Ep 8. Earthquake

In season 2 episode 8 of Railroad Alaska titled "Earthquake," the challenging winter conditions continue to impact the work being done on the Alaska Railroad. However, this time Mother Nature delivers a different kind of obstacle altogether when a massive earthquake strikes, threatening to derail the progress being made by the railroadmen.

It's not long before the crew of the Alaska Railroad heads out to assess the damage caused by the earthquake. They are determined to get the rails up and running again as quickly as possible, but first they must survey the extent of the damage. Trees, rocks, and debris are all strewn across the tracks, requiring the crew to work tirelessly to clear the way.

As if that wasn't challenging enough, the earthquake has caused a major rockslide, blocking the way for the crew's snowplow. It's a job that will require heavy machinery and plenty of manual labor to get the tracks cleared and the trains running again.

Throughout the episode, the train drivers are seen pushing through the harsh winter conditions, carrying passengers and cargo across the Alaskan landscape. But it's not just the weather that poses a threat. The crew must be on high alert for any potential issues with the trains, as a breakdown could be catastrophic in the sub-zero temperatures.

Meanwhile, off the rails, other locals continue their daily lives in the harsh winter conditions. A couple must work together to clear their snow-covered driveway, while another man prepares for the next big winter storm by stocking up on supplies and fortifying his home.

In a desperate bid to keep the tracks clear for the trains, the crew turns to some unconventional methods. They bring in a helicopter to scout out potential hazards from the air, and use dynamite to blast through some of the larger obstacles.

Despite the incredible efforts of the crew, however, the challenges continue to mount. As the episode draws to a close, it's clear that the earthquake has brought a new level of difficulty to the already challenging work being done on the Alaska Railroad. But with unbeatable determination and a shared sense of purpose, the railroadmen push on, determined to keep the trains running no matter what obstacles come their way.

In "Earthquake," viewers are treated to a glimpse of what it takes to keep the Alaska Railroad running in the toughest of conditions. It's a testament to the strength and resilience of the human spirit, and a reminder that even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges, there's always a way forward.