Watch Planes, Trains & Automobiles

1997
1 Season

Planes, Trains & Automobiles is a fascinating TV show that takes viewers on a journey of discovery through some of the most iconic modes of transportation in human history. Produced by HISTORY Vault, the series explores the captivating stories behind planes, trains, and automobiles - from the primitive origins of these vehicles to the complex technologies that make them possible today.

The show follows host Beau Boeckmann, an experienced car enthusiast and collector, as he travels around the world to uncover the mysteries of transportation. With a keen eye for detail and an insatiable curiosity, Boeckmann visits museums, research centers, and manufacturers to get an up-close look at the innovations and breakthroughs that shaped the way we move.

Each episode of the show is dedicated to a particular mode of transportation, and Boeckmann takes viewers on a thrilling ride through its history. For example, in the episode focused on planes, Boeckmann explores the early days of aviation, when the Wright Brothers first took flight, and then moves on to the Second World War, when airplanes played a crucial role in the conflict. He then delves into the exciting world of commercial aviation, examining the advancements in technology that make air travel possible today.

In another episode, Boeckmann turns his attention to trains, which have long been an integral part of human transportation. He looks at the evolution of trains from steam-powered engines to modern bullet trains, exploring the technical and engineering challenges that came with the transition. He also shows how trains helped reshape the world and even played a significant role in shaping the American frontier.

Automobiles, of course, are an equally fascinating subject, and Boeckmann's passion for cars is evident in each episode. He looks at the dawn of the automobile industry in the United States, tracing the roots of iconic brands like Ford and Chevrolet. He also explores the evolution of automotive technology, from the earliest gasoline-powered engines to modern electric cars and autonomous vehicles.

Throughout the series, Boeckmann not only explores the history of each mode of transportation but also takes a closer look at the impact that these technologies have had on society. He shows how transportation has transformed the world, connecting people and places like never before. He also highlights the various challenges and innovations that have shaped the industry over the years, from environmental concerns to safety issues.

In addition to the history lessons, Planes, Trains & Automobiles offers a wealth of practical information for anyone interested in transportation. Boeckmann provides tips on buying and maintaining vehicles, shares advice on how to drive efficiently, and offers insights into the latest trends in transportation.

All in all, Planes, Trains & Automobiles is an engaging and informative series that offers an in-depth look at some of the most iconic modes of transportation in human history. With its mix of history, technology, and practical advice, the show is sure to appeal to transportation enthusiasts and novices alike.

Planes, Trains & Automobiles is a series that ran for 1 seasons (19 episodes) between October 13, 1997 and on HISTORY Vault

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Seasons

19. Speed Demons

July 11, 2018

The innovative, fearless and larger-than-life renegades who devoted their lives to pursuing the world's most perilous speed records--and breaking them. Featuring

18. Rescue Trucks

November 11, 2018

Emergency service frst responders tell three remarkable stories of survival--and modern-day trucks that came to the rescue.

17. Car Country

August 16, 2017

From strange failures of design and marketing, to triumphs of performance and sales, we'll reveal how world events, pop culture, and crazy experimentation shaped the vehicles of every decade.

16. Railroads That Tamed The West

February 4, 1996

Completed in 1869, the Transcontinental Railroad was considered the greatest building achievement in U.S. history. But an even greater challenge lay ahead: harnessing the awesome potential of the rails to tame the West.

15. Transcontinental

December 30, 2008

Rides the busiest freight line anywhere, Union Pacific's Omaha to Sacramento, on a route that crosses over the world's longest rail causeway, through the world's largest rail yard, and over the fearsome Donner Pass.

14. Jet Engines

May 3, 1999

Trace the evolution of jet-powered aircraft from the beginning, with a special look at test pilots who stake their lives on each new engine and the legendary institutions at the heart of U.S. jet development.

13. The Age Of Airships

November 7, 2007

Airships flew years before the Wright Brothers and remain the only airborne aircraft carriers ever built, yet they have been largely forgotten. Discover the shining future of air travel that never came to be.

12. Motorcylces

November 15, 1999

They're fast, they're powerful, and for the last hundred years they've been tantalizing riders with their promise of unparalleled speed and endless adventure.

11. Automotive

July 5, 2007

Discover the unusual after-life of millions of autos sent to the boneyard every year due to old age, obsolescence, or lack of parts.

10. Railroads

June 28, 2007

Imaginative entrepreneurs have found new and innovative uses for every single component of the railroads, from tracks and ties to the trains themselves.

9. Aircraft

July 19, 2007

Dismantling large aircraft is a complex and challenging process, and for awe-inspiring aircraft whose flying days are over, there's a fine line between destruction and restoration.

8. Helicopters

April 22, 2010

Fly with the deadliest helicopter in world, watch the Coast Guard train for water rescues in the Gulf, learn how million-dollar Bell 'copters are customized, and discover how to build your own - affordably.

7. The Trans-Siberian Railroad

January 28, 2003

It's the longest, most expensive, and most complicated railroad ever built. Ordered by the Czar in an effort to unify his country at the twilight of the 19th century, the Trans-Siberian Railroad nearly tore Russia apart.

6. Great Race, The: The Ultimate Road Trip

August 4, 2000

Mix together 100 vintage automobiles, 300 die-hard enthusiasts, 14 summer days, and 3,900 miles of the most beautiful U.S. back-roads and you've got a roadside seat for a truly great automotive adventure.

5. Corvettes

December 18, 2004

Inside GM's 1 million square-foot facility, the C6 Corvette travels 7.2 miles along the assembly line. Join host Ron Hazelton as he test-drives one of the first finished cars.

4. Train Tech

May 18, 2004

Examine tools and techniques used to build tracks, bridges, and tunnels through mountains of solid granite, and explore technology developed to make trains less vulnerable to bandits and train wrecks.

3. Dream Machines, The: Sports Cars

March 31, 1996

Examine rides from Britain, Italy, Germany, Japan, and the U.S. to see how in a little over a hundred years, sports car design has evolved from crude to sublime.

2. Most Extreme Airports

July 20, 2010

Unpack the particular engineering problems of the world's most extreme airports, from unsafe layouts caused by centuries-old territorial battles to natural obstacles that make these places unfit for travel.

1. Built For Speed

October 13, 1997

At the birth of railways, trains moved about as fast as a horse; but as speeds increased, so did man's pursuit of even faster trains. Examine the train's evolution from steam to diesel and up through the electrical age.

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Where to Watch Planes, Trains & Automobiles

Planes, Trains & Automobiles is available for streaming on the HISTORY Vault website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Planes, Trains & Automobiles on demand at Amazon Prime and History Vault.