I Went To The Top Of The Forth Bridge

[@reddwarfer999]

I work for the company that produced the glass flake epoxy paint that was used in the major refurbishment. It was certainly a prestigious project for us and put an end to the idea that 'painting the Forth Bridge' was an endless task.

[@radders261]

I used to work in formulating masonry and high end interior coatings, and the idea of this type of coating fascinates me!

[@DanSmithBK]

Can we get the name of it? I have some uses for that!

[@dfirth224]

I'm a Firth from California. The Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco is continuously painted. I wonder if they have heard of this new paint.

[@reddwarfer999]

@@DanSmithBK It's called Macropoxy M922 from Sherwin-Williams.

[@cr10001]

Re your name - is it just a coincidence that the intergalactic mining ship Red Dwarf is painted the exact same colour as the Forth Bridge? :)

[@scotlandsrailway7526]

Thanks for coming, Geoff! 😃

[@geofftech2]

A fabulous experience, thank you! 😊

[@nickw7coc102]

How do we get to go up there please? I was under the impression there was some talk of creating a visitor experience to do this? P.S. I'm retired staff...

[@CLWF3]

​@@nickw7coc102 from what I've read it's only open to the public for special occasion. There was a recent prize draw raising money for charity and one of the prizes was a chance to do what geoff has done and go to the top. Whether they do days you can pay to go up it I'm not sure and can't seem to find anything about it online.

[@DownieLive]

I love watching you access incredible areas of the network, Geoff!

[@geofftech2]

Hello sir! Aaah, very kind. Thank you. 😊

[@DanTheCaptain]

Geoff! You ought to travel Canada by train with Mike! It would be a monumental collab!

[@MrAsBBB]

I think Geoff has hit Critical mass! what I mean by this, is everyone is noticing his production abilities as being the best in the business and all it needs is him and friends. If something train related needs a great advocate who better to got to our brilliant Geoff. We love the presentation style and the obvious excitement injected into each video. Make sure you take time out for yourself. A very well done. Looking forward to the next. All the best Alex.

[@justmeajah]

Yes!

[@geofftech2]

thanks Alex, that's super kind of you. I hope to keep going forward and just make more stuff of brilliant things -- yes. I will make sure to take time out for myself i promise! :-)

[@Nooticus]

Spot on !

[@maryapatterson]

Netflix next!😅

[@tatata1543]

You don’t realise how magnificent it is until you are standing in the road looking at it. One of the World’s great feats of engineering and stunningly beautiful to boot. I’m in love with a bridge😂

[@roderickmain9697]

I have a memory of a signal box which used to sit right at the end of the North side of the bridge. This is where my great grandfather worked as a signalman for many years (before I was born). His house was a white cottage on the harbours edge below and every morning I'm told he would walk round under the bridge and signal box and climb up a steel ladder to his job. I bet he saw some famous engines from there.

[@AKinnell]

I think we all remember when we were wee thinking the trains went up and down over the cantilevers😅

[@reddwarfer999]

Yup, definitely :)

[@paulharvey9149]

That's right. All but two of the kids in my class at primary school (in Fife) admitted to thinking the very same. And I was SO disappointed the first time I managed to spot a train from the road bridge!

[@MrScootmcg]

My sister wanted to get off the train when I told her this.......while approaching North Queensferry.

[@southcalder]

I spent 4 years working for the Edinburgh signalling team, and one of the most thrilling parts of my job was when I got to go out on to the bridge. Slightly nerve-racking the night that it was completely encapsulated in cloud. Imagine the scene: you have only the Up Fife (the line towards Edinburgh) blocked from North Queensferry to Dalmeny. You walk out on to the bridge from Dalmeny in a complete pitch black fog. We went out about as far as the middle of the first Suspended Section to work on some equipment. The fog has completely removed all lights and sound except a massive foghorn from a ship at the oil transfer dock a few miles east. The Down Fife is still open, so you have be situationally aware as trains can sneak up on you on the other line. Probably one of the eeriest experiences of my life.

[@GojiMet86]

Looks like you managed to go Back and Forth over the Firth of Forth on the Forth Bridge in the year of Two Thousand Twenty Forth.

