I’ve been experimenting a bit with videotaping the layout, including onboard video and trackside “railfan” shots. Then I study the video and look for things that could be improved by shooting from a different angle, different distance, etc.
The onboard shots are really cool, although it would be nice if the camera could pan ahead on curves. There was an article in GR a while back about how to build a special camera car that could do this. I may try making one someday. However, it only works if the camera is not at the very front of the train.
On the horseshoe curves at each end of the layout, the camera at the front of the train is aimed away from the scenery, shooting mostly out of scale fences, houses, etc. I think what I’d like to do is edit together the onboard shots with the trackside shots. So when the train comes to those places, the view would cut to a trackside shot of the train passing by.
Something else that comes through on video is the need for sound! On some of my shots, the only thing that gives it away as a model is the lack of realistic steam loco sound effects. All you can hear is the whine of the motor, and the squeaking wheels.
Also, the onboard camera pics up an excessive amount of squeaking, squealing, and rolling sounds. Next time, I’ll try padding the camera car with foam or something, see if that reduces the noise a bit.
