Perpetual Motion
(1992)Streaming Episode Guide
Season 2
The DC-3 Dakota
Episode 6 - 11-25-1994
From its origins in passenger travel in the 1930s, through war and a return to civilian use, the Dakota has flown more miles and carried more passengers and cargo than any other aeroplane in the world. The reassuring drone of its two Pratt and Whitney engines has offered comfort to millions of passengers on the Douglas DC3 - "the most glamorous, successful and popular plane in airline history." The aircraft was developed in 1935 and more than 10,000 were built for wartime service alone. Nearly 60 years on, there are still 1,500 of these workhorses operating around the globe.
Haven't Seen
The Ferguson TE 20 Tractor
Episode 5 - 11-18-1994
Named after its inventor, Harry Ferguson, this machine revolutionised farming after the Second World War. Nearly 40 years after production ceased, farmers and others explain why the tractor is still being used today.
Haven't Seen
The Milk Float
Episode 4 - 11-11-1994
The electric milk float is one of the most familiar vehicles on the road, but it has become the victim of its own success. Built like a tank to carry heavy batteries they simply don't wear out, new ones are rarely built and only one original manufacturer survives.
Haven't Seen
Concorde
Episode 3 - 11-04-1994
The iconic plane's roots go back to the 1940s when the idea of supersonic travel was every aerodynamicist's dream. Now the craft faces an uncertain future as it heads into the next century. Stewardesses, pilots and passengers look back over Concorde's chequered history.
Haven't Seen
The Airstream Caravan
Episode 2 - 10-28-1994
Known as the "Silver Bullet" and made entirely of aluminium, the Airstream Caravan is still in production after 60 years.
Haven't Seen
The Ford Transit
Episode 1 - 10-21-1994
The Transit transformed the image of the van when it hit the road in October 1965. Driven by everyone from pop stars and the police to bank robbers and shop keepers, the new streamlined vehicle attracted a wide and devoted following.
Haven't Seen
Season 1
The FX4 London Taxi
Episode 6 - 2-06-1992
The series investigating great machines that refuse to die continues with a look at the FX4 London Taxi, which for over 30 years enjoyed a virtual monopoly on the streets of the capital. The arrival of a competitor, in the shape of the Metrocab, threatened to make the FX4 obsolete, until it was saved by a new Japanese engine and changes to the trim. Warren Clarke narrates the story of London's mobile landmark.
Haven't Seen
The Enfield Bullet
Episode 5 - 1-30-1992
British motorcycles all-but died out in the 1970s, but one is still being made in the Indian city of Madras - the Enfield Bullet.
Haven't Seen
The Routemaster Bus
Episode 4 - 1-23-1992
Warren Clarke narrates a look at London's world-famous red Routemaster buses which, although designed in the 1950s for a lifespan of just 17 years, was in use into the next century.
Haven't Seen
The Avro Shackleton
Episode 3 - 1-16-1992
RAF crews have been flying Shackletons for 40 years in the front line of the Cold War. Filmed during the last months of its long service, crew members reflect on the departure of an old friend.
Haven't Seen
The Blackpool Tram
Episode 2 - 1-09-1992
30m
One time hi-tech transport, trams are being rediscovered as a solution to traffic and pollution in Blackpool.
Haven't Seen
The Morris Minor
Episode 1 - 1-02-1992
30m
"My gracious, how spacious," went the 50s publicity for the car which became Britain's first to sell a million. Though it ceased production in 1971,100,000 Morris Minors are still on the road. Designed by Alec Issigonis (he went on to create the Mini), it was labelled "the poached egg" by his boss, William Morris. A variety of owners explain the fascination of this enduring model
Haven't Seen
