REDUCED from 13.99 to 12.99

The full 6 part BBC series on one disc. Steam is one of the most powerful and dangerous forms of energy known to man - and it is Fred Dibnah's passion. In this series he uses archive material, visits original engines and uses his own practical demonstrations so he can trace the development of steam power from the earliest experiments to the modern nuclear power station.

Episode 1
The Early Pioneers
Fred Dibnah traces the development of steam power from the earliest experiments in the ancient world to the modern nuclear power station. In this programme he visits Cornwall to look at the early history of the steam engine which was developed to pump water from the tin mines.

Episode 2
The Transport Revolution
The story of the revolution in transport brought about by steam power from the earliest colliery railways and the first passenger railways to the end of steam operation on Britain’s railways in the 1960’s.

Episode 3
Driving the Wheels of the Industry
Fred looks at the key role that was played by steam power in the extraordinary expansion of industrial Britain in the 18th and 19th centuries and at the continued use of huge stationary steam engines in mills, collieries and steel works until well into the 20th century.

Episode 4
Steaming down the Road
Fred looks at early experiments in the use of steam for road transport over 100 years before the invention of the automobile. He explores the development of the traction engine for use in agriculture, road haulage and for pleasure at fairgrounds.

Episode 5
Steam of the Water
Fred looks at the development of the steam ship. He traces the history of steam on the water and visits some of our most impressive steam ships along with visiting Tower Bridge to see how steam was used to raise its great bascules.

Episode 6
Steaming in the Modern Age
Fred explores how steam is used today. He visits a modern power station to see how steam turbines are used along with looking at how our steam heritage is preserved in museums and how railways are kept alive by dedicated enthusiasts. Finally he takes a cruise on a preserved steamship VIC 32.