Mon, Oct 6, 2014
Cangarda, a steam yacht built in 1901, is the last of its kind. All other American built steam yachts are gone. Much of the yacht must be rebuilt from scratch, while the restoration team attempts to save as much of the original 136 foot long ship as possible. Using modern techniques to duplicate historic designs and methods, Cangarda goes through a restoration that takes years to complete.
Mon, Oct 13, 2014
The Vintage Wings Museum in Ottawa, Canada undertakes restoration of a Lysander plane, one of only four known to exist. Built and used during WWII, the Lysander was known for its ability to take off and land at very low air speeds due to its unique wing design, it was used for nighttime rescues, particularly in France during the German occupation, saving countless lives.
Mon, Oct 20, 2014
The Sierra #3 steam locomotive, built in 1891 by Rogers Locomotive, is completely torn down and rebuilt. The locomotive is likely the most recognized steam loco in the world, having been seen my millions of people during appearances in more than 100 movies and TV shows over several decades of use, including "High Noon," "The Great Race," "Back to the Future III," "Petticoat Junction," and "Little House on the Prairie."
Top-rated
Mon, Oct 27, 2014
An Ahrens-Fox fire truck, built in 1927 for the Kansas City fire department, was the top of the line in design and functionality at the time it was purchased. The Reliance Fire Museum in Estes Park, CO is called on to make the restoration of this great truck back to the point of not just looking good, but actually running and pumping water as she did at fires almost 100 years ago.
Mon, Nov 3, 2014
On the boardwalk in Atlantic City, inside the Boardwalk Hall, is the world's largest pipe organ. It has over 33,000 pipes, some so large they were built in place and the building constructed around them. Over time, it first fell into disuse and then suffered from neglect. A multi-year project, this episode chronicles the first few years of the restoration, which is still ongoing.
Mon, Nov 10, 2014
The country was young and growing, pushing ever west. The federal government was challenged on how to ensure that as pioneers moved west, they would be able to sustain themselves until they became established. Enter the fish car, a railway car filled with tanks in which to haul fish overland to the many lakes and streams of the west and stock them so that the pioneers would have food they could depend on. The Badger #2 is believed to be the last existing fish car in the world, and through the years it has been used for a variety of things. Now the challenge is to restore it to its original design and purpose, and put it back on the tracks for future generations to see and appreciate.
Mon, Nov 17, 2014
Two historic carousels are restored. The restoration of the Looff carousel in San Franciso focuses primarily on getting the mechanics of the 100 year old right running again. The Illions Supreme is full of beautifully carved horses, which has likewise suffered from time and neglect. Both are restored to their original beauty and operation.
Mon, Nov 24, 2014
The show follows the restoration of a second yacht, this time a racing schooner named the Coronet. It is the last of its kind. Built in 1885, she won transatlantic races, was one of the first US registered yachts to sail around cape horn, and has circumnavigated the earth. After barely surviving, she is now being rebuilt and restored to once again sail the ocean.