active service, soon only to hold the rails in storage.

http://www.railroadforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7274

NateF40Amtrak