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The Rockford O Scalers have been wanting to try taking a track level video for quite some time and we finally got around to it a few weeks ago.  The camera was mounted to a flat car and pushed around the layout by our Sunset 3rd Rail CGW 2-10-4.  

We like the way this first attempt turned out but we think we can do better with a bit of practice.  Our improvements for next time will be to have opposing trains running on the other track, angle the camera down a bit to get less of the ceiling in the view  and eliminate those “giant people” that pop up occasionally!

Unfortunately, our video (4.5 minutes) file is too large to upload to the forum (122mb vs 100mb limit) but here is a link to it on You Tube.  If you watch it, let us know what you think.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ziCqTAsphjg

And feel free to post similar videos if you have them.

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For more videos and pictures of the ROS layout, please visit our facebook page "Rockford O Scalers".  ROS is not really a club, at least not in the traditional sense.  No dues, no set rules, no political BS.  It is just 3 or 4 modelers (currently Frank, Tom and me) who have a common passion and get along well with each other.  

In 1993, a group O scalers got together and constructed several O scale modules to display at the local trains shows two or three times a year.  Those modules still form the heart and soul of the current layout.  I "joined" the group in the mid to late 90's.  As we began to get older in the mid 2000's, (and the modules got heavier!), I became one of the luckiest model railroader ever and the modules were moved semi-permanently into my basement.  In theory, most of the layout is movable but hopefully that won't happen for many years to come.    

If you are ever in the Rockford Illinois area, we love to have visitors.  

Nice video! I think the camera angle is about right. I do agree: Seeing some on coming traffic would liven things up a bit. The "giants" comment is valid as well. I would caution others around you that the train is recording sound as well as video. I found some of the background vocals a bit distracting. 

Where did you get your backdrops? They are very nice, and pretty much what I've been looking for. How do you have them attached to the walls?

Keep up the excellent work!

Chris

LVHR

The wig wag signal is a Wiseman Model Services kit.  It unfortunately does not operate.  I built the signal so it will rotate when moved manually with the very slim hope that someday I will add a mechanism to make it work.

The first (which is also the last) visible backdrop to the left plus the only one visible to the right are Backdrop Warehouse rejects.  In their early years,  they were still figuring out the printing details and would sell the rejects at a significant discount.  The occasional lone builds are Clever Models paper buildings.  The rest of the backdrops are Sceniking.  They went out of business a few years ago (I think the owner wanted to retire).  Their website has been updated recently so it looks like they are back in business. 

 

luvindemtrains posted:

Hi Frank,

The video is great, I really like that perspective on a wonderfully detailed layout such as this one. I took it upon myself to watch the other vids and besides the request for slightly longer videos, I wanted to ask how did you all make your cornfields?

Dave

Hi Dave,

The cornfields by the tobacco shed and the barn (we assume those are the ones you are referring to) were made with pieces of “AstroTurf” door mat.  They don’t look too bad, do they?

Regards,

Frank

Yves posted:

Fantastic video and so relaxing. Honestly, this layout is more a show-off of an incredible collection of automobiles. Trains seems to be an after thought.... :-)

Yves

Hi Yves,

A073CEFB-A25D-4DF3-8B40-ACA455C24216

 

There is no doubt that we like to include cars and trucks on the layout, however, if you ever pay us a visit you will understand that our priority is definitely on 1/48 O Scale railroad models and not the other way around.  This just isn’t that noticeable in the track level view but the two photos give you a better idea of what the layout consists of.

Regards,

Frank

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Frank McCabe posted:
luvindemtrains posted:

Hi Frank,

The video is great, I really like that perspective on a wonderfully detailed layout such as this one. I took it upon myself to watch the other vids and besides the request for slightly longer videos, I wanted to ask how did you all make your cornfields?

Dave

Hi Dave,

The cornfields by the tobacco shed and the barn (we assume those are the ones you are referring to) were made with pieces of “AstroTurf” door mat.  They don’t look too bad, do they?

Regards,

Frank

Thanks Frank. They look wonderful from what I could see. If you get the opportunity please post a shot of them.

Dave

Frank McCabe posted:
Yves posted:

Fantastic video and so relaxing. Honestly, this layout is more a show-off of an incredible collection of automobiles. Trains seems to be an after thought.... :-)

Yves

Hi Yves,

A073CEFB-A25D-4DF3-8B40-ACA455C24216

 

There is no doubt that we like to include cars and trucks on the layout, however, if you ever pay us a visit you will understand that our priority is definitely on 1/48 O Scale railroad models and not the other way around.  This just isn’t that noticeable in the track level view but the two photos give you a better idea of what the layout consists of.

Regards,

Frank

You are right. The track view does not give an idea at all of the incredible roundhouse and staging areas that you have.

How about a track view of the Roundhouse and the other parts of the layout? That would be fantastic.

Yves

Last edited by Yves

 Frank, here is a trolly I made for the Hero 4 Go Pro camera.  it is exactly at track level and works great.  You'll eliminate those ceiling shots...

IMG_20200402_171027147_HDRIMG_20200402_171244063_HDRIMG_20200402_171351795_HDRIMG_20200402_171451918_HDR

The battery is just for some added weight..  You can place directly in front of a loco, or hook up to a caboose and get a rear view film that is also really cool and actually shows off more of the real estate and landscaping.  If interested, I can post a video for you'.. to see what you think...

Here's a short take at track level'... https://youtu.be/n-IRcJcHszY

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Last edited by Quarter Gauger 48

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