EP: 17: Where do the trains go? A walkaround to show you! Plus brass EL-2B Virginian Electrics

[@johnschutt9187]

So few people have the resources available to do what you do. So, it's really a treat to see your layout and to watch its progress. Thank you for the time and efforts that you give to us to take us along with you.

[@rcgrabbag]

Happy to do it and thanks for watching! Glad you enjoyed.

[@dwpalme2670]

It all comes down to how you want to spend your resources :)

[@stuartkorte1642]

Same thought. Wow, what a room and layout. Quite the layout if working a full time job.

[@stratman9449]

@@rcgrabbag we all do....

[@mic-drop-74]

@@stuartkorte1642 amazing layout but doubt working with this kinda money involved. Might be his full time job this layout, the dream

[@peterthornton8520]

I have to say that having watched this layout develop over time, I am astounded by depth and variety of the layout and the amazing constructions present and to come. You have my total respect for being able to design and produce what I believe one of the best layouts ever. Brilliant.

[@rcgrabbag]

Wow, thank you!

[@stratman9449]

i'll go with that....brilliant.

[@gregorygarcia7373]

You have a very nice setup HO. Hobby track trains. I like the way you did your sebut I cannot use it in my setup. Because I do not have the space but it's a very beautiful set up in the future. I would like to know you and. C your videosthank you

[@youngmemory604]

Always excited to see a new Grabbag video pop up on my feed....

[@rcgrabbag]

Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@Rudl1044]

Thank you for showing us round!

[@rcgrabbag]

You bet!

[@delboy1727]

I can only dream of having a railway room just half that size. Despite the guided tour, I am still struggling to keep track of where everything goes. That looks like it will be absolutely epic when it is finally all up and running.

[@rcgrabbag]

Yes I do, they are hunkering down now as the weather gets colder.

[@TwoRibbonRailvideos]

I've been following this channel since the layout construction started. It's a brilliant example of space being used to its maximum to create what I can only imagine will be a breathtaking layout. Keep up the good work!

[@rcgrabbag]

Thank you very much!

[@wuhegthonjunior8504]

The dream becomming reality, is it amazing or what? Thank you for sharing this!!! Cheers!!!

[@rcgrabbag]

Thanks so much!

[@jetstream5762]

This layout is pure perfection with the skill level of mpeterll for those of you who know what I mean. First class!

[@rcgrabbag]

Thanks so much!

[@ep1981]

I love this layout. It's so different from what I'd do if I had the space and time, but I think that's why I love these updates so much - it's just built exactly to your tastes, and while (as you say) there are compromises, the one thing that is seemingly never compromised is that it's your layout, built to satisfy what you like in a layout. That makes it very personal, and much more interesting for it.

[@rcgrabbag]

Thank you so much!

[@johnkulpowich5260]

I remember when the room was empty

[@TheNorthwestWind]

this is beyond insanity, and i love it

[@rcgrabbag]

Thanks!

[@petersandberg1962]

Great walkabout 😊 Had not fully realised that most of the layout (I think...) is one big loop. Amazing 🎉

[@williampalmer8052]

Top-quality modeling work. I'm sure it will look incredible when it's done. And as someone who grew up enthralled by layouts like the Gorre and Daphetid, your more traditional design looks just fine to me.

[@rcgrabbag]

Thanks very much!

[@michaelsmodelrailroading7665]

What a GRAND layout - simply GRAND. It's a joy to behold, especially the broad, sweeping curves. And you outdo yourself with your numerous spectacular trestles and bridges! They will be even more spectacular once the layout has been completed and trains are rumbling across them. Your turnouts and crossovers are also beautiful to behold. Finally, the brass EL-2B is a work of art, and is going to look superb on your layout. Good 🍀 Luck with your forward progress. I have subscribed so I can follow your progress. Thanks for sharing!

[@nak_attak]

I'm really excited for this to be done in 20 years. It will be an incredible achievement to behold.

[@rcgrabbag]

I'm hoping 10 yrs, but then there's life, so who knows!

[@billpope2111]

It’s amazing how good looking, if not sharp, film looks. Great content.

[@NYCS19339]

The steel bridges are so detailed. You've had a plan for some time it appears. I like the idea of building up detailed scenes on panels to install later. Quite incredible work.

[@flyboyu777]

Nice layout! I love the trestles.

