Large Scale Central

In-ko-pah RR pacing videos

General Discussion
#1

I tried out something new this evening… I mounted my camera on a four-wheeled flat car and placed it on a section of double track. Then I pushed it along by hand, keeping it pointed at the train which was running on the adjacent track. I shot two different angles – one with the camera slightly ahead of the train, looking back at the loco; and the other with the camera slightly behind the loco, looking forward at it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YNoF3X4ok_4&feature=channel

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KwpI-DoPRsg&feature=channel

These videos aren’t perfect but they’re pretty cool, and the technique is very promising.

#2

Looks like the test worked as you wanted Ray. Nice shots of the workmanship on the RR

#3

Those are neat. I don’t mind the sun in the second one but you might want to try the same shot but do it first thing in the morning and see which one you like better.

#4

That’s very cool. A great view of your RR too!

#5

Neat shots.

Better warn the wildlife. That lizard just missed being run over.

#6

Such a GREAT layout you have there Ray!! Always just "WOW’s me " Regal

#7

Thanks! I have some ideas for improvement…

I need to figure out a way to keep the camera steadier. I managed to dampen the vibrations a little but it needs more work. The camera car rocks too much, so I have to fix that too. Also, it’s tricky to keep the camera pointed at the train – I can’t see the image on the view screen very well when I’m pushing the camera car.

#8

I think you’re onto something…and I’m sure you’ll be able to come up with a fix for the prob (I didn’t notice)…spend about 10 more hours out there filming and I’d say you could come up with a 5 min short that would woo the crowd! :slight_smile:

I always enjoy your RR either in Still or motion, it’s inspiring!

cale

#9
Ray Dunakin said:
Thanks! I have some ideas for improvement...

I need to figure out a way to keep the camera steadier. I managed to dampen the vibrations a little but it needs more work. The camera car rocks too much, so I have to fix that too. Also, it’s tricky to keep the camera pointed at the train – I can’t see the image on the view screen very well when I’m pushing the camera car.


You need to find a 6 inch camera operator - Perhaps you could train a Geco. That insurance company has found them to be very talented :smiley: Once you have an operator, build a damping mechanism for the camera, and push the camera car with a small quiet electric engine.

If I had better ideas I would have used them already. Good luck with your quest for professional realism !

#10

Ray,

Thanks for sharing, that is a great view of your railroad.

#11

Ray that is a really neat video approach - VERY realistic. The double track scenario is excellent.
The answer to your smoothness/aiming problem may lie in constructing a R/C servo-powered rotating camera platform on a flatcar that has the truck bolsters modified to have very little sideways rocking motion. Pull it with a small quiet engine. Doesn’t have to be a whole engine - maybe just a diesel brick with a rear coupler attached. - something low profile to keep from obstructing the camera’s view.
You could use a wireless camera to transmit the video in process to a nearby monitor so you could see what you’re shooting - and adjust the camera angle via the R/C servo on the fly…

#12

I like what you’ve done ,Ray…very creative and realistic :slight_smile: sure beats the pants off of the one train vid i’ve made so far…

can’t wait to see where you go from here…

#13

Install a gyro on the camera to dampen the vibrations. :stuck_out_tongue:

That is such an awesome idea. Where do you get these ideas, Ray? Does it hurt? :lol:

#14
TonyWalsham said:
Neat shots.

Better warn the wildlife. That lizard just missed being run over.


Yes I finally saw that about 14 seconds into the second video!!
:lol: