Ep 5. Carbon Fibre, Antique Frame Restoration, Railcar Movers, Hood Ornaments

In season 15, episode 5 of How It's Made, viewers are taken on a journey through the manufacturing process of carbon fibre, antique frame restoration, railcar movers, and hood ornaments.

The episode begins with an in-depth look at how carbon fibre is made. Carbon fibre is a high-strength, lightweight material that is used in a myriad of applications, from aerospace to sports equipment. The production process for carbon fibre involves a complex system of heating and stretching, which aligns the carbon fibres and provides the strength and rigidity the material is known for.

Next, the show takes a closer look at antique frame restoration. Antique frames are often valuable pieces of art in their own right, and the experts at the restoration workshop show how they use a combination of traditional and modern techniques to repair and refurbish these valuable pieces. Viewers will learn about the painstaking process of repairing cracks, cleaning dusty frames, and matching finishes to restore the frame to its original beauty.

The third segment of the episode explores railcar movers. These specialized vehicles are used for moving railway cars around the yard, and the show takes a look at the process of designing and building these heavy-duty machines. Viewers will learn about the engineering principles behind the construction of railcar movers, as well as the challenges involved in moving such colossal vehicles.

The final segment of the episode focuses on hood ornaments, which are decorative pieces that sit atop the hoods of cars. Viewers will learn about the history of hood ornaments, which were once used as radiator caps before being relegated to purely decorative purposes. The show takes a look at the process of designing and casting these ornaments, which requires a high level of skill and attention to detail. The segment also examines some of the more creative and unusual hood ornaments that have been produced over the years.

Overall, this episode of How It's Made provides a fascinating insight into the manufacturing processes behind some of the most interesting and innovative products in the world. From the high-strength material of carbon fibre, to the delicate restoration of antique frames, to the heavy-duty machinery of railcar movers, to the intricate designs of hood ornaments, viewers will gain a new appreciation for the ingenuity and expertise that goes into creating these products.