[@andrewstevenson5449]

Thank you for the walk round your layout. I really like the concept for the trackplan - it's so much simpler than it looks (essentially just an extended figure-8 loop that wraps round itself a few times), and makes great use of the (very very enviable) space you have. It's going to be a great layout to just sit back and watch the trains go by with one of the key things being that it's not immediately obvious where a train will emerge after it's entered a tunnel. Even when you know the route, it's still great to watch, but visitors are fascinated by it in my experience. I think your new river baseboard is probably almost the size I have for my next layout, but I'm still hoping to be able to lose sight and track of trains with trains not exiting the tunnel you assume they will. Also, I remember Super-8 from the 70s. Not seen it for years, and had no idea they still made the film.

[@scottthomas5999]

Coolest layout ever. Great bridges. Can’t wait to see it in operation.

[@rcgrabbag]

Thanks so much!

[@theodorosmakris8009]

I am so excited watching.I want to visit you and make all the way from Greece

[@rcgrabbag]

I have not been to Greece yet, but it is most definitely on my list!

[@billjacon4527]

Absolutely incredible set up!

[@rcgrabbag]

Thank you!

[@PopPopsTrainRoom]

looking great

[@alyro-ls1dv]

thanks for the video and your insights in your development and what a beauty your are building

[@rcgrabbag]

Thank you!

[@larrybaughman618]

That's amazing thank you for🫵🚂 sharing

[@rcgrabbag]

Glad you liked it!

[@raymondleggs5508]

enourmous layout, beautiful back to back electric locomotives too.

[@jefflynnalex]

I enjoyed your layout tour. I agree with your choices of long hills and loops to gain altitude without using helixes if at all possible. With the space you have, you don't need them. I also have no problem with multiple mains in one view or using a twice-around to simulate a four track look. You are, clearly, a bridge aficionado. That seems to be one of the points of your layout: To showcase your favorite railroad bridges in a free lanced setting which allows the freedom to place as many bridges as you feel like. Thanks for including a Pennsy stone arch bridge!

[@danbetler408]

This layout is absolutely massive and will be beautiful once complete. ❤

[@rcgrabbag]

Thank you!

[@oldemike1354]

Thanks for the updates! Looking forward to the cab ride tour of the layout. I can only imagine how lost I might get during “Trinking Sessions” and the chaos that would ensue! Ha!!! Sipping and Switching… Wine and Whistles… Bourbon and Boxcars…. Thanks for sharing!

[@JHeck1989]

You videos soothe me. The end bit with the old school video was great too

[@derekalexander4030]

Thank you so much for taking us around the layout, it really helped to tie the layout and route together. You have done a magnificent job on the layout. I’d love to take a nice slow track level ride through all of those gorgeous buildings. Very nice Virginian Electrics. Those cameras took me right back to my childhood and look just like 90 percent of all of the videos that my father had taken of us, growing up.

[@rcgrabbag]

Thank you so much!

[@drekor72]

Awesome update🍻. Thanks for uploading it.

[@rcgrabbag]

Thank you for checking in!

[@rodericfindlay4147]

A magnificent piece of engineering. Inspiring to watch. Thank you.

[@rcgrabbag]

Thank you very much!

[@TwoRailfans]

Great tour of your layout!

[@CobraChamp]

Thank you for the overview. You’ve designed a wonderful layout and it looks like you have years of fun ahead to finish it. The 8mm footage took me right back to 1965 when my Father shot footage of our family. I also like that you didn’t use a tripod as that would have taken away from the authentic vintage look that you were clearly trying to achieve. Bravo and thank you for sharing your journey with us.

[@rcgrabbag]

Thanks for watching and glad you enjoyed!

[@Whites-Creek-Railroad]

I always look forward to your updates. 600’ of mainline, man! I wish I had the space for that. Keep up the great work!

[@rcgrabbag]

Thanks will do!

[@stuartibbotson6632]

Loved the guided tour, although it’s a pretty big space, you have packed so much in! Can’t wait to see it running.

[@rcgrabbag]

Glad you enjoyed! I have trains running in an earlier video if

[@eugenerobert6638]

Cool to see the "backyard". Thank for all.

[@struck2soon]

Stunning! I love the fact that you are going to do big, grand mountains seeing as you have the vertical height available. It is going to look impressive!

[@rcgrabbag]

Thank you very much!

[@hoppy2635]

Amazing! - Thanks for sharing

[@rcgrabbag]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@briansilcox5720]

Man of many talents. I shot Kodachrome until it was no longer able to be processed. Rich history in that film, rooted in cinematography and stills publishing. Eagerly awaiting next installment of RR work!

[@chrisstromberg6527]

Incredible layout! I’m just getting back into this hobby again after a 30 year hiatus.

[@rcgrabbag]

Thanks and welcome back!

