Railroad Alaska

★ 7 · 2013 · 60m · Reality · Documentary

Following an elite crew of workers-- brakemen, engineers, construction crews, mechanics and train drivers – Railroad Alaska illustrates the battle against ferocious weather and treacherous terrain to keep the State of Alaska’s critical 500-mile long railroad rolling to deliver life sustaining supplies. From controlled avalanches to prevent catastrophe, to fascinating characters, like Jim James, the one-handed handy man, learn what it takes to keep this train on track.

Episodes

1. Frozen Danger60m · Off-grid settlers Jim, Nancy and John face being stranded without basic necessities when an avalanche hits and blocks the track. Roadmaster Hugh Evans battles freezing temperatures to get propane to the off-gridders before they literally freeze to death.

2. The Beast60m · A devastating snowstorm blocks Alaska’s lifeline. Danny and Animal to bring out the Beast, a 67 ton snowplow - and race to clear the way for a freight train hauling vital diesel to Seward. And homesteaders, Mary and Clyde, need an emergency generator.

3. Killer Ice60m · When ice threatens to shut down the rails, pregnant off-gridder Amanda Simpson is left stranded while her friend seeks out supplies. Brakemen Danny and Animal must transport $5 million worth of freight to Anchorage, navigating a wild moose on the rails.

4. Disaster Trail60m · Off the grid brothers, Steven and Jonathon, must fix a collapsing roof on their cabin before a life-threatening snowstorm. Brakemen, Danny and Animal, race to deliver military equipment to Anchorage when a car derails and threatens to shut down the line.

5. Ice Dagger60m · A 20-ton icicle poses a dangerous problem; and a broken rail switch threatens to derail a train and prevent crucial medical supplies from getting through to homesteaders. Source: Destination America

6. Spring Attacks60m · With the spring thaw comes floodwater that threatens to wash away a section of track that Roadmaster Bruce must race to repair. The spring also means bears, which pose a danger to settlers Jim and Nancy as they make their way to the passenger train.

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