Ep 5. Ice Dagger

In Railroad Alaska season 1 episode 5, titled "Ice Dagger," we follow the story of the brave people who work on the Alaska Railroad. The harsh winter conditions in Alaska make their job particularly challenging, and in this episode, we see how they face those challenges.

The episode starts with winter hitting hard in Alaska, bringing with it storms, ice, and snow. The railroad workers have to deal with the effects of the weather on the tracks. The ice buildup and snow drifts can make it difficult for trains to run smoothly. And if the tracks can't be cleared, it could lead to a disaster.

We first meet Mark Carr, a maintenance worker from the Alaska Railroad. He is responsible for keeping the tracks clear of ice and snow, a task that becomes even more challenging during the winter months. Mark has worked on the railroad for more than a decade and knows the job inside out. He shows us how he clears the tracks using an ice dagger or spike. The ice dagger is heated and then used to chip the ice away safely.

Next, we meet Mike Galbreath, who is in charge of keeping the engines running during the winter season. Mike is a 21-year veteran of the railroad, and his job is to make sure that the engines can cope with the extreme cold and snow. He shows us how he inspects the engine's heating and cooling system and checks all the fluids levels. Mike says that the hardest part of his job is dealing with the weather, which can change rapidly.

The episode also features Jonathan Moss, a trainmaster for the Alaska Railroad. He is in charge of a freight train that is carrying a load of gravel to the port of Anchorage. The train is long, and Jonathan has to ensure that the cargo is securely strapped down before it starts the journey. He also has to navigate the icy tracks carefully, as any sudden jolts could cause the cargo to shift and derail the train. Jonathan says that his job is to get the train from point A to point B safely, and that's what he plans to do.

Later, we meet John Klingel, a track inspector who checks the tracks for any damage. John is tasked with checking a section of track that runs through a tunnel. He inspects the track for cracks, dents, and any signs of wear and tear. John's job is critical, as any faults in the track could cause a train to derail. He shows us how he uses a sophisticated piece of equipment to check the track's stability and integrity.

The episode also features Lonnie Nelsen, a train conductor for the Alaska Railroad. He is responsible for the safety of the passengers and crew on board the train. Lonnie takes us through the safety protocols and emergency procedures that are in place in case of an accident. He shows us how to use the safety equipment and explains what to do in case of a derailment.

As the episode progresses, we see how the workers face various challenges, including bad weather and unexpected breakdowns. But they work relentlessly to keep the trains running on time and safely. The workers are dedicated and committed to their jobs, knowing that they are critical to keeping the Alaskan economy running.

In summary, Railroad Alaska season 1 episode 5, "Ice Dagger," is a thrilling and gripping episode that takes us behind the scenes of the Alaska Railroad. We see how the workers face various challenges and how they work tirelessly to keep the trains running on time and safely, even in the harshest of Alaska's winter conditions.