[@swedneck]

foooouuur crikey that's a big bridge!

[@neilburns8869]

He intends to return on International Star Wars Day, which is, as I am sure you are already aware - 4th of May. May the Forth or Fourth be with you!😉 By the way, International Star Wars Day isn't as much a joke as you might expect just to let you know. There are t-shirts and mentions across social media across the internet round about that day.🥴

[@AxolotlPeet]

The first Forth Bridge, not the second or third over the Firth of Forth.

[@kevinwallace7962]

My grandfather drove trains out of Dunfermline depot during WW2 over the bridge, can't imagine how that must have felt as they had to be fully blacked out so as not to be seen and targeted, not for the faint hearted. Amazing structure that still takes the breath away every time I pass it.

[@paulharvey9149]

Notice the fantastic Scottish summer weather. It's been like that since May - except on wet and windy days...

[@christopherbutler7588]

Thank you very brave to do that.I'm not a great lover of heights , but what an incredible peace of engineering.😊

[@scottishtrainspotter7209]

I've crossed the Forth Rail Bridge many times all my life and never get tired of it.

[@dwhonan]

The Forth Bridge was featured in a book my dad gave me when I was a kid, and became one of my inspirations pursuing a career in civil engineering. My wife and I planned an overnight stay in South Queensferry during our honeymoon so I could experience the bridge firsthand; one of my photos from that visit was selected by the American Society of Civil Engineers for its 2015 Bridges Calendar. (We also rode the West Highlands Line to Fort William and spent a couple days up there, so I quite enjoyed the recent helicopter inspection video -- you're bringing back many fond memories, Geoff!)

[@londonandy9913]

Amazing views and so good to hear about the folk who work behind the scenes and maintain the railways we travel on, perhaps when we curse maintenance, disrupting our journey we need to realise the effort and dedication of those who work on the railway system.

[@martinjolly8351]

By a weird quirk of timing (and algorithms), I started watching this at Haymarket and finished just as we got to Dalmeny. An amazing structure and great video, thanks!

[@richardmoss5934]

My late father hung onto a book given to him by his parents circa 1930, called Train, Station and Track. As a boy I too devoured its contents, the Forth Bridge was described in amazing detail and sticks in my mind to this day.

[@neilhendry4390]

Bravo Geoff. I've no head for heights, so kudos to you. What a view. I'll stick to driving over it.

[@michaeldwyer3352]

Thanks, Geoff - and well done for 'fessing up to that moment of vertigo on the walkway.

[@rogink]

I'm not sure how old Geoff is, but in my 20s and 30s I never had any thought about being at height. Now I'm in my late 50s and I get nervous close to the edge of a cliff path.

[@kristan999]

I can't even watch videos/films with shots like this without my legs going a bit wobbly. No way I could do this bit of Geoff's job. Hats off to you (blown off probably)!

[@briangentle5515]

What an impressive visit! I was surprised to learn that they don't need to keep painting the bridge any more. I certainly used to use that expression. Bravely done walking along that gangway with that kind of steel flooring with holes! I know how you feel. Though it wasn't my main job, I once walked up a gasifier (which extracts gas from coal) in N Wales where we were up pretty high on that kind of flooring too. "Don't look down" is definitely the watchword...

[@HenrysAdventures]

Great to see behind the scenes on the Forth Bridge.

[@GBCandCKC]

It's lovely up there. Loved doing it a few years ago with my wife Caroline. Enjoy.

[@neilmcfarlane5644]

Brilliant. I'm Scottish but from the west and I've been over the Bridge by train a shockingly few times... but one of them was for my Dad's 60th, and he'd never been over it either, so we booked a nice restaurant in Fife, bought him a painting of the Bass Rock and had a day trip over the Bridge. (Ref. Iain Banks).

[@Anonymoususer_8823]

The Forth Bridge is such an iconic bridge that Scotland is so proud of when it was first built. Nice to see Network Rail doing work on the famous bridge and to keep it safe, maintained and well preserved for many years to come. Such a beautiful bridge and the views are so breathtaking as well.

[@kr46428]

Goodness, you are certainly visiting some incredible behind the scenes places on the network! When you stepped out on that catwalk my stomach certainly had a funny twist...I suspect I would be no good at this job as I don't have the head for heights like this, but incredible views you got. Much respect to the workers that keep this bridge and the rail network operating smoothly.

