Coltrane's Planes and Automobiles
Season 1
In this series, host Robert Coltrane examines the history of important developments in mechanical transportation. In particular, he explores the most influential engine designs, such as the diesel and the jet engines, that have revolutionized transportation and more.
Where to Watch Season 1
6 Episodes
- The Workhorse Diesel
E2The Workhorse DieselRobbie Coltrane turns his attention to the diesel engine, known as the workhorse of the world. He charts the story of the maverick inventor, Rudolf Diesel, who was driven to commit suicide by his creation and, through visits to a Cornish lighthouse, an apple farm in Oregon and a disco in Zimbabwe, he examines the rise of this economical hard-working engine. - The Exhilarating Super ChargerE3
The Exhilarating Super ChargerRobbie Coltrane continues his journey through 20th Century engineering by examining the engine that changed the course of motoring and military history: the supercharger. Travelling from the wilds of Scotland to the famous N?rburgring race track in Germany, Coltrane charts the development of the supercharger from its motor-racing origins to the vital role it played in the battle for air supermeacy in World War II and beyond. - The Noisy, Smelly Two-StrokeE5
The Noisy, Smelly Two-StrokeRobbie Coltrane traces the development of the small but noisy two-stroke engine. Its cheap simplicity helped to rebuild the ailing postwar economy in East Germany with the production of the Trabant but in the west it was mainly used for leisure in such machines as lawnmowers, snowmobiles, model planes and boats.
