Ep 28. World's Biggest Machines 5

Modern Marvels season 13 episode 28, titled World's Biggest Machines 5, showcases some of the largest machines ever built around the world. From a giant digger that can unearth ten tons of earth per scoop to a cargo vessel the size of four American football fields, this episode explores the awe-inspiring technology and engineering that goes into creating these massive machines and the incredible feats they are capable of.

The episode begins by introducing us to Bagger 293, the world's largest excavator. Standing at 31 meters tall and weighing in at 14,200 tons, Bagger 293 is so massive that it takes a fleet of trucks to transport it to different job sites. The show takes us through the intricate process of designing and building this behemoth machine, as well as the impressive tasks it has accomplished, such as digging a trench 22 meters deep and 240 meters wide.

Next up is the Krupp TAKRAF RB293, a mining truck that is almost as big as the Bagger 293. With a carrying capacity of 450 tons, this truck can transport huge amounts of material across mining sites efficiently and quickly. The show delves into the impressive engineering behind the RB293, including its massive wheels, specially designed engines, and sophisticated braking system.

The episode then turns its focus to the Prelude FLNG, a colossal offshore natural gas platform that is both a floating production and storage facility. The Prelude FLNG is the largest offshore platform ever built, measuring 488 meters long and weighing 600,000 tons. The show explores the challenges of constructing this megastructure, including the use of a massive dry dock to assemble the platform and the advanced safety features that have been incorporated into its design.

Moving on to the transportation sector, the episode highlights the CSCL Globe, a container ship that is currently the largest in the world. The CSCL Globe is capable of carrying over 19,000 containers, more than double the capacity of the largest ship in the world just a decade ago. The show takes us through the various technical innovations that have been utilized to make this ship more efficient, such as its uniquely designed bow and its advanced navigation system.

Finally, the episode features the iconic Crawler-Transporter, the largest self-powered land vehicle in the world. This behemoth machine was built to transport the Saturn V rocket used in the Apollo moon missions, and it continues to play a crucial role in NASA's operations today. The show explores the intricacies of the Crawler-Transporter's build, including its 16 traction motors, its massive support pads, and its imposing appearance.

Throughout the episode, expert engineers and operators provide insights into the impressive capabilities of these machines and the challenges involved in building and operating them. The show offers an up-close look at the awe-inspiring technology, design, and engineering that go into creating some of the world's biggest and most impressive machines.