S1: E8: Another HUGE Bridge for the Layout!: Custom-made Great Northern Rock Island Bridge.

In this installment I complete the final assembly, paint and weathering of an exact scale model of the Great Northern (now BNSF) Rock Island "Bridge within a Bridge". The real bridge crosses the Columbia river in Washington state, USA. Only two of these models exist and one is going on my layout.
Follow me: / rcgrabbag
Pine Creek Paint Co
(limited run laser cut craftsman kit)
[e-mail]
Stuff I used making this video:
Pliabond Contact Cement
(gluing rail to roadbed)
amzn.to/3AlSE08
Microtip applicator tips
(absolutely essential for precision Pliabond application)
amzn.to/3Anqy4J
Sobo Craft Glue
(general purpose craft glue)
amzn.to/3wdl7C0
Complete Airbrush Outfit
(used on this bridge project)
amzn.to/3wii1N8
Airbrush cleaning kit
amzn.to/2TmPHfl
Airbrush cleaning fluid
amzn.to/3jzn6Ox
Earth tone pastels
(weathering)amzn.to/36eanZq
Gray tone pastels(weathering)
amzn.to/2SH7i0Y
Drywall sanding screen
(for turning pastels into powder)
amzn.to/3An19rR
Micromark Track Tools
(alignment gauges, etc)
bit.ly/3w8hBc8

[@jamesgrossman9955]

I was an HO railroader years ago, I also made custom stereo speakers. When using contact cement, I kept the two pieces of veneer or inlay separated with plain brown paper so I could align them and then slowly removed the paper and press down the two pieces for contact. This was how I was taught.

[@rcgrabbag]

Great technique!

[@guitarking367]

what I like most about your videos is you show us the end result first before then going into detail how you built it and made it look so good. It definitely makes the video more exciting to watch.

[@rcgrabbag]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed.

[@willamcombs1106]

I'm getting ready to build my grandsons first HO layout in two weeks. Nothing fancy, but something He'll have fun with. My daughter has a large Garage, so next time I go down after that I'll build Him a Lionel layout and the next time after that an American Flyer layout. I knew I kept all my trains for a reason. Love your channel.

[@rcgrabbag]

It's a great thing to pass on to the young'ns. They will have a ball I'm sure! Thanks for watching and glad you're enjoying the series!

[@bigloulou4780]

The Great Northern is my favorite railroad. Seeing the real bridge in person would be a chance in a lifetime. Seeing your scale model of the bridge represents the gifted talent that you have ! What an incredible work of art ! Amazing job ! Can't wait to see a Great Northern R2 crossing the bridge!

[@richardmoll5618]

My favorite railway would either be the Sierra Nevada or the Union Pacific. Both of these rail systems have influenced my local area, so I may be biased for these rails.

[@sle6497]

I enjoyed this project so far and can't wait for the next episode. My son loves watching this too. He already asked for a train set.

[@joebalusikiii5811]

Growing up thru the 70s & 80s, I always coveted these Tamiya RC kits. I would have had to work all summer to get one.

[@nak_attak]

I really love this channel so much. Your soothing voice and the calming music really makes it a great channel to watch while I'm getting tired to go to bed.

[@rcgrabbag]

Thank you so much 😀

[@jimhoade9265]

Hello Sir! I say it every time but I love these videos. So inspiring. I woke up this morning in South Wales to find that there was a new video but Saturday is my volunteering day at the Garw Valley Railway so I had to wait til i got home. As ever, it was well worth the wait. I have to say that laying code 83 rail is a lot easier than laying 95lbs a yard bullhead! The weathering techniques used are excellent, I will definitely be trying them. The bridge is a thing of beauty indeed. Can't wait for the next installment, thank you for inviting us to see your magnificent creation.

[@rcgrabbag]

I'm glad you're enjoying the series! It's nice that you do the volunteering at the real thing!

[@eligebrown8998]

Finly a video with a way long HO train running down the track and it shows the whole train in one shot! Looks great.

[@rcgrabbag]

Thanks!