[@cowboyvalley]

The layout is fantastic! Thanks for showing it! The 8mm movies take me back to my childhood in the mid 60's when my dad would always take "motion pictures" with his Bell & Howell camera. Lots of Disneyland family trips and a spring training game of the '65 Giants and my favorite play Willie Mays! Sadly the film was left in an attic at some point and bleed together as bad as double exposure.

[@rcgrabbag]

Thanks for sharing that memory! Sorry the films didn't survive.

[@teschvalleyrailroad]

I never like to hear anyone try to apologize for what they selected with their layout. Your layout is unique, special, and one of a kind. Everyone makes choices to suit what they want knowing the consequences. Never apologize for your work of art. Your review and tour was top notch. I can't wait to see the evolution.......

[@rcgrabbag]

Thanks for checking in and giving my channel a look!

[@joopterwijn]

As a kid I (as many) played around with a model train set (Marklin HO), I was super excited to get two switches and some straight track to extend my round go train…. Then 57 years later you see this video 😳 LOL . The idea was there, never developed,… man you build model train track 2-point-OOOOOOOOO. I congratulate you on the progress and dedication super! Thanks for sharing and let us (complete strangers) see along the journey.

[@rcgrabbag]

Thank you very much!

[@NW2300]

Always enjoy seeing the progress! Thanks for sharing the walk thru of the layout. The bridges are incredible, thanks again!!

[@rcgrabbag]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@johnpandolfino8663]

Looking awsome.....😊

[@rcgrabbag]

Thanks for watching!

[@mistac5050]

Always love to check in with you from time to time to see the next steps in this amazing project. Super relaxing video as always. Hope all is well with you.

[@rcgrabbag]

Glad you liked it, I appreciate you checking in!

[@fty-ys4ni]

What a treat to watch that Super8 footage at the end.

[@ericwalstrand3512]

I fully expect when the model train is done, you will make a feature film of it using the 8mm camera. Watching that made me think I was watching old home movies from back in the 60's.

[@Chris-BognorRegis]

You never disappoint, loved the whole lot but especially the train room.

[@rcgrabbag]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@cjholland48]

When this layout is done, you should do a video with a camera on a car being pushed by a locomotive doing one full loop of the layout. That would be amazing to watch

[@rcgrabbag]

I will do that for sure. If you check my older videos at our former club layout, I've done a lot of that sort of "pace car" footage.

[@brettmariotte3343]

Love the layout.

[@sauer8726]

Thanks for sharing. Your layout is incredible.

[@rcgrabbag]

Thank you so much!

[@marcmurrell8827]

Thanks for a great tour

[@rcgrabbag]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@MidtownSun]

I absolutely LOVE your philosophy of having multiple levels on one “deck” (ie, no use of helixes). I also have nothing against helixes or those who focus very heavily on headache-inducing operating sessions… but I would make my layout in much the same fashion as you have done - changes in elevation through grades, tunnels, and clever engineering. Well done and kudos!

[@rcgrabbag]

Thanks!

[@don679]

All I can say is WOW !!!

[@stratman9449]

what a fantastic layout...and what a great job you are doing.....overall planning and execution is superb....and yes...looking forward to see some trains running (!!!) all the way round....must be soo good over all these iconic bridges and other structures....cheers from germany...and no..i haven't fnished my (much smaller) german H0 layout yet (scenery) but trains are running...

[@rcgrabbag]

Thanks so much! There are trains running in earlier video if you’re interested.

[@brunodigiammarino]

Complimenti. Quante ore dedicate a questa passione meravigliosa..Bravo Bravo Bravo.Beato te

[@rcgrabbag]

Thank you!

[@normg2242]

You are a very good narrator! Incredible layout, I love it!

[@rcgrabbag]

Thank you very much!

[@keithlewis9106]

I like your layout, the bridges are nice and will look forward to more and finishes. You have a lot time and cost into this .

[@RandomUser2401]

Maybe next a tour of the branch lines? :) and how do you get in/out of those massive yards? The additional tracks in the 6 (8?) track massive 180 degree turn-curve that you have not show are reached how? In any case, absolutely awesome episode! Looking forward to so many more!

[@rcgrabbag]

Thanks! I think I mentioned in the video that those are staging tracks? I have to wire them up, so there will be detail on them in an upcoming episode.

[@David-yo5re]

Wow! That going to be an amazing layout. That curved trestle is beautiful. I can't wait to see what you create. You have a new subscriber.

[@rcgrabbag]

Thank you, and welcome aboard!

