Natty Gann (played by Meredith Salenger) is a twelve year old Depression era girl whose single-parent father leaves her behind in Chicago while he goes to Washington State to look for work in the timber industry. Natty runs away from the guardian she was left with to follow Dad. She befriends and is befriended by a wolf that has been abused in dog fights, hops a freight train west, and is presumed dead when her wallet is found after the train crashes. Dad gets bitter and endangers himself in his new job. Meanwhile Natty has a series of adventures and mis- adventures in various farmhouses, police stations, hobo camps, reform schools, and boxcars.

Only two steam locomotives were used in the filming of this movie. Both steam locomotives are owned by the Province of British Columbia. The first engine which appears in most of the scenes is ex CP #3716. It had its number changed in a few scenes to give the illusion of more locomotives. It is now operational at the Kettle Valley Steam Railway in Summerland, BC. The other steam locomotive is ex MB #1077 which is now operational at Fort Steele Heritage Town near Cranbrook, BC. #1077 also appeared in Shanghai Noon starring Jackie Chan. Both #3716 and #1077 also appeared together in the movie The Grey Fox about gentleman train robber Bill Miner.

[Gann hangs up the phone after speaking with Connie and a man's voice is heard while the camera continues to focus on Gann]


Logging Boss:
What's the matter, Gann?


Sol Gann:
They found my kid's wallet buried under a train in Colorado.


Logging Boss:
Ah no.


Sol Gann:
[deadpan] What the hell was she doing in Colorado?

Crew or equipment visible: When Wolf disappears into the woods and Natty has no choice but to run after the speeding train (where Harry is already on board), a camera operator's lower body can be seen sitting on a board that seems to be attached to the side of the train.