[@guyroebuck8510]

Brilliant insight into the workings of an iconic structure. Thanks Geof for the endless enthusiasm ❤.

[@saintuk70]

Such an iconic bridge that's had 1000's of photos taken of it, however, it's not until you get up close (even at the memorial garden) do you appreciate just what an engineering feat it is. All those rivets!!

[@OltonHall]

That may be my favorite bridge. I got to go up to the top 21 years ago om my first visit to the UK when they were painting the bridge. It was an amazing experience and the highlight of that trip.

[@MartinBrenner]

Seen and photographed the bridge from the south side and traveled over it from Edinburgh to Aberdeen, nice to see it from different view points. Absolutely stunning! This bridge is my all-time favorite bridge.

[@squarewheelsorguk]

Nice one... the paintbrush gag was just the icing on the cake Geoff!

[@Shuttlefield]

I have done the trip to the viewing platform - great view and incredible when you look down the lengths of girder that they really are quite twisted. Built with a totally over-engineered strength after the Tay bridge disaster. Strength factor about 7:1 as opposed to the 1967 road suspension bridge about 2.6:1 - fascinating tour with Network Rail and well worth doing if you get the chance.

[@pained9explained9]

Thanks for coming, Geoff!

[@MrScootmcg]

I commute over the bridge and take it a bit for granted to be honest. However, when I see the reaction and excitement from tourists during the summer it's a reminder of what an iconic structure it is.

[@enricomonti156]

Have been to Scotland before, but not travelled across this bridge yet. Indeed, that seems to be one of the best views you can have in Scotland

[@julianshepherd2038]

Looks good from the road bridge

[@danielab7832]

Fantastic video. Thank you. I absolutely love this bridge.

[@WordNerd1971]

Lucky man! What an opportunity. It's the best bridge in the world. I love it. I could just sit and admire it all day 😊.

[@Delibro]

Many thanks for the shots of the structure. As a lover of statics I enjoyed that way too much :))

[@DavidBeddard]

Oh, much vicarious joy, Geoff! And that final walkway gave me the willies just watching this on my phone! What a structure!

[@smjrn63]

The view from the top made it worth the trip. I am pretty sure that is the first time I have seen you a little nervous or uneasy in a video. Bravo for walking out there.

[@MrGreatplum]

Wow, what a treat, Geoff. Fantastic video, thank you!

[@arthurerickson5162]

What a great experience! Thanks so much for taking us along, Geoff.

[@cgimovieman]

I’m from the states but have had close family friends in Scotland since 1984, and been over there about 8 times now. I’ve never actually seen the Forth Bridge though, but always have wanted to, being into infrastructure like bridges. What a neat experience you had getting to do that. I’ve been over many famous bridges in my life. The Brooklyn Bridge and Varazano Narrows in New York, Mackinac in Michigan, Roebling in Cincinnati, Golden Gate in San Francisco, Tower Bridge in London, and on and on. But I’ve rarely if ever been able to go to the top of one or within the structures themselves. I know that some allow you to, like the Sydney Harbor Bridge in Australia, but most do not. Fascinating stuff though

[@notdrivingaminimetro]

This is awesome. I'd love to do that. Never knew the bridge had bothy's until now. Great video as ever Geoff!

[@wrestlcub]

This was fantastic! Thank you, Geoff! Love to see more of this!

[@rachelquarrell2779]

What an awesome bridge.You were lucky to walk over it Geoff

[@derekporter7658]

A fantastic wee film Geoff! We live not too far from South Queensferry, and are regular visitors to south Queensferry, we tend to take the bridge for granted. Your next film should be the history of Millerhill yard, past present and future, that would be interesting as always.

[@DISCOPlayz]

Great video as always been watching your Channel for a very long time

[@Jamie92208]

The feeling that you got when you walked out on the gangway must have been similar to how I felt back in 1973, cycling across the road bridge. The cycle/pathways are cantilevered out from the suspension cables and All I could see was what looked like very solid grey water below me on either side. Great video, thanks.

