S4: E1: Back to the giant layout room plus Division Point's new GE Steam Turbines!

Another video long in the making! In this video I'm back in the layout room advancing the cause and tackling a bunch of different stuff. You'll also get an up-close look at Division Point's newly-released General Electric steam turbine locomotives #1 & #2 in Union Pacific, Great Northern, and New York Central Livery!
Stuff used in this video:
Weller soldering station
amzn.to/338z1Ju
Krylon Matte Coffee Bean spray paint
amzn.to/3bVg4lx
Acrylic sheet for track guards
amzn.to/47Qmvhs
Truss head screws
amzn.to/3NhJJFd

[@robertnichols4833]

Glad you're back, after being worried that you might have stopped posting these updates. Love your videos! Your payout with the historic and elaborate bridges has inspired a fantasy "cost is no object" layout that to be erected inside a low ceiling warehouse-type building covering several acres. The defining features would be full scale replicas of multiple landmark bridges and viaducts: Hell Gate Bridge including approaches (at HO scale this would be 195' long); Horseshoe Curve and general area (roughly 50' by 30'); Starucca Viaduct; Tunkhannock Viaduct; Penn Station (with upper structure that would rise on a lift to reveal the platforms and trackwork); a mile's worth of the New York Central line up the Hudson; Sciotoville Bridge; UP's Bailey Yard; Diablo Canyon Bridge; the Soo Line Arcola bridge; and other places of interrest as well. The main floor would be the lowest level, for walking or riding golf carts around the layout, underneath all of the major long span bridges. The next level would be the opearting and viewing level about four feet higher, corresponding to the usual floor level of most layouts. There - I've just spent several million dollars with just a few keystrokes. Please KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK!

[@rcgrabbag]

That's quite a vision! Thanks for watching!

[@alpugliesetrains9753]

Thank you so much.i hope you subscribe as more is on the way.

[@cjames5138]

Absolutely crazy how impressive this build is! I've been following you since the first video you posted and EVERY time a new episode comes up I'm just as excited! Thanks for all you share, joy to follow this impressive build

[@daveswinfield]

Just to be clear, this is the same build from 3 years ago?

[@rcgrabbag]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@rcgrabbag]

@daveswinfield Yes, same build!

[@zacharyschnepp4860]

I’m really happy to see you building again. because it’s a big train layout and there’s a lot of money and time invested in this. I’m glad you posted. That was great man beautiful trains but it’s really nice to see the layout is continuing. Keep us posted.

[@rcgrabbag]

Thanks, appreciate it!

[@hartmutlorentzen9659]

This layout is not a hobby, it’s a full time job.

[@normfredriksen1381]

You did my heart good by predrilling the screws. This simple step can save you hours of frustration. Keep the vids coming. This is truly an amazing build.

[@rcgrabbag]

Thanks!

[@unr8ed155]

Incredible layout so far. Thank you for the updates and the videos. Continuing to follow anxiously.

[@gorcbj]

I glad to see you continue posting updates on your layout! And I'm blown away by how beautiful the area you captured was at the end of the video.

[@mikecunningham5686]

Thank you for the inspiration! I have now started the restoration of my father's American flyer set from 1937. I will have to do some track restoration as well as the cars and locomotive. Then on to a layout! Thank you again for the inspiration!

[@rcgrabbag]

Awesome, good luck!

[@johnschutt9187]

I really appreciate your videos. Thanks for posting the update. Log time coming! Hope that you have a lot more for us.

[@CJ-ok7rk]

Glad you back, you have a relaxing style with your narrative.

[@christsogaugetrains]

Man that’s an amazing layout to tackle all on your own. Will give you many years of enjoyment building it. Wish I still had that much energy the older you get the harder it is to do some days

[@mhomburger]

I love your train room! I wish I had a space like that. Thanks for the update.

[@rcgrabbag]

Thanks for watching!

[@davidpost428]

Great work on your layout plus beautifu; fall scene coverage! Thank you.

[@alauda_projects]

I like the soldering rig. Cheers ! :) Autumn footage is beautiful. Thanks for sharing.

[@spencercohen2673]

Wow, just discovered your previous videos last week… thought there wouldn’t be any more. Glad you’re posting again!

[@gregmckee5282]

Love the fall colors!!! Great video :)

[@coreyballard8359]

Just revisited a few videos of yours. Was starting to worry. Glad to see you’re back!

[@frankkie3849]

You’re lucky to have all that room for a layout 😮..that’s a great place to enjoy the hobby..thanks for sharing…

[@RFMCabooseNP1713]

Welcome back. Great video as always.

