A Barrage of Barrie

Chris moves from engines to machines, and Brittas 5 arrives.

8 October, 2004

It was hardly a surprise to find the success of Chris Barrie's Massive Engines leading to a follow-up on the Discovery Channel. What might have been more surprising is just how endearing and enthusiastic Chris Barrie has become as a presenter. For all his reputation as the quietest of the Red Dwarf cast (though that's not saying much!), his personality shines through. So we're more than happy to see Massive Machines appear on our screens.

A Barrage of BarrieA Barrage of Barrie

Showing at 8.30pm on Tuesdays from October 5th (and repeated frequently), this ten-part series sees the Rimmer actor investigating all manner of colossal vehicles and the development behind them - from cargo aircraft, helicopters and amphibious craft to locomotives, ships and cranes. If only someone hadn't already coined the title, the series could have been called Planes, Trains and Automobiles!

A Barrage of BarrieA Barrage of Barrie

Meanwhile, you can revisit Chris's officious leisure centre manager as The Brittas Empire series 5 arrives on DVD this week. You can get all the details on that from our previous report. Eureka Video have no firm dates for series 6, despite rumours that it may arrive in early 2005. More details as we get them.

A Barrage of BarrieA Barrage of Barrie



Cranes October 5th 8.30pm (plus repeats)
Chris Barrie charts the rise of the crane from early devices to the largest, most powerful and most versatile; and tries to operate a variety of these.
Helicopters October 12th 8.30pm (plus repeats)
Exploring the technology, history and know how behind helicopters, Chris Barrie takes on the challenge of learning to hover a helicopter.
Cargo Planes October 19th 8.30pm (plus repeats)
Chris Barrie gets up-close-and-personal with the massive aircraft that have helped move outsize cargo across the globe.
Farm Machines October 26th 8.30pm (plus repeats)
Chris Barrie explores the technology, history and know how behind the massive farm machines that plough, sow and harvest to feed the world.
Amphibians November 2nd 8.30pm (plus repeats)
Comedy actor Chris Barrie explores the technology, history and know how behind various Amphibians, including the Duck, Hovercraft and M3.
Trains November 9th 8.30pm (plus repeats)
Chris Barrie, with his infectious enthusiasm, explores the technology, history and know how behind trains.
Tanks November 16th 8.30pm (plus repeats)
Exploring the technology, history and know how behind tanks.
Boats November 23rd 8.30pm (plus repeats)
Exploring the technology, history and know how behind boats.
Bombers November 30th 8.30pm (plus repeats)
Chris takes a flight in one of the world's first purpose-built bombers and demonstrates how the bouncing bomb worked, recreating a dambusting run.
Submarines December 7th 8.30pm (plus repeats)
Exploring the technology, history and know how behind submarines.

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