[@myoldtractorshed]

I hope all is well with you and family, looking forward to new videos. Thanks Scott

[@bigsparky65]

Excellent workmanship on the bridges, love the Steam Locomotive 🚂 running across it

[@Mrshyguy775]

Thank you so much for sharing this. I eagerly await the next episode!

[@michaelpatish7248]

I really love watching you create your masterpiece. I hope you will post more often and have more in-depth videos not just for the viewers but for yourself. Thanks

[@johnbanicki7232]

That is a fantastic layout. Looking forward to seeing more progress on it. Thanks.

[@bxjibaro73]

AWESOME BRIDGE 🌉!!! Every model Railroader should have one like this. 👍

[@torbinator9729]

I LOVED my Sand Scorcher! As a 14 year old kid, I still remember my first one and how it took me three full days to build. But using it day in and day out, I got so proficient at tearing it down and rebuilding it I could do it in less than an hour. Tamia was really good about providing replacement parts. I must've replaced my buggy shell 15 times, and each time I really enjoyed painting it, applying the decals, and applying a beautiful shiny gloss clear coat. Thanks for bringing me back to those days! Oh, and nice layout update :)

[@MartinFutter70]

A great looking replica of a fantastic bridge and that kit building is of interest too. Nice trip down memory lane as well, you made me dig out my Tamiya R.C Porsche 959 and think about getting her going again 👍

[@rcgrabbag]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@MakeMeStop]

Hope everything is going well for you, really looking forward to an update on your amazing endeavor.

[@LongIslandCityLayout]

I love this project! Thanks for the weathering tips, can't wait to use them on my layout.

[@lacking2010]

Very nice work!

[@rcgrabbag]

Thanks!

[@deeppurple3489]

Have you a track plan design of the layout showing the main lines and industries? I think it would be cool to see that! You have some really cool ideas for all kinds of modeling

[@stratman9449]

another beautiful bridge....AND another hobby of yours.....😄...what next..!!??

[@rcgrabbag]

Thanks! As far as what's next, hmmmm...

[@65BAJA]

I've wanted a set with DCC for years now. Just don't have the room. Thank you for making these vide. Soo interesting. Maybe someday.

[@paratrooper7340]

l enjoy model trains but there is one aspect or two really of this hobby that makes it something that I've never actually been able to participate in and of course one look at a layout like this one it should be a no brainer what those aspect are. I had an acquaintance many years ago who along with his father had a layout they would set up every Christmas season, it was something to behold with multiply loops and perhaps as many as a dozen locomotives and so much rolling stock that most of the trains never came out of their protective boxes. This layout took up the the better part of two rooms and i wouldn't doubt at least a thousand feet of track. I remember the first time I was invited to view this - I stood there spell bound at what was before me and I didn't dare touch a single thing, I just stood there thinking that some day I would have my own layout - maybe not as grand but just as thrilling to look at. Well I never made it to that level, never having the space a layout this large requires and never having the money left over from all the other toys I had to have as I've made my way to old man hood; boats and guns and hunting trips and just living my life the way I wanted to cost a lot too and so trains never quite made it back to the level of my first look at what a hobby model railroading could be. I wonder sometimes if Greg from Waterbury still has his trains.

[@rcgrabbag]

Thanks, you too!

[@timeflysintheshop]

Amazing model railroading as usual. I like your vintage RC car. I had a Kyosho Javelin in my youth. I still have it. I ran the crap out of it, but it still works! I bought a NiMh battery for it years ago and it still works too! I did upgrade the throttle to a Tamiya after the original Kyosho wore out sometime in the early 90's. Kyosho re-released the Javelin in 2016 so now getting replacement parts is easy!

[@simonrussell4986]

Man, I had that Tamiya guide book and remember every page. As a kid, we had a model shop two doors down and I'd spend all my money there. A second hand Holiday Buggy was my first Tamiya R/C, which seemed massively underpowered when my brother got a Hornet. Still have a Monster Beetle somewhere - struggled to stay on 4 wheels and chewed through nylon gears. Great segment!

[@barbarabaldwin7120]

love this---the bridge in my home town is a "Warren Truss' bridge.Who knew?