[@keithyoung2385]

Love the work on the layout. I have been dying for an update. glad to see you back at it! Cheers!

[@rcgrabbag]

Thanks for tuning in!

[@normg2242]

Nice to have you back...! 😊

[@raystarr4388]

Great sewing another video from you. Keep up the great work

[@NickDoddTV]

I've watched this build since the very first video! So awesome seeing it evolve over time! Very nice work!!

[@rcgrabbag]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@northernoz]

Wow, exceptional talent and great job.

[@user-nm5xb7ob2p]

You are one talented Dude Mr. Grabbag! simply incredible!

[@gabereiser]

I really like how you left the benchwork open. Only building up where you need to so that you can get the exact layout you want until it’s all done. Sometimes you don’t really know until you see what’s there.

[@dandiehm8414]

This looks like a massive undertakement. Can't wait to see the scenery go in and cover up all of that (admittedly impressive) superstructure,

[@EForrest88]

Ah! Originally found your videos during covid and then couldn't find it again for the life of me, then out of the blue two+ years later this one it's recommended on my youtube homepage. huzzah!

[@leehanna4929]

Glad you are back. Enjoy seeing the progress as well as the neighborhood shots. Upstate New York/New England I would guess.

[@johnkeane1885]

Very excited this morning to see the new post. Thought you had stopped for good.

[@GuidodeCaso]

Glad you're back!

[@LohStultus]

Absolutely love your work. Adding the flooring after initial setup is definitely harder than you made it seem. I can't wait to see what's coming next!

[@rcgrabbag]

Thanks so much!

[@SheltonDCruz]

WOW! what a room for a layout!

[@stuartibbotson6632]

“You can never have too many clamps”! Love watching your builds, it’s inspired me to get back to my model of the Lake District line in northern England.

[@burlingtonnorthernblackdia7591]

Lol, I have 35 clamps and can never seem to find one when I need it😂. Certainly can never have too many of them in this hobby.

[@mikakarpale]

Thank you for the exelent update 👍👍

[@anthonyjames7535]

Yes, glad to see you posting! I could only dream of a layout as yours. Beautiful work you do.

[@rcgrabbag]

Thank you very much!

[@JediTim28]

Nice to see the updates... Been here since the beginning in August 2020... Can't believe the wonderful progress. Looking forward to the future updates along with your random topic portion.

[@rcgrabbag]

Thanks for checking in again!

[@pierrejacquet8995]

Happy to see you again!

[@kenvernon5223]

Greetings from New Zealand. I’ve only just discovered your channel - what your are producing/produced is just amazing. You clearly have the patience of a Saint!!

[@rcgrabbag]

Hello and thank you very much for the kind words!

[@derekalexander4030]

I had just watched A Christmas Story with my wife and I told her all about your visit there and how beautiful and large a layout that you have and how you always include side trips and hobbies in your videos. I told her about the rockets, RC Cars, and the bee hives and told her you were due for a new video soon because it’s been about 8 months and I was waiting impatiently and here it is. Wonderful update and a decent amount of progress for a solo act. Those turbines are awesome and I enjoyed the autumn leaves. Thank you for keeping us up to date and I hope that you and your family have a Merry Christmas and a healthy and happy new year.

[@rcgrabbag]

Hey Derek, thanks for checking in as always!

[@alpugliesetrains9753]

Just amazing hope I can see it one day!

[@Shadow0fd3ath24]

its been 3 years since the track laying was started, at this rate youre gonna be 85 before its done lol, i want to see more regular episodes please!

[@philtucker1224]

Understandable impatience to get it all finished for those that don’t like to follow the actual builds, but I think reaching 85 with the benefits of being able to tinker around a layout like this, hopefully with grand kids (and possibly great grand kids!) would be sublime. Question: will this be open to paying public?

[@plankwagonproductions7462]

A model railroad is never finished there is always something too add

[@philtucker1224]

@@plankwagonproductions7462 old railroader never die, they just go off the rails..

[@Shadow0fd3ath24]

@@philtucker1224i dont even care if he gets it done soon or this decade, as long as theres regular progress...its barely changed in 3 years now

[@philtucker1224]

@@Shadow0fd3ath24 yes I’m not sure what the layout is actually for? Is it owned by the model manufacturers I wonder?

[@fatwalletboy2]

I can just imagine the flooring guys turning up and thinking oh ffs! But I assume they were told in advance and just cracked on with the install.....

[@williamlais2409]

I love your references to the stone arch bridge, which I assume crosses the Mississippi in Minneapolis. I am from the twin cities and visit often. Would love to visit you if it is possible. Thanks for sharing your progress and many tips along the way!!

