Chat Building Models in Zoom Meeting, Thursday, May 13, 2021

I just did a little test with Doug on his Zoom video setup. This is going to work out very nicely!

Thank you, Rich, for the great video and lighting advice. I'll work on the "studio" a bit in the coming week. Research says that Benjamin-Moore Neon Green 2032-10 is a good color for the green screen. Just happen to have a quart on the shelf.

The upcoming Amherst Railway Society's Springfield show is going to be virtual and I plan to participate both days, January 30 and 31, 2021 by having all-day Zoom meeting sessions. If all goes according to Hoyle, there will be a link on my ARS virtual show guide listing and, if you click on it, you will be directed to my Zoom Meeting Waiting Room. We will then be able to talk trains like we do at a show.

As I am refining the hosting aspects of Zoom I am finding that having a meeting open for a few hours during the day is productive to talk order updates, new orders, techniques, new projects and the weather. I have scheduled the next trial for Monday, December 21, 2020 from 10:00AM to 2:00PM. Here is the link:

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8810...RlNPZFdidGc0R0NBUT09

Meeting ID: 881 0186 7981

Passcode: 703314

If you join the Zoom Meeting you will first be in the waiting room and I'll let you into the meeting. I may be puttering around the shop so give me a minute or two to check in after your doorbell rings. Primarily I would like to talk about variations of our shadowbox buildings and how one can be made for your layout. I have two new projects to also chat about. Our new project for the ARS Springfield show is the McElwain Shoe Factory of Nashua, NH. McElwain was a contract supplier to Tom McCann shoes. It is a 4-1/2 story structure that will be available in sections. I intend to produce height variations because the elevation will offer attractive visual stimulation at staggered heights and setbacks. There is also a stairbox element that is ideally suited to join sections and the joint line. It is the first project where the brick pattern is designed to match the actual building.

Saturday’s 1st session went well and I was able to work out a 4-shadowbox array, 50" long overall, for a street scale backdrop with elevated rail in front. The green screen is in production and will be done by mid-week.

I chatted with Doug during this test session and found it very helpful.  Coincidentally, Just the day before this test session,  I had sent him an email about a project that I am planning seeking his guidance on the use of his products.  His response was to invite me to his session.  I had been considering this project for a while and had wanted to talk to him face-to-face at York, but clearly Covid nixed that!  So this is a good second choice as I was impressed as to how well the video chat worked.  He did have some technical difficulties during the session, but found a temporary work around, hence the value of testing before going full scale.  Nonetheless, we accomplished more in 20 minutes that we would have via email and phone exchanges.  

Today's Zoom Meeting Availability 10:00AM to 2:00PM

Time: Dec 22, 2020 10:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8208...blJZSHZ2dWN4ZzVIQT09

Meeting ID: 820 8376 4860

Passcode: 300887

The Zoom Meeting link will be updated on a daily basis and put on the website's home page. Zoom Meetings have been held daily for a little over a week (except Christmas Day) and have proven very useful. While I have not had more than one person on at a time yet, the typical conversation has lasted about 30 minutes. I am still working to set up Rich's green screen and have used the iPhone as a camera to the shop display table. Weekday meetings will typically be scheduled between 10:00AM and 2:00PM. Saturday is 10:00AM to 3:00PM an Sunday is 7:00PM to 9:30PM. The idea is to set up "store hours" that everyone can get familiar with times, including myself. If you think that alternate times would be useful for you and others, please let me know.

Topic: TAML Daily Shop Talk 12-28-20; 10:00AM - 2:00PM

Time: Dec 28, 2020 10:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8408...RkRiR2tQdUJVeUIzUT09

Meeting ID: 840 8094 1119

Passcode: 913977

I apologize for the confusion with the Zoom Meeting links. After speaking with Zoom I will now use the same link for every meeting. The same Zoom Meeting link will open meeting ID 726 986 6630 with Passcode 770655. Meeting times are M-F 10AM to 2PM, Saturday 10AM to 3PM and Sunday 7PM to 9:30PM, all Eastern Standard Time. As of right now, Zoom does not have the ability to show an "away" or "come back tomorrow between xxx and xxx" message. I have requested the ability to do so.

I just ordered Rosco Blue Chroma paint to create blue screens for both the PC station and the shop's display table. I figured that blue would look better than green for sky behind the train table. I should have the blue screens up by the middle of January. Again, this is all in preparation for the ARS Springfield Virtual Show that happens on January 30 &31, 2021. (I am sure going to miss stopping at Two Weeks Notice Brewery after hours!)

Here is the new daily link:

Topic: TAML Daily Shop Talk

Time: Weekdays 10:00 AM, Saturdays 10:00AM, Sundays 7:00PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7269...Z3l3VW9NZzMvQjgvdz09

Meeting ID: 726 986 6630

Passcode: 770655

Happy New Year! In the shop and ready to chat about shadowboxes and buildings. Use the link above or find the same link to Zoom Meeting at the bottom of the website homepage.

I am still working on the logistics for hosting a daily Zoom Meeting. After a session with Zoom help over the weekend I am have set up a recurring Zoom Meeting for Monday through Friday. Same time, 10:00AM to 2:00PM. Same link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meetin...F4pLRNt28zVv1pD4fi-w

You will be asked to register. Registering consists of providing your first name and email address (boilerplate Zoom Registration), and last name and state (the additional information that I am asking for). I am trying out this sign in process because several people have tried to join one of the Zoom Meetings after I have ended them. This way, I can be sure to invite you to the next one(s). The process also asks to identify bicycles, crosswalks or parking meters. I apologize for that, but I don't think there is an option not to have to do so.

The weekday Zoom Meeting schedule format seems to be doing pretty well. Today is meeting #7. Drop in to chat about ongoing projects and the upcoming Amherst Railway Society's Virtual Show at the end of the month. I am in the shop, but will be airbrushing, cutting and painting the blue screens. The Rosco Video Paint Chroma Key Blue quart arrived. I went with blue instead of green so that I wind up with a blue background to the display table. I am curious to see what will happen when I imbed a picture on the blue screen and then have the iPhone on it as a live participant.

Here is the weekday link, good from 10:00AM to 2:00PM:

Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meetin...F4pLRNt28zVv1pD4fi-w

Again, I am doing the registration process so that I have your email address so I am able to ask you back to the meeting if we do not connect.

Just finished painting 1/2" thick Gatorfoam with Rosco Video Paint. Light coat of Krylon Gray Primer and then rolled the Video Paint on. Seems to cover very well with one coat. Its going to be a lot of deep sky blue!

What you don't see behind me when you sign on the daily Zoom Meeting sessions. Stop by today and I'll send you a bench kit or set of laser cut PolyBak stars.

Here is the weekday link, good from 10:00AM to 2:00PM:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8813...VGNsOWhaZ3YranB4UT09

This update and hopefully last update does not require registration as that seemed to be a stumbling block for myself and others

New lighting and blue screen. Check it out today!

Sign on to today's Zoom Meeting if you would like to chat about the variations of the McElwain Factory Warehouse project. A 2-3/8" deep shadowbox version has been developed to add a single window column on the side, also providing for greater front elevation setbacks when using multiple pieces with staggered heights.

The daily weekday (M-F, 10AM-2PM EST) link is

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8813...VGNsOWhaZ3YranB4UT09

Meeting ID: 881 3025 4125

Passcode: 296362

I couldnt get into the meeting today, but what a GREAT idea. I hope to join future meetings.

Alan- Nice chatting with you this morning!