[@DimensionMachine]

You are making some seriously impressive progress, it has been very fun to watch and I will continue to follow along!

[@luvindemtrains]

I love bridges and yours is no exception. Thanks for sharing.

[@tinderbox218]

Really nice technical drawings in that Tamiya instruction booklet

[@cheztys4565]

It has been a while since I have been able to review any of the channels that I usually subscribe to... especially those that relate to railroads and model railroads. I didn't realize that it must have been 10 - 15 years ago the last time I checked in with your channel! Either that or I am conflating the current channel with the one I am watching now. The one that I viewed 'back then' had quite interesting content (that was why I subscribed)... but there's no way that I could have foreseen the level of accomplishment and maturity that has occurred since I last watched your channel. It honestly gave me a 'wth' feeling not unlike that when the James Webb was launched and successfully deployed in the Brandon era! Can't imagine what the next 5 - 10 years will hold for you if everything keeps from unraveling! Kudo's to you and like a number of other people have asked it would be interesting to know a bit more about you and your background/interests...et al.! Lastly, given your levels of excellence in your pursuits...it would be great to see some more in depth reviews of 'motive-power' (both brass and rtr). Thanks again for your amazing channel!

[@rudiloof7064]

Great weathering tips! Thanks! 👍🏻

[@garylaker4335]

That bridge is simply amazing!….. and yet your narrative is so ‘modest’. A great achievement indeed and, along with the trestle, definitely a focal point of the layout. The trip down Tamiya memory lane was wonderful to. I have an original F150 (which I caught a glimpse of in your vid) on the same chassis that I built 40+ years ago. Not in as good a condition as yours but still runs and I have the box. That un assembled Roughy is a real treasure ! Cheers Gary 🇦🇺

[@rcgrabbag]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@keithlewis9106]

I like your layout. I hope you keep up as you go for I am close to retirement and would love to do what you are doing . For I can see when you finish, that will never be, as you keep changing and growing, and see it done.

[@Toddgillilandfan]

Can't wait to see the whole thing finished

[@rcgrabbag]

Me neither! 😉 Thanks for watching!

[@derallong]

This Video Is So Cool And Relaxing At The Same Time!

[@littlepastelkitten]

just your bridge is the length of my layout... damn

[@MLWQC]

This is one impressive bridge. Well done

[@moba_muehlbach]

Your layout is really awesome and I totally enjoy your comments! Easy to understand even for me as a German. Please keep posting vids, I am following since months! :)

[@rcgrabbag]

Glad you are enjoying the series! Spent some time in Germany. Beautiful country! Need to go back.

[@LowAss720]

Oh man. That took me back to setting up a table in the livingroom to build my Grass Hopper my parents bought me. Thanks for the memories and an excellent insight into build a massive layout. I have learned a lot!

[@RFMCabooseNP1713]

Fantastic. Great weathering tips.

[@Chrischi4598]

Now I understand why KZbin recommended me your 7th video yesterday!

[@pgclift51]

Absolutely Amazing Project. I'm new to the channel so I'm catching up on past episodes.

[@rcgrabbag]

Thanks for checking it out!

[@hubsimike]

This is a very nice Layout! 👍👍👍👍👍🤗 Mike from Austria

[@kambour1]

Awesome as always. Thank you for sharing updates!

[@rcgrabbag]

Thanks for watching!

[@boarder6246]

I hope your next video drops soon! I’ve been looking forward to it for months! Awesome work. I wish I could volunteer to help

[@stratman9449]

amazing layout...plenty of space...that girder bridge is awesome....well done you.... railway modelling is one of the best hobbies.....(and expensive too....).......:-)

[@josephlalock8378]

thats badass

[@Bryanb28]

still have my original blackfoot and clodbuster from back in the mid 80s, got my son into the hobby with the traxxus rc trucks now available

[@talltimberjunction7140]

Another fantastic video. I received a tamiya wild Willy

[@Kahless02]

Another awesome update. Your layout is really coming along. I'd really like you to visit NASME sometime and see the layout up here.

[@rcgrabbag]

Thanks, Art, I will have to check it out at some point.

