Ep 1. Frozen Danger

Railroad Alaska season 1 episode 1, named Frozen Danger, follows a group of men who live in remote areas of Alaska and depend on the Alaska Railroad to deliver necessary supplies to survive the harsh winter months. The episode starts with the crew at the railroad depot as they prepare the train for its journey. The train will run for seven days straight, covering over 500 miles through the Alaskan wilderness. The crew must ensure everything works perfectly to avoid any delays as the train transports tons of food, lumber, and other vital items to people living in isolated regions of Alaska.

The railroad journey, however, is not an easy one and comes with several challenges. The first significant obstacle is the temperature. The crew must work in temperatures that can get as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit, which can freeze everything from diesel fuel to hydraulic fluid. The team needs to keep the train's heating system and the brakes in excellent working condition, or it could result in a catastrophic derailment that would be dangerous for the passengers and the crew.

The train's journey through the Alaskan wilderness also requires the crew to keep an eye out for wildlife. Bears, moose, and other animals have been known to wander onto the tracks, causing significant delays that can impact the people waiting for their supplies. The crew must work to clear the animals and any debris blocking the tracks, but they need to do it while keeping an eye out for any immediate threats the wildlife may pose.

As the train makes its journey, the episode introduces some of the people who depend on the Alaska Railroad. A family living in the wilderness miles away from any stores awaits the arrival of the train to stock up on food and supplies. Another group of people living in a remote mining camp needs the vital supplies to continue their work and keep their livelihoods going.

The episode also introduces two groups of men who live near the tracks and have made their lives working in the harsh Alaskan conditions. One group is a father and son duo who spend the winter months working in a gold mine. The other is a group of skilled snowplow operators tasked with keeping the tracks clear during and after a blizzard.

The father and son capitalizes on the short period between the trains' run to collect as much gold as they can and depend heavily on the supplies delivered by the railroad to continue their operation. The snowplow operators work around the clock during a storm to keep the tracks clear to prevent any delay in delivery of supplies to people across Alaska.

Frozen Danger takes viewers on a journey through the Alaskan wilderness, showing the harsh conditions the railroad crews and their passengers face while highlighting the significant role the Alaska Railroad plays in the lives of people living in remote areas. From dangerous weather conditions to wildlife blocking their path, every mile of track is a constant battle for the crew to ensure supplies get to the people who need them.

Overall, Railroad Alaska season 1 episode 1, Frozen Danger, is a riveting debut episode that showcases the rugged beauty of Alaska while highlighting the challenges faced by people living there. It shows the Alaska Railroad's importance to the people who rely on it every day to survive in this remote land.