Mega Movers (History)

If it's true that the shortest distance between two points is a straight line, then it would stand to reason that the most logical route for moving an object from one place to another would be that same straight line. That logic changes, though, when the object in question is a towering bridge, an entire wing of an airport, or a massive mine-sweeping machine. For the teams on MEGA MOVERS, orchestrating relocation projects of this magnitude is all in a day's work. This intriguing series follows the careful calculations, detailed design, and precise execution involved in pulling off some of the world's most colossal moving projects. Episodes have covered everything from how engineers excavated a World War II aircraft from below 26 stories of ice to how they raised a sunken Civil War submarine and sailed a 150-ton replica of an 1800s schooner through city streets. Each episode centers on two or more similar tales about oversized moving projects. After giving some background on the behemoth subjects' stats (dimensions, weight, fragility, etc.), the movers lay out their plans for a successful relocation, with cameras following the entire process.

Viewers also are treated to the thought process involved in contemplating such mega moves. She show often features stories about hypothetical moves as well, in which engineers ponder on paper how they'd move massive structures if the need or desire arose. One such segment centered on the feasibility of salvaging the world's largest aircraft carrier, the Ronald Reagan, if it was ever damaged at sea. Mega Movers teams contemplate the plausibility of disassembling and lengthening an existing semi-submersible cargo ship to haul the carrier halfway around the world for repairs.

This intriguing series is sure to entertain adults, and tweens and teens who like to know how things work will find a lot to like as well.