[@Kev5565]

Loving the Detail and looking forward to seeing the scenery. RC Stuff, My brother had the rough rider and I had a Ford Ranger but was a little dissapointed with the cornering, the ball joints and the short battery life.

[@rcgrabbag]

Thanks for watching! Yeah, these old metal buggies handled pretty badly, especially compared to today's offerings.

[@kentheld3733]

Damn fine work sir. Very impressive.

[@pablopolizzi9470]

Felicitaciones por el gran trabajo que estás haciendo, y gracias por compartir los procesos de tu tendido y como logras cada detalle.

[@digdigger4277]

you have a lovely tone, thanks

[@turdferguson4124]

Very impressive.

[@johnmcdermott6220]

Question, was wondering if you could assist me by advising of the width of your plywood roadbed for both a single and double track. Thanks

[@aidansingleton679]

Awesome

[@whhrms]

I traveled over the real bridge many times in the late 1960s and early 70s on the Empire Builder and I know it's a truly massive achievement. Photos in the GN books don't do it justice. Congratulations on your fantastic model. If there's anything more I would like to see, it's the building and assembling of the bridge parts themselves. Any chance? Many, many kudos!!

[@rcgrabbag]

Thanks! Unfortunately the pets cutting was several years ago and no footage was taken.

[@DerekWalker55]

Wow, that brings back memories, I had the Sand Scorcher kit. at 23:04 in your video shows the Ford F150 kit, I managed to get the body and wheels and converted my original to the pickup. I remember the day I accidentally drove it into the swimming pool, luckily that electronics case was waterproof.

[@Meister190]

Outstanding!

[@kennyH20]

Great video, thanks for sharing. I just finished another Sand Scorcher build. Love the Tamiya's!! You should make a video on your rc collection

[@georgejetson4378]

I can only dream of having the time, money, and space to create an empire such as yours. Thank you Jeff Bezos!

[@craigtolliver4577]

That locomotive that crossed the rock island Bridge looks like the locomotive in Wenatchee WA just north of the bridge

[@dcctrain]

Very nice 👍

[@ronvogt3788]

I would love to see a picture of your lay out

[@wwebtime]

We have been waiting for the next installment!

[@johnross6691]

Great job

[@jamesfitch6431]

This is awesome. Are you gonna give tours in person after all covid restrictions have been lifted? Those bridges are absolutely spectacular. Fantastic modeling.

[@rcgrabbag]

Thanks! Someday there will be tours!

[@Brian_rock_railfan]

Awesome video :) happy early Independence day

[@kevinoconnor4502]

Is this a custom model built by others or your own work? I can't imagine the hours invested to build, it's mind-blowing!

[@spencerbass7142]

Very interesting.

[@mt.trainrestorations5931]

Very Cool....Nice Work...

[@rcgrabbag]

Thanks a lot!

[@robert43g]

Nice work LOL the brushed rc motor back the day and the speed controller that they used in the day for electric rc early days dont mis NiCad's

[@ronaldseto]

I must say this guy has the steadiest hands I have ever seen, the way he applied the glue.

[@jayleeson8517]

Yes Yes Yes. Been waiting for this!

[@craigtolliver4577]

Look at the 2-4 steamer 1147 in wenatchee

[@matthewtouma2781]

How did you make the long curved deck girder bridge? I'm trying to build a similar bridge about 8 feet long for my layout. Awesome video as always! Thanks brother

[@Z4Zander]

Look carefully from 5:30 on.The curved deck and rails are laid on short sections of straight girder bridge that are shortened each end slightly one side.Can also use straight deck shortened the same way and lay curved or flex track on top.The broader the curve the better it looks.

[@johnmcdermott6220]

Your commitment to detail is so apparent and impressive. Question, I notice that you did not lay foam board on your baseboard, is there a reason for not doing so?

[@rcgrabbag]

Thanks for watching! As for foam, it’s really just a matter of personal preference.

[@minerofdiamondsboy4337]

i love it so much i may use this video to try and make it myself. Is it tough making this ?

[@michaeldeckert6023]

Thanks for sharing an incredible build! Look forward to the next. I built the Bug. My (45 yr old son)still has the RC. Not sure about the remote or tool box with spare parts?

