Summary
Highlights
Danny, the concrete mixer driver, collects a fresh batch from a concrete plant. He carefully lines up the hopper with the loading chute. Gecko explains that computers monitor the concrete's consistency, adding water if needed. Danny delivers the concrete to a factory that makes pre-cast concrete walls.
The concrete is emptied into a container and poured into molds to form walls. After a few days, the concrete sets, and the finished walls are loaded onto lorries for delivery. Danny then washes out the hopper, preparing for the next batch.
Gecko introduces a 250-ton mobile crane and explains how cranes are essential for lifting heavy objects high into the sky on construction sites. He highlights the crane's long arm, called the boom.
Gecko shows the features of the mobile crane, including its many wheels for road travel and how its boom folds for transport. Ian, the crane operator, demonstrates how the boom can extend and retract, controlled from the cab using joysticks. The multi-piece boom is showcased, along with the outriggers that provide stability.
Ian dispatches the outriggers and packs away their mats, which prevent damage to the ground. The crane then self-levels for driving. Gecko and Ian head to a construction site where the crane is needed to lift materials for building.
Gecko visits Her Majesty's Coastguard base to learn about rescue helicopters used for transporting people and rescuing those in difficult-to-reach areas like mountains or the sea. He observes the crew preparing for a rescue mission.
The rescue helicopter crew, including pilot Mike, Captain Kate, winch operator John, and winch man Tommo, prepare for flight. Gecko explains the importance of safety gear, the helicopter's fast-spinning rotors, and how Captain Kate controls the aircraft. The crew practices winching using a dummy.
Tom and Kev give a tour of the S92 search and rescue helicopter, highlighting the two large winches for rescues, the internal camera for searching, and the medical area with a stretcher for patients. They also show the cockpit controls, including the sticks for movement and pedals for stability.
Gecko goes to Truckfest to meet 'Big Red,' a monster truck used for rides, and 'Swamp Thing,' a stunt monster truck that crushes and jumps cars. He emphasizes the truck's massive size and weight.
Tony, the driver of Swamp Thing, performs a safety check. He describes the excitement of driving a monster truck and demonstrates how to enter the cab and operate the unique steering system with front wheels and rear joystick control. Gecko also points out the oversized components like wheels, engine, and suspension.
Gecko visits the Grassford Miniature Railway to explore mini steam trains, which are scaled-down versions of real engines. He meets David, a model engineer and driver of 'The Royal Air Force' locomotive, which took 12 years to build.
David demonstrates the process of 'steaming up' the locomotive: filling the boiler with water, adding coal to the firebox, and lighting it. The heat creates steam, building pressure that drives the engine. Paul helps switch the tracks, and Gecko gets a ride. David explains the controls for driving the train.
Gecko introduces a Stobart Energy lorry and its driver, Andy. He shows the process of connecting the large trailer, including hydraulic and electrical connections, and raising the landing legs. Andy performs safety checks and discusses his job.
Andy gives a tour of his cab, highlighting the adjustable steering wheel, lights, horn, and the bed for long journeys. Gecko helps Andy perform his safety walk-around, checking all 14 wheels. They head to pick up waste wood, which will be processed into wood fuel to generate electricity.
Andy's trailer is loaded with waste wood by a 'grab' machine, which features a cab that can elevate for better visibility. Back at base, an amazing moving floor empties the trailer. A loading shovel then feeds the wood into a machine that chops it into fuel. This wood fuel is then taken to a biomass power station to generate electricity for homes.
Gecko visits Limb Fire Station to learn about fire trucks and meet the crew. He explains how fire trucks are used for extinguishing fires and rescuing people. Jay, the watch manager, welcomes Gecko to learn to be a firefighter for a day.
Firefighters Laura and Ellen demonstrate their quick preparation of safety gear for emergency call-outs. Andy, the driver, checks the fire truck's lights and equipment. Gecko highlights the many storage compartments for life-saving tools, including hydraulic cutting equipment. They also prepare their breathing apparatus for smoky environments.
Gecko introduces the Aerial Ladder Platform (ALP) fire truck, used for high-reach rescues. An emergency call comes in: the mechanicals are stuck high up. The crew uses a standard ladder, but it's not high enough, so the ALP is deployed.
Andy and James stabilize the ALP using hydraulic 'jacks' that lift the truck off the ground. James, harnessed for safety, operates the cage and ascends to rescue the mechanicals, demonstrating precise control with joysticks.
Gecko introduces concrete mixers, vital for construction. He explains that concrete is a mix of sand, water, and cement, which becomes rock-hard when dry. The big drum of the mixer continuously spins to prevent the concrete from setting.