[@smogmonster1876]

You incredibly lucky fella Geoff. Wow. That was fantastic. I was actually at North and South Queensferry in June this year and was just left in absolute awe at how spectacular this bridge is. I travelled across it from South Queensferry back to and from Dunfermline where my hotel was and was blown away by the bridge’s Beauty but getting up close and personal on it is an opportunity of a lifetime. Like I said, you incredibly lucky fella. Really enjoyed this.

[@alanjrobertson]

Great video, Geoff. Once a year the public can access the viewing platform (at least they certainly could in the past) and the views from there are just stunning - a great visit assuming you're not overly bothered by heights!

[@paolomargini7904]

I was there in summer '22, made to and fro by train and walked all around the northern tower.

[@mplsmike4023]

As always, a fine documentary style video.

[@wteff8586]

What a truly amazing experience! Glad you could have that and share it with us!

[@gudbo]

Every time I see one of these films I wonder how much impact you have on British railways since the are ready to set apart a hole team to show you (and us) around places like this. But I like the idea of you being so important that they are willing to spend so much time and effort Forgot to say what a fantastic video and omg what a beautiful bridge

[@chrisdenham9086]

On behalf of Network Rail… Geoff is fantastic at showing and explaining sometimes really complicated concepts on our railway to people here and around the world, and encouraging a love of railways, so yes, he’s very important! If a film like this inspires even one kid to take up engineering or learn about cantilevers and epoxy paint then… his work here is done.

[@jonr6680]

This guy is on fire! These videos are gold. Magnificent all round.

[@andyt2510]

Over 1 months on since the video was uploaded, and we've finally travelled over the Forth Rail Bridge, to North Queensferry the walked down to see the bridge for real. Been a bit of a weekend of firsts - yesterday we saw Class 89 89001 for the first time when we passed through Crewe on the way to Edinburgh.

[@simonlake_]

As someone who walks across by the Royal Albert bridge (linking Devon and Cornwall) on a daily basis, this was a fascinating insight into a similarly awe inspiring railway structure.

[@lorainepunch7498]

Love this bridge - so unique and powerful

[@allangriffiths9555]

Good one Geoff! How interesting!

[@horsehollerer]

This was the best! I'd love to do it, despite being terrified of heights.

[@magicknight8412]

Thats an amazing bit of engineering and an amazing place.

[@DavidShepheard]

Thanks for the video.

[@andrewr2825]

Well Geoff, your videos have certainly gone to new heights - literally! The Forth Bridge, and before this, your helicopter ride with Network Rail. 👍🏻👍🏻

[@nickmendes5458]

A family tradition handed down to me is that one of my great grandfathers was a diver who was involved with laying the foundations of the Forth Bridge, and later migrated to India with his family to work on a bridge in Bombay when the British were building railways over there.

[@zzzaphod8507]

I enjoyed the fourth section of the video when you went forth despite the possible vertigo issues, well done! Great video, thanks!

[@garewalks]

Great video really enjoyable. Have been lucky enough to have been over it twice. Once going to Arbroath and back in the day with work back in the 80's, a long day! and the second time a few years back on the way to Norway via Aberdeen. It's my dream as a youtuber for people to reach out to me to do interesting stuff like this, keep up the good work Geoff 👍

[@MrCherryJuice]

Worth noting that this crossing point is only about 9 miles from Edinburgh's city centre. It stretches between South Queensferry and North Queensferry, so named because this is where over a thousand years ago Queen Margaret, and then several hundred years later Mary, Queen of Scots traversed the forth to Dunfermline (capital city prior to Edinburgh), Stirling and Falkland. For you music fans, when they were married, Chrissie Hynde of the Pretenders and Jim Kerr, singer with Simple Minds (he's Glaswegian) resided in South Queensferry. And over the north side, 15 mins. drive from North Queensferry is Dunfermline, where were the bands Nazareth and Big Country came from. It is also the birthplace of Jethro Tull's Ian Anderson and author Iain Banks.

[@rafsonrafson]

Incredible opportunity and excellent video!

[@williamgeorgefraser]

I used to work at the marina at the old railway pier situated between the rail and road bridge in North Queensferry. Watched trains crossing all day. An amazing place to work. I lived in Dunfermline and had a job in Waverley station every summer while at uni. I"ve been across the bridge by train at least 1000 times but never walked it.