[@xTheRedShirtX]

You may have talked about this before but do you solder all the track pieces together to help prevent dead spots?

[@canale57]

Hello, could you please activate the subtitles as in the other episodes of the construction of your wonderful model? Thank you so much and good continuation.

[@rcgrabbag]

Will do!

[@canale57]

@@rcgrabbag Thanks :)))

[@user-dn9om6cx6q]

Did you make the bridge or was it a comission? Thanks!

[@derekalexander4030]

As others have said, the bridge is incredible and thank you for sharing your weathering techniques. I love the variety of your channel but I’m left wondering what has happened with the subjects of the past. I would have thought that with the 4th of July tomorrow you would have launched some rockets. How are the bees doing? I built the Fox when I was younger but don’t recall if it was a Tamiya model, I did it in Panther Pink and still have it. I have quite a few channels that I follow and look for first but every time one of your videos pop up it’s the first I go to. Amazing layout and skills.

[@rcgrabbag]

Hey Derek, thanks for checking in! Rockets will make an appearance again at some point, just trying to keep things interesting! The bees are doing well, and so far I've gotten a good amount of honey, like gallons of it, every year from four hives. I'll probably tack on a honey-harvesting video on the next update, not sure yet.

[@ATSF104]

Can you do a video on the Canyon Diablo bridge model please?

[@garystroh4899]

What did you use for the strip of bridge ties with walkway? Thanks Gary

[@rcgrabbag]

Laser etched thin plywood

[@bhigdaddymark]

Hello, first time seeing your channel and content. The size of your layout and the room that it's in is massive and I was wondering what are the dimensions of your layout? Great work!

[@danny117hd]

Now I want to buy a laser cutter and a 3d printer.

[@Railroadman1]

Great video! Love the bridges!! What is the source of your ties for the curved deck girder bridge? That's exactly what I'm looking for. Thanks!!

[@rcgrabbag]

Glad you enjoyed! The ties were a one off like the bridge. Honestly, if it wasn't part of a set, I'd just use micro engineering bridge flex track instead of having to glue rails to ties.

[@xela-nw8eh]

very impressive bridge, how long did it take you to make the layout? and how much track is there?

[@colbroon1975]

Great work bro I think I would have given up and bought a bridge from eBay.👍👍👍👍😃✌️

[@andrewstevenson5449]

What a magnificent bridge! Is all the steelwork laser-cut too?

[@rcgrabbag]

Thanks! Yes, the "steel" is a laser-cut composite material.

[@davidoppedisano876]

Would it be possible to get a copy of your bridge plans?

[@paulthewall4764]

Where is your layout located?

[@willmoore8708]

You're better off, finalizing it with the lacquer. The hairspray alone would not hold up that well. Especially, when you need to dust it off in the future.

[@rcgrabbag]

I hit it with Testors dullcote after all the weathering.

[@tomblack6972]

Nice work, but wouldn’t it have been easier to treat the ties before adding the rail?

[@rcgrabbag]

Generally you'll want to apply paint after any gluing so the parts are sticking to each other's base materials instead of a layer of paint.

[@tomblack6972]

@@rcgrabbag, Of course, I don’t know what you are using for glue, but I’ve never had a problem that way.

[@bobbywright2100]

What bridge kit did you use. I need that premade curved roadbed but can’t find anyone who makes it.

[@rcgrabbag]

There's basically two of these bridges in existence. Custom built, but not offered as a kit. It included the roadbed so unfortunately that's not available either, unless someone laser-cuts some 😞

[@mr.nobody1998]

Too much work for me but it looks great. Good job

[@rcgrabbag]

Thanks! 👍

[@benandre5730]

great video ! question : how to make the earth curve ?! i try to do it on my transsibérian model but ....

[@rcgrabbag]

I used a piece of lumber with one end loosely attached to the benchwork and a pencil I. The other end and used it like a giant compass.

[@benandre5730]

@@rcgrabbag ;) thank you flat thumb !

[@myoldtractorshed]

Just a little comment to help your algorithmes...Thank you

[@rcgrabbag]

Nice, thanks!