Ep 18. Thomas Built Schoolbuses/Grand Coulee Dam
- June 28, 2008
John Ratzenberger's Made in America season 5 episode 18, titled "Thomas Built Schoolbuses/Grand Coulee Dam," takes viewers on a journey to explore two American-made products that have played important roles in the nation's history.
The first half of the episode focuses on Thomas Built Schoolbuses, a company that has been manufacturing school buses in High Point, North Carolina for over 100 years. John Ratzenberger visits the plant and meets with the workers who are responsible for building these iconic yellow buses that transport millions of children to and from school every day.
Throughout the episode, Ratzenberger delves into the history of the school bus and highlights the crucial role it has played in American education. He also learns about the rigorous safety procedures and testing that each bus must undergo before hitting the road.
Viewers get a behind-the-scenes look at the manufacturing process, from the fabrication of the bus frame to the installation of the windows and seats. Ratzenberger even gets a chance to get behind the wheel of a completed bus and takes it for a spin on the test track.
The second half of the episode shifts gears to focus on the Grand Coulee Dam, which is one of the largest concrete dams in the world. The dam, located on the Columbia River in Washington State, was completed in 1942 and played a crucial role in providing electricity and irrigation to the surrounding region.
Ratzenberger explores the history of the dam and meets with the engineers and workers who maintain it to this day. He also talks to local farmers who rely on the irrigation provided by the dam to grow their crops.
Throughout the episode, Ratzenberger emphasizes the importance of American manufacturing and the impact it has on the economy. He also highlights the ingenuity and hard work of the American workers who have made these iconic products possible.
Overall, John Ratzenberger's Made in America season 5 episode 18 offers a fascinating look at two important American-made products and the people who bring them to life. The episode celebrates the history and ingenuity of American manufacturing while highlighting the vital role these products continue to play in our daily lives.