[@stratman9449]

and also...lovely scenic lakeside shots....beautiful and serene.....almost like here in germany and english countryside....love it...cheers and thanks for uploading...

[@rcgrabbag]

Many thanks!

[@BigDieselMan100]

Also glad your back, thought you might have lost your drive for model railroading!! your fans are now happy!

[@Xenthera]

Was randomly thinking about your videos a couple days ago. Was surprised to see a new one pop up.

[@sauer8726]

Yeah! So glad you posted an update.

[@donaldkormos5529]

Thanks for the video ... and Merry Christmas!!! Thinking back to your video at The Christmas Story House here in Cleveland, I got inspired and am now working on 3D-printed kit which is available. Currently working on extremely small 0201-sized colored SMD LEDs to serve as the Christmas lights that go around the porch. And yes, an HO-scale leg lamp for the front window can also be found! All the best for the New Year .... Cheers ...

[@rcgrabbag]

I need that kit! I have a place for a small “hidden” permanent snow scene and a miniature Christmas story house will be the main feature!

[@kevinleftridge8241]

Man you had to have one heck of a track plan! This is beautiful!!!🙏🏽❤️🙏🏽

[@rcgrabbag]

Thank you!

[@Darsig67]

This build is fantastic. Like the others, been watching from the beginning and cant wait to see what is next.

[@rcgrabbag]

Awesome, thank you!

[@TheNorthwestWind]

Amazing layout!

[@riogrande5761]

I put in a vinyl plank floor before I started my layout, as wel as a drop ceiling. But I don't have nearly the space or time you do! I can't imaging building a layout that big. The one I am building (featured at the AtlasRescueForum\ProjectArchives) still seems like a big job, but to be fair, my wife has a long home DIY list that eats up almost every weekend. Looking forward to seeing this layout near a state of completion with scenery!

[@sharonfieber6458]

I have been watching each update, from being. Its been awhile since last update, I knew this one going to be really good.

[@SPSteve]

Amazing layout and beautiful locomotives! You need to post videos more often.

[@mikecarter8158]

Finally! Yes thanks for the update started to get worried we'd never get to see more..

[@gstrouhal]

Spectacular !!

[@jordandegraaff]

Yay! It’s been so long, but I’m glad you’re back. Thank you!

[@rcgrabbag]

You are so welcome!

[@keithherring5462]

Glad you're back for an update! Hope you have a geat holiday!!

[@rcgrabbag]

Thank you! You too!

[@Greatdome99]

Great Northern only borrowed these for one year (1943, to support wartime traffic) between Spokane and Wenatchee, WA, fairly flat territory. Nobody has ever come up with photos of them in service unfortunately, so it's interesting to see them as models anyway.

[@tczephyr3665]

Like the others I’m happy to see you back. I had almost given up on you. Great work!

[@godbluffvdgg]

The things that men do; Just because they can...What an amazing inside look at constructing HUGE track layout! Thanks for the upload!

[@rcgrabbag]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@donaldkormos5529]

Checkout Golden Gate Hobby .. for the 3-D printed house. Miniprints has the leg lamp available. Could not find a model of the 1937 Pontiac ... but did find 1935 Oldsmobile 4-door 6 cylinder which is close from Sylvan Scale Models. Growing up in Cleveland, this movie will always be special to me ... remember going downtown every Christmas to view the window displays at Higbee's department store just like Ralphie ... BTW ... the house has a new owner. Again Merry Christmas and best wishes for a Very Happy New Year!!!

[@donaldkormos5529]

Got Pontiac and Oldsmobile reversed ... lol

[@Brickursel]

Wonderfull Layout, amazing train Yard 👍

[@rcgrabbag]

Many thanks!

[@Hannes_Bauer]

2 days ago i looked into your videolist because i thought i missed some uploads, but nothing new there.. and today there it is 😊 THX you made may da! Have a wonderfull christmas time and pls dont let another year pass for the next eoisode 😁

[@rcgrabbag]

Merry Christmas to you too and thanks for watching!

[@SB5SimulationsFerroviairesEEP]

Superb work! Beautiful work and beautiful materials! A good place for a large network, and a sheltered one at that. And we end up with some beautiful landscapes! Thanks for sharing! Stéph. Superbe! Joli travail et joli matériels! Une bonne place qui donne une grande taille de réseau, et à l'abrit en plus. Et on fini par des jolis paysages! Merci du partage! Stéph.

[@rcgrabbag]

Thanks for watching!

