All Seasons

Season 1

  • S01E01 Amphibians

    • October 5, 2004
    • Discovery

    The comedy actor explores the evolution and mechanisms of amphibious transport, including the M3, the hovercraft and the Duck, the versatility of which has made them valuable modes of transport in peacetime and war

  • S01E02 Bombers

    • Discovery

    The actor investigates the history and development of bombers, focusing on their critical role in the Second World War. He re-creates the famous 1943 dam-busting run by 617 Squadron, demonstrates how Barnes Wallis's 'bouncing bomb' worked and takes flight in one of the first bombers to be built

  • S01E03 Helicopters

    • Discovery

    The actor takes up the challenge of learning to keep a helicopter hovering and discovers the flying machine's origins

  • S01E04 Submarines

    • Discovery

    The presenter looks at the history of submarines and the technology that allows 16,000 tons of steel to become an effective stealth weapon

  • S01E05 Cargo Planes

    • Discovery

    The comedy actor investigates the lifting power of cargo planes and watches a parachute jump from his favourite aircraft to commemorate D-Day

  • S01E06 Electric Trains

    • Discovery

    The actor demonstrates the capabilities of electric trains and highlights their important role in modern life

  • S01E07 Tanks

    • Discovery

    Chris Barrie explores the technology and history of tanks, invented during World War One to break the deadlock of the trenches by combining formidable firepower with the protection of being able to drive through enemy fire and over obstacles. First deployed during the Battle of the Somme, they came to symbolise modern warfare

  • S01E08 Cranes

    • Discovery

    The presenter charts the history and development of the crane, from the early models to today's more powerful and versatile contraptions

  • S01E09 Farm Machines

    • Discovery

    The actor explores the technology behind machinery for ploughing, sowing and harvesting. He reveals how modern equipment can easily accomplish tasks that would previously have taken hundreds of farm labourers several weeks

  • S01E10 Boats

    • Discovery

    The actor reviews the history and technology of boats, discovering how a small tugboat is able to pull a 100,000-ton oil tanker safely into harbour using its powerful engines.