Season 1 (2004)
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Episodes 10
Diggers
Comedy actor and car fanatic Chris Barrie explores the development of digger engines from their invention in the 19th century to the monstrous models used today. Featuring the electrically powered bucket wheel excavator, and a tunneling machine at work under the streets of Dublin
Read MoreRacing Cars
Exploring the evolution of the racing car engine with a visit to the museum at Beaulieu to see some of the most powerful early models
Read MoreShips
Chris explores the development of engines on ships, from 18th-century steam power to modern diesel vessels. He takes a trip up the Thames in a paddle steamer, goes inside the 2,100 horsepower engine of the last ocean-going paddle steamer PS Waverley and discovers what propelled HMS Belfast
Read MoreTrucks
Comedy actor and car fanatic Chris Barrie explores the development of truck engines. He examines 19th-century steam-powered machines and the advent of diesel in the 1930s, before turning his attention to Europe's largest modern vehicle - the Caterpillar 789. This monster has a capacity of 69-litre engine and 16 cylinders
Read MoreAirships
The presenter explores the history of airships, from the early hot-air balloons of the Montgolfier Brothers, to the ill-fated transatlantic passenger liners of the 1930s. He also visits the historic hangars at Cardington, where he takes a ride on a sky hopper. Plus, a look at the Zeppelin company, examining its early bombers and new prototype cargo carrier.
Read MoreLocomotives
Comedy actor and car fanatic Chris Barrie explores the development of trains, including the steam locomotive that became a symbol of Thirties luxury and people's never-ending fascination with speed.
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