[@Mattsmaritimeandrail]

Such an awesome project

[@RFMCabooseNP1713]

Very cool. You have an amazing layout.

[@rcgrabbag]

Thank you very much!

[@josephkearney9319]

You layout is amazing!!!

[@rcgrabbag]

Thanks!

[@michaelhurst5910]

Boy that is a throwback on the super 8 sound. I had a setup back when my kids were little. I still have the movies and the projector. All was good till the VCR cameras came out.

[@anthonyborden2513]

Excellent layout sr amazing design

[@rcgrabbag]

Many thanks

[@timothyadcock5103]

“I don’t trust a man without a hobby”, I always say. You might be the most trustworthy person ever.

[@rcgrabbag]

Haha nice! Thank you

[@HoboHeaven]

The Super 8 at the End is beautiful. Greetings from Hamburg/ Germany.

[@rcgrabbag]

Thank you very much!

[@paulstitz7954]

Absolutely Amazing layout!

[@rcgrabbag]

Thanks!

[@RACaptialRegion]

I assume you could run operations pretty easily with this layout, but honestly this looks like run-by heaven

[@NickDoddTV]

Woo! New model train content.

[@rcgrabbag]

Thanks for checking in, and first to comment!

[@garylong7599]

That’s a very useful tour and puts the layout into context, very impressive I did wonder how long a circuit would take so thanks for answering that. How many trains do you envisage running at any one time and how many operators are likely to be required. I assume that layout was planned out before you started construction. Although you have shown a few buildings in the past it was good to see them grouped together, lot more as well. Looking forward to,the next update

[@rcgrabbag]

I don't know that I've put a number on trains and operators, but I've personally run 4 by myself. As the operating areas expand I'll have a better idea.

[@alconk7129]

Very very impressive!

[@drbbhiggins]

Awesome! Wish we could've seen a loco run the rout while you pointed it out.

[@rcgrabbag]

There are previous videos with trains running on layout, but yeah not clearly showing the route they travel.

[@giseleb2059]

It's amazing! I would love an "above" view of the train going through the whole thing. I'm wondering if it's possible to have the camera far back and up high. I understand not everything will be visible but it would be fun to watch :)

[@markdebsauzzietravels]

Hi mate just love what you have done, I'm looking at doing something similar but on a slightly smaller scale Cheers Mark

[@trevorlawson1372]

excellent😀

[@rcgrabbag]

Thank you 😃

[@jamesrea329]

Especially loved the super 8 movies at the end, man that takes me back. I wish that you had taken at least one shot of something recognizably modern, like a car. I’m sure the nature shots are new but they could have been taken 60 years ago, it would be fun to see a modern scene with the old time 8mm film look.

[@rcgrabbag]

Checkout my super 8 playlist of my other films if you want, got some modern stuff there (scenic and old stuff too, sorry):

[@MrGeroth]

I can’t wait until you are up and running.

[@rcgrabbag]

Trains are running and have been for a while, you can take a look at earlier videos if you're interested, S1:E5 is the one I'm thinking of.

[@schmuckinatruck-jj3ch]

and i always thought John Allens GORRE & DEPHETID was a work of art!!...lol.....can't wait for the finale

[@rcgrabbag]

Thanks for watching!

[@alexwalker9803]

It is amazing to see such a massive room for a layout, would love to have this in the UK but is unlikely and expensive. For context we consider Chadwick model railway and everard junction to be large personal layouts. You are akin to McKinley which is basically a group effort

[@karlheinzwiedermann44]

The sudden end of my yesterday‘s comment annoyed me quite a bit. So I try to accomplish it in a decent manner. … to describe my initial thoughts about this large layout. Now it emerged as a common known double track dog bone, but - a very sophisticated planner is creating a new kind of American model railroad. Congratulations, an admirer from Austria KhW

[@rcgrabbag]

Hello, love Austria! Thanks for checking in and the useful info!

[@everettthepetractionguy4222]

You're a man of great knowledge and skill. As you took us on a tour of your enormous layout, I couldn't help noticing how neat and perfect the benchwork looks. You must be a carpenter by trade. And your trackwork is magnificent...the straight tracks are perfectly straight. Can't wait to see updates. I LOVE traction! Do you plan to add catenary cables to your enormous layout for those beautiful traction engines you showed us at 13:26? Keep up the excellent work! 👌

[@JonBanquer]

Not just a carpenter. A woodworker with a skill level that far exceeds his tools.

[@rcgrabbag]

Yes I plan to add catenary! Got a number of electrics that will need it! MW Boxcabs in various liveries, GN Z-1s, Virginian EL-3A, EL-2B etc! Love traction! Oh, and I am not a carpenter, but I found the benchwork not too hard, just a lot of repetition.