[@albertofranchi6408]

THE TURBINE 1939 are fantastic

[@tomryan943]

I just can't believe that you did all of this by yourself!!!! Can't wait to see if you can actually complete this any time soon, but it obviously will be awesome!!! Good luck!

[@rcgrabbag]

Thanks!

[@Freestylemoba]

Well done! Your layout is absolutely stunning! Greetings from Germany!

[@rcgrabbag]

Thank you!

[@andrewwelsh9192]

Great to see the layout again it's going to be truly wonderfull

[@rcgrabbag]

Many thanks!

[@jasonh8470]

I can’t believe it’s been 8 months since your last upload. Good to see you are doing well. Thank for the early Christmas present. Hope you and your family have a Happy Holidays and even better New Year.

[@rcgrabbag]

Thanks, you too!

[@iowa_don]

The complexity of your layout is just jaw dropping. It must have taken quite a while from the first ideas to the final form. 14:43 - I'd say that is quite the beautiful neighborhood you live in! Wow!

[@rcgrabbag]

Thank you for the kind words!

[@RayBoebel]

I always refer to my 34ft x 8ft layout to my subs as a "monster". You sir, have a MONSTER!!!! Lots of work and still more to be done, but WOW....love your progress!! Keep posting sir!!

[@rcgrabbag]

Thanks for watching! Good luck with your monster!

[@schuylerschultz804]

This has the potential to be the greatest model railroad layout in the HISTORY of model railroad layouts!

[@rcgrabbag]

Wow, I only hope to reach a fraction of that potential. Thanks for watching!

[@user-ku7vh6or3b]

This layout is going to be outstanding!

[@rcgrabbag]

Thanks!

[@chuckmaddison2924]

That's dedication at an entirely new level. Bit more than I could handle. I probably would have built a cinema and used a smaller room for the trains. The cinema is great for cab rides.

[@catmungo4500]

I've been watching since season 1 episode 1 and its great to see how far things have come and btw where are you guys from?

[@MarkTheLostTraveler]

WOW !! I am happy along with the rest of your 51k subs to see you back. It's been 8 months since we have seen you. The layout is looking great. But I am getting a little worried. You started this 3 years ago. I hope im still alive to see it finished. lol. You would think the government was building this lol. Still very impressive has to be the best layout ever. Thank you for all your hard work.

[@rcgrabbag]

I hope I'M alive to see it finished, lol. Thanks for watching!

[@Sms68]

Insane Skills !!!!!

[@PaulFotschky]

Glad your back, thought I lost you.

[@MrGeroth]

I’m really looking forward to more videos.

[@Chris-BognorRegis]

Good Evening Sir, well its evening here on the South Coast of England. Thoroughly enjoying your massive layout build. I have to say thankyou at this stage. You are young, wealthy and living life to the full. But the bit I like about you is that you are indulging in a hobby that I truly love. At present I am living my dream through you, huge layout and not cutting back on the expense as it should be. Having served in the army, London Fire Brigade and 30 years as a front line police officer over here I have never had the time and certainly not the wages to do what you are doing and I often wonder had things been different what would I have done. Thanks to you I know exactly what I would have done. Your layout is fantastic, the modelling, trackwork etc is beautiful. Only thing I would change is that I would be modelling 1960's Southern Rail, UK but its not an issue in any way. I model in N Gauge 2mm only because I can cram more into my loft. I am extremely intrigued to watch how you go about filling in all those spaces in the brilliant intricate wood working that you have constructed. Love all the boys toys you have and very impressed that you know how to use them. I have trouble operating my mobile half the time. Those locomotives are truly awesome. What a shame that we no longer makes such good trains like this in our own country's. Mine are all made in China now. I loved the end section, what beautiful colours you have in your landscape, made me feel all warm inside, or was that the whisky mac LOL. Reminds me of Virginia. Kind regards Chris

[@rcgrabbag]

Hi Chris! Glad you are enjoying the content. My wife and I have been to England for our honeymoon and a few times since, one of our favorite travel destinations. Take care!

[@davevan8864]

Thanks,,,,,,,,I am working on a O3r 24 x 36......which does not seem so big now!

[@nak_attak]

Really insane the scope of this layout. Can't wait for it to be finished in 20 years 😄

[@rcgrabbag]

You and me both!

[@MrBillCNW]

Thank you for sharing. You do excellent work. You really have some great skill set. I don’t think I could ever do what you’re doing. You’re like a master layout builder. Everything looks perfect. I’m trying to build a small O Scale 2 rail layout in my shed but I had to stop because I got bad disc in my back and I can’t do anything Physical anymore and I can’t afford to pay somebody to do it, so there is my project sits I got a feeling I’m gonna end up selling all my trains cause I can’t move forward on my layout project, because of my health issues.

