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| Essex, Montana, October 7, 2000: Pentrex cameras were on hand as BNSF and the Izaak Walton Inn dedicated a new pedestrian bridge over the railroad's main line. The bridge provides new photo opportunites for fans. Our video The Best of 2000 includes the bridge dedication and main line action on Marias Pass. |
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At a 5 p.m. dedication, Randy Wolf of
BNSF (left) and Izaak Walton Inn owner Larry Vielleux cut the ceremonial ribbon as
a helper set passes below. |
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After the dedication ceremony, visitors try out the new bridge. |
| The new structure provides a great platform for photographers. Looking west, helper storage tracks are located to the right. An eastbound freight approaches on the main line... |
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| ...and meets a returning helper rounding the curve to the east. |
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The main span of the bridge (left of center in photo) was fabricated in Minnesota. It was set in place over the tracks on August 22, 2000. The approach span (right) was constructed locally. |
| Just 20 miles east of Essex is the summit of Marias Pass. |
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| BNSF 5417 leads a westbound intermodal at Summit. |
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| An eastbound doublestack train approaches Summit with a colorful lashup. |
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Amtrak #8, the Empire Builder, descends the east slope of Marias Pass at Bison. |
| The seasonal Glacier Park passenger depot is about to be boarded up for the winter. |
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A westbound stack train crests the Continental Divide at Summit. |
| Back at Essex, eastbound tonnage passes the Izaak Walton Inn, which was built by Great Northern Railway. This viewpoint is accessible via the new bridge. |
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Pentrex
P.O. Box 94911
Pasadena, CA 91109-4911 |
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