American Experience

Panama Canal: Early Inefficiencies

Clip: Season 23 | 1m 3s

On November 12, 1904, the first Bucyrus steam shovel arrived in Colón, able to excavate five cubic yards of spoil in a single scoop. Despite the efficiency of the steam shovel, the 50-year old rail system proved incapable of carrying that amount of spoil away.

Aired: 01/24/11

Rating: NR

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