Machines of Iron: America's Show Classics--Vista

Some truly Rube Goldberg-ian machines are presented in this tribute to farm machines of yesteryear. Volunteers at the Antique Gas and Steam Engine Museum near San Diego have lovingly restored a number of old tractors, threshers, and other contraptions that certainly made farm work a bit easier for the individual, but which also required a great deal of knowledge of machine maintenance in order to keep the numerous parts operational. Many of these machines are huge and truly complicated; the volunteers who work on them often have no access to owner's manuals since the manufacturers have long ago closed their doors, which means that these tinkerers are occasionally required to use their creativity. A well-made program that will definitely hold the interest of persons interested in antique machines and engines, the video is a bit too long for casual viewers and spends a considerable amount of time on certain machines (as opposed to others). City slickers, like me, will find their fingers poised over the 'fast forward' button. Optional. Other titles in the Machines of Iron series include: Vintage Cycle Journal, Discover the World of Antique Tractors, Red! and America's Classics. (J. Carlson)