[@rickyzuc]

I’d be so scared haha well done Geoff! What an insight!

[@andywillis2650]

Great video Geoff, good insight into what goes on !

[@thebear307]

Fantastic, you get all the good jobs Geoff.

[@Nick-13]

Excellent - I too would love any opportunities like that, but agree that once at the top it is a case of hold on tight and don't look down (just hang the camera over the side pointing down !). Have been up a number of hight structures and it never gets easier !

[@michaelbruchas6663]

Thanks!

[@Robslondon]

Fantastic video Geoff, really enjoyed this. I recently found out that equipment used in construction of the Forth Bridge was later used in the small power station which initially lit Brixton’s Electric Avenue! ⚡️

[@nelson408.]

Been fortunate to experience this once in a lifetime opportunity three times in recent years. Once as part of the 125th anniversary and twice with the Barnados charity event.

[@fuzzynutter8344]

What an amazing opportunity you had there, Geoff! I’d love to do that but while I don’t mind heights, I’d probably be bricking myself on top of the bridge. But the views look fabulous, especially seeing the two road bridges, so it’d be worth it.

[@Normanabutler1]

Oh wow!! That was amazing! It really is an incredible structure. Even just viewing it from ground level was awesome so seeing it from the top like that is amazing!🤩

[@TheFrogfather1]

I had a trip to the viewing platform a few years ago - it was a charity event in aid of Barnardos. I think you got a much better day!

[@RetepElpmet]

That's an opportunity that I would say no to. No way I'd be doing that. I can barely handle standing on a 25 foot scissor lift. I'll live vicariously through your video.

[@oc2phish07]

What a great memory that would be. Nice one Geoff.

[@marksaddler]

The ‘new’ Queensferry Crossing is the fifth Forth bridge 😂 (after the Rail Bridge, Kincardine Bridge, Forth Road Bridge and Clackmannanshire Bridge)

[@johnmurray8428]

What a great video, thank you!

[@MrRobbo1968]

Been there done that and loved every minute of it. Have walked across the Forth road bridge and also The Queensferry bridge before it opened. They had a weekend for people to walk across the Queensferry bridge who entered a lotto for the opportunity to walk it before it opened as a motorway ( no pedestrians now)

[@jonbagge4968]

Amazing! I don't get jealous about much in life, but you've almost got me there!

[@oneteaminbristolbcfc]

Brilliant thanks Geoff

[@jonathanbott87]

You're being asked on adventures that I'm not sure many even know exist - fascinating experience!

[@AdamHinckley]

i'm so glad to go on a train across it as well as being on the north side of the bridge (under the bridge)

[@transportguy.]

Nice video Geoff! Keep up the good work!

[@svenlakemeier]

Might I suggest adding subtitles for these kinds of videos? I had a hard time understanding the interview partners, and that is to put it mildly.

[@Britishrailwaysthenandnow]

OMG! That must be one of the highlights of your life Geoff. I'd give my left leg to go onto the Forth Bridge

[@alfredgravy6375]

Great vid.. thanks for the vertigo

[@kubricksmith]

Fantastic video!

[@Ztbmrc1]

It's indeed an incredible bridge. I have driven over the Forth traffic bridge watching the railway bridge. Maybe one day I will travel by train over this amazing bridge. I have already driven a train over the bridge in Trainsim Classic. Btw they should tell the guys in Paris to use that same paint for the Eiffel Tower. They still have to repaint it ever so many years.

[@isashax]

I saw this magnificent bridge some years ago. Just wow. The memorial was sad, especially when you see that many that died were almost children 😢

[@a11oge]

Just watching the footage made me feel a giddy - A fine video as always Geoff, good use of maps and diagrams. No wondered your are asked by Network Rail to join them on these visits.

[@Scotty9082]

Done your view twice fantastic views from on top of the bridge! Well worth the money.

[@ptonpc]

An amazing visit!

[@Swimmingforlife.]

My stomach was churning, wow what an experience to have. Kind regards, Johnny

[@100SteveB]

What a great experience!

[@geofftech2]

thank you, most kind!