Railroad Alaska

2013 – 2016
Ended
Reality · Documentary
~1h / ep
3 seasons
7.0/10

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.

All seasons

Latest: Season 3 · 2015

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E1. Under Siege
Nov 14, 2015 · 60m
A quarter of a billion dollars' worth of military hardware is on board, but a rogue gunman threatens to derail the journey. Off grid, Nancy and Jim face challenges during an ambitious cabin build.
E2. Eye of the Storm
Nov 21, 2015 · 60m
In the woods Jim and Nancy James challenge a wannabe off grid couple, and Jennifer Hawks tries to find a missing settler. Meanwhile, the freight struggles to deliver a heavy load.
E3. Night From Hell
Nov 28, 2015 · 60m
After an accident, veteran off-gridder Jim James attempts to reach the hospital by train, but obstacles may put him in jeopardy. Elsewhere, the freight crew fights to open up a port in lockdown.
E4. The Dead Zone
Dec 5, 2015 · 60m
A communications shutdown leaves a train hauling the biggest load ever moved on the Alaska Railroad hurtling towards a ‘dead zone’. Off-grid homesteaders tackle the challenge of living off the land in very different ways.
E5. Mountain Hell
Dec 12, 2015 · 60m
The freight train battles north to make a crucial delivery, heading to the highest point on the Alaska Railroad; and off-the-grid, things get steamy as old-timers JT and Marvin build a traditional bath.
E6. Ice Rescue
Dec 19, 2015 · 60m
Tempers flare as an extremely heavy train leads to brake problems and a derailment leaves maintenance teams stranded. Off grid, homesteaders narrowly avert a fire but are left without heat.