[@rcgrabbag]

Sorry to hear about your challenges. It's no fun when the mind wants to, but the body doesn't. Hope you get better!

[@MrBillCNW]

@@rcgrabbag Thank you for the kind words. Merry Christmas to you and your family. PS which city and state do you live in. I live in North Myrtle Beach South Carolina.

[@shannonnewman3091]

So Cool !

[@brettmariotte3343]

Great video.

[@rcgrabbag]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@briansilcox5720]

I was right… something was cooking at RC’s place. Worth the wait. I used a similar flooring in my workspace, nice choice.

[@rcgrabbag]

Thanks!

[@rraddena]

impressive layout and beautiful scenery at the end. What state?

[@officialnerdyfootballleagu7669]

That is beautiful! You should get the PRR T1 for your layout!

[@rcgrabbag]

Thanks! I have a couple! kzbin.info/www/bejne/fHmcaGyXr5WXiq8

[@luxmobilecardetailing]

I recently stumbled upon your channel and became a subscriber. Your content is amazing. I paint landscapes in acrylics and was inspired by the scenery in the neighborhood. I took a screenshot of the water and foliage shown at 15:49 in the video. I'd love to base a painting on it with your permission. I'm also curious as to what park you shot the video at. Thank you again for your outstanding content.

[@rcgrabbag]

Go ahead and paint away!

[@OthmarsVlog]

amazing and thumbs up 👍🍀💯

[@rcgrabbag]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@timbonjovi]

I really enjoy this I hope I live long enough to see it finished, LOL I'm 57 years old

[@rcgrabbag]

You and me both!

[@brettneumann7507]

This is great, especially the end. What area of the world are you located?

[@adambacher6220]

I have to ask, are you the voice from the “How it’s Made” series? Jk this is pretty cool, great videos. Would be awesome to check out if I was ever on that side of the country.

[@stratman9449]

Haa....i really admire your energy and work you put into this layout project..(itlooks great) but i really do so more foryou laying the floor AFTER the layout...well done...cheers....love it....p.s.my layout is a lot smaller...but theres tons of work to be done as well.....

[@rcgrabbag]

Thank you so much!

[@timpringle6505]

Very interesting views of the steam turbines. I have been designing a live steam version of these for several years in Gauge 1, which is intended to follow prototype practice, i.e. steam turbine and monotube boiler. I have found it extremely difficult to obtain drawings of the originals. I only have an outline of the proposed design and good plan of the bogies from the museum that contains GEC historical material. The design had been altered a little when they ran very successfully on the Great Northern metals. The prime cause of their failure on the Union Pacific was the fact that their condensing system didn't provide the expected range. I am sure this was due to a very simple reason. The exhaust was sucked into the condenser' when on the move. Obviously while being tested in the build shed , the exhaust will had been vented directly upwards. giving satisfactory results. Film evidence shows very clearly the fumes from the forward placed smoke stack being sucked in , staining the sides immediately in front of the inlet vents. By the time they were set on the Great Northern, GEC had obviously done something with the exhaust possibly altering it to exit directly in front of the condensing fans negating its probability of passing hot air though the condensers. The other thing they did was to run them back to back when used as a pair. They were an incredibly advanced design at the time. Essentially one man running two steam engines from a forward cab. Hopefully these manufacturers will be more cooperative in pointing me to a source of drawings for the full size prototype than Overland models were.

[@computerjantje]

Thank you for another video. This is model railroading at another level :) I have a question. Did you create a total and complete plan of tracks or are you creating new track ideas on the fly (as you go)? It is such a big project. I love that you make it possible for us to see it grow. Thank you again.

[@rcgrabbag]

Thanks! I designed the mainline runs before construction, with only general ideas for the rest.

[@privatesector0422]

Special thanks to Samuel Adams for making this all possible😊

[@anotheroldbloke]

Thought you weren’t coming back, don’t leave it so long again. Fantastic layout your attention to detail is staggering. Would love to see one of my locomotives going round, but I guess 1950s LMS steam would be out of place. 🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@rcgrabbag]

You might be surprised that I own a couple OO and HO locos from England, German, Austria, Italy among others. I expect they will show up on the layout from time to time!

[@anotheroldbloke]

@@rcgrabbag well thank you for getting back to me, I don’t know if you are aware but Rod Stewart is mad on Model Railways and his is US. Takes a layout on tour too I believe.