Uploaded July 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Back in 1829, Stephenson's Rocket proves that steam locomotives are the future of railways, but as trains get ever faster, they face an invisible obstacle – the air. To help trains outwit this enemy, engineers must reinvent their shape. Inspired by Ettore Bugatti’s streamline racing car design, British railway engineer Nigel Gresley draws up plans for an aerodynamic new loco, the LNER Class A4 Pacific. In July 1938, Gresley’s A4 Pacific called “Mallard” steams out of Grantham in an attempt to break the world speed record…
Clip from the “Big Bigger Biggest” documentary series exploring the engineering breakthroughs that have enabled us to develop some of the largest structures in existence.
Watch the complete documentary here – youtu.be/plMOhgAocDs
Subscribe to Element 18 – bit.ly/337R2uO
Back in 1829, Stephenson's Rocket proves that steam locomotives are the future of railways, but as trains get ever faster, they face an invisible obstacle – the air. To help trains outwit this enemy, engineers must reinvent their shape. Inspired by Ettore Bugatti’s streamline racing car design, British railway engineer Nigel Gresley draws up plans for an aerodynamic new loco, the LNER Class A4 Pacific. In July 1938, Gresley’s A4 Pacific called “Mallard” steams out of Grantham in an attempt to break the world speed record…
Clip from the “Big Bigger Biggest” documentary series exploring the engineering breakthroughs that have enabled us to develop some of the largest structures in existence.
Watch the complete documentary here – youtu.be/plMOhgAocDs
Subscribe to Element 18 – bit.ly/337R2uO
