July 5th the train tackled Marias Pass on the trip between Whitefish and Havre, Montana. This was the exciting part of the trip and drew several chasers from all over. The special would cross several classic bridges and trestles framed by the spetacular Rocky Mountains of Glacier National Park. Also of note was numerous snow sheds on the 1.8% climb from Essex to the Summit. Today the mars light was working again.
	Following in the footsteps of Amtrak #8, the eastbound Empire Builder, SP 4449 heads for Marias Pass crossing the Flathead River at Coram.
	Striking a classic pose on the trestle at Java, Montana.
	SP 4449 hiding in the snow sheds of Marias Pass.
	Near the summit, the rocky peaks of Glacier National Park frame the  SP 4449 and her train.
	The special makes it's way across the Two Medicene Bridge near Glacier, MT.
	Having crossed Marias Pass, the special makes up time on the tangent track east of the Rockies.
	SP 4449 crossing the Cutbank Trestle at Cutbank, Montana.
	Closeup of the SP 4449 on the trestle.
	SP 4449 blasting up a grade near Shelby, Montana.
	The rolling landscape of eastern Montana can be a challenge as the tracks swing from one hill to the next.
	One last photo of the SP 4449 striking a classic pose before I turn back to western Montana. Unfortunely the special took the good weather with it, as I would wake up to a thunderstorm the next morning in Libby, Montana!!!
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