Earlier today I spotted “Rarus Railroad” #103 sitting next to the BNSF enginehouse here in Great Falls, MT. Didn’t get close enough to positively identify in as an original high nose GP-7/9. It appeared to be in fairly good condition. I have heard of the “Rarus” before, but am not familiar with it’s location or operations. I’d appreciate hearing from anyone with info about the line. Thanx, Ron
Ron, it is, or was, in your neck of the woods. It is the former Butte, Anaconda & Pacific. After Anaconda Copper closed the smelter it sold the railroad to local investors who renamed it the Rarus Railroad.
Thanks Gregg. That explains why it sounded so familiar, but I just couldn’t place it. Anyone have any info on the extent of present day operations? I believe that the Anaconda smelter closed several years ago, and and the Butte copper operations have been closed due to the high power prices. What traffic if any remains on the Rarus? Ron.