Putting Together PCN Tours
By: Larry Kaspar, Senior Producer, and Host
“Assembly required” are words some people dread reading. Often there’s a cartoon next to them to soften the blow that shows a hapless guy with crumpled instructions scratching his head and a bike with the handlebars where the seat should be.
Me, they make my heart sing. I run for the toolbox. I actually take inventory of the parts before I dive in. Who does that?
Anyone who’s seen and enjoyed PCN Tours knows what I mean. The series shows how things are made in Pennsylvania.
Back in 1995, Harley-Davidson in York was a logical place to start. Their motorcycles inspire a unique brand of loyalty. We asked them to do the narration as the bikes went down the production line. That’s it. No professional voice-over, no script, strictly spontaneous. That simple, durable formula endures to this day.
Ever seen a wad of Silly Putty as large as your sofa?
At the factory, the Silly Putty ingredients are put into a re-purposed dough kneader to mix them together. You know how when you kneaded Silly Putty in your fingers, the air bubbles made little cracking sounds? Well, the popping sounds at the factory might send you running for cover. They sound like gunshots. No kidding.
Take Martin Guitars in Nazareth. If you play acoustic guitar, this place is mecca. When you see the craftsmanship here, you gain an appreciation for guitars, whether or not you’re a musician.
These older episodes are a glimpse into the past, but viewers still stay in touch by giving us tips for new shows. Next time you’re intimidated by an assembly job, here’s a tip: don’t do it on a deadline. Then take a deep breath, take the plunge, and create.