[@iowa_don]

5:00 - P.F.E. (Pacific Fruit Express) Reefers. Before my time at AiResearch, they worked on an APU (Auxiliary Power Unit) to be used on P.F.E. rail cars. Not sure if that ever actually came to fruition though.

[@rcgrabbag]

Wow cool! Thanks for sharing.

[@elleryparsons2433]

Like the old Saying goes This is a Passion Pride Project I would Love to See this When Done.

[@errollpalmer9568]

I am so impressed with not only your layout but the building as well. Looking at your progress l can't help but think that your layout is huge labor of love. I only wish that my dad were here to see it, he would've loved it. A couple of questions: 1) ballpark, how long do you think it will take for you to finish it? 2) Do you have someone helping you at all? Finally, how often do you travel? I have the travel bug and l am envious to your travels. Thanks for the update.

[@rcgrabbag]

I expect another 10yrs to finish it completely. I am working on this by myself, except that I have been blessed with a huge time savings in terms of structure building. A friend of mine built a ton of buildings, he's really good, and that alone probably saved me 10 years on the work. I would say that I travel maybe once every couple months?

[@mikakarpale]

I just say: So f* amazing work....! Can't wait to se the final result in a few (many?) years....

[@rcgrabbag]

Yes, this will go on for years, but it's the journey, right?

[@mikakarpale]

@@rcgrabbag Yes. Rome wasn't built in a day...

[@johnmcdermott6220]

Really enjoyed the tour, just wondering if you could confirm the thickness of your plywood base boards. Always enjoy your videos.

[@rcgrabbag]

Thanks! 1/2" thickness.

[@jayawilliams07]

The super 8 shots make me nostalgic for a time before I was born. It's so cinematic without even trying. Something about the "still" shots that are still shaky combined with the slower FPS and lack of contrast. There's just something special about it.

[@felixculpa6240]

I agree, I'm so tired of modern unnatural looking video.

[@jimhoade9265]

At 19.24 I had the delightful realisation that i am using the very same razor saw. I'm doing something right at least! Hahahahaha! See my previous comments for how utterly amazing this layout is. Thanks for sharing with us.

[@rcgrabbag]

Thanks!

[@SettledBatches]

What's the ruling grade on the mainline? 21:14 - At one time, my dad was a cabinetmaker; he taught me to 'size' glue joints. Put a thin layer of glue on both pieces, let it dry, unassembled. Put a bit more glue on one of the other, clamp it, and you're got a 'will NOT break' glue joint.

[@rcgrabbag]

Ruling grade is around 1.5%

[@briannorman952]

Awesome!!

[@rcgrabbag]

Thanks!

[@JonBanquer]

Do you have a woodworking or carpentry background? What you accomplish with inexpensive Black and Decker tools and the quality of your work blows my mind.

[@rcgrabbag]

I built a spoon rack in grade school carpentry class, so... Just kidding, no I don't have a carpentry background, but there is a lot of material out there on building benchwork and the like, so just standing on the shoulders of giants!

[@thegreateststoryeversung1528]

Great work and design. Can you tell me the maker of your steel arch bridge coming off the high trestle? Thanks.

[@rcgrabbag]

Thanks! The maker of the canyon bridge is no longer doing hobby stuff. He's the son of a friend that is in an entirely new career now.

[@andreehemmingsen9624]

I like the video, reminds me of my moms uncle. Who was in to RC-Trains himself. And my brother who tried to do the same many years later. But stopped. Do to the costs and to many parts that needed to be fixed. How long do you think, it will take before you are done ??. Best Regards from Denmark 🇩🇰😊

[@jamesburse8150]

Are the inclines banked as they go around curves?

[@MrGeroth]

So your layout is awesome. Would you consider sharing your cost of the layout? If you don’t that fine. Keep up the great work.

[@rcgrabbag]

Hi thanks! I haven't really tracked the cost. Aside from the initial investment in 1x4 lumber and plywood, it's been a "slow burn" over the past few years.

[@ExperimentalSermons]

Love the Super8 footage. How do you digitize it? It transfers well.

[@rcgrabbag]

Thanks! The few places that will process the film will generally offer digitizing services as well, but I use a desktop digitizer. No longer available, but was made by a company called MovieStuff.

[@briancooney4185]

I really like your layout. Have you ever thought about building layouts for people?

[@rcgrabbag]

Thanks! Welp, given the size of this project, I wouldn't have the time!