Video Layout Update #18

 

Just uploaded a new video update to YouTube. You can find it HERE

Video Layout Update #16

 

A real short update this time - it's summer so not a lot going on in the basement - but mostly because of a project that I thought would be a piece of cake turned out to be a real menace. 

https://youtu.be/6OZuQ81UK1g

Op Session #1 and Video Layout Update #15

The Richford Turn leaves Enosburg enroute for Richford during Session #1. 

Last Sunday was hot and muggy (though downright pleasant compared to today!) - the perfect weather to retreat to the basement where it's always a pleasant sunny day in mid October in northern Vermont! 

The occasion was operating session 1.0 on the Richford Branch. 

I invited three good friends over to put the layout through its paces. I was concerned there wouldn't be enough to do to keep them entertained and occupied, but was pleasantly surprised to find that wasn't the case. In the end the layout supported an enjoyable, low key session for three operators and could have handled a fourth operator if only there had been another throttle available. 

Operating the layout solo over the last couple of years revealed that working the town of Richford itself can easily consume an hour or so - the paper mill another hour or so - meaning it might take the branchline local 4 hours+ to finish its run over the entire layout. 

Bernie ponders his next move with the mill job. 

My original intention for this session was to have two trains, each with a two-person crew - one working the paper mill job, the other running the branchline local around the rest of the layout. But that would still require the branchline local to work  Richford yard. 

So we tried something different and created a Richford yard job that spotted and sorted the cars for the local when it pulled into town. Not entirely prototypical for my era, (it was done that way in earlier eras) but it worked out really well. 

Todd brings the Richford Turn into Richford as Bill looks on. 

It worked out so well I think we'll stick with this lineup for the foreseeable future: 

1. Richford Turn (the branchline local)

2. The Mill Job - works the paper mill

3. Richford Yard Job 

4. The Charlton Turn - works the "northern SNE" section of the railroad. 

We also discussed the possibility of breaking the milk cars into a separate train. Depending on how many people we have I might try doing that next time. The Richford Turn has a lot of do as it is, and shifting the milk traffic to its own train may prove an ideal solution. 

There were no issues with anyone feeling cramped or crowded - a function of mostly 3+ foot aisles in many places. That also  means I can accommodate more operators by going to two-person crews in case, for example, a group of people come from out of town to operate. 

I was giving serious consideration to removing the paper mill peninsula and lengthening the Richford peninsula and adding a turnback curve that would loop around into more staging. Based on the feedback from the operating crew, the paper mill stays - for now. 

That covers number of trains and operators - but did the layout offer sufficient play value? I was somewhat concerned people would find it boring to operate, they would be done in 15 minutes and wondering what they were supposed to do the rest of the day. 

In the end I didn't need to worry - the layout kept us busy for the better part of 2.5 hours. And everyone finished about the same time. 

How did the layout perform? 

In short, there were a couple of little glitches, but nothing overwhelming. Likely since I’ve been running the layout on and off for a few years.

A few gremlins did raise their heads - nothing horrible but enough to need some attention. 

For example, I'm going to fix (ie, replace!) a turnout in Berkshire that just doesn’t want to cooperate. And Todd managed to find the one spur where the feeders were loose (or not there!) so I need to deal with that. And the track in Charlton needs a good cleaning. 

The only other “issues” were one or two cars with coupler issues. I put them aside and will deal with them before they go back on the railroad.

The only other thing I need to deal with is upgrading some of the operator aides - apparently my handwriting hasn’t improved since grade school!

All in all a great time was had by all - thanks to Stic for all his help getting us to this point (unfortunately he was out of town so he missed this one) and to Bernie, Bill, and Todd for bringing the Richford Branch to life! 

And I posted a new video update on the layout, that shows some of the progress on a couple of structures and provides a hot wash of the operating session #1. You can find that on You Tube at: 

https://youtu.be/gww1AGRdOJU?si=S7JHRQzSGxN2AJKp

Video Update #14

 Just published a new layout update on YouTube - this one includes a closer look at a new addition to the junction area, discusses future plans for that section of the layout, and includes some video we shot test running the newly released Broadway Limited B&M 2-8-4. I was so impressed with that model I think we'll be adding one to the SNE's roster!

You can find the video here:

https://youtu.be/pfm3Z6blNtw

New Video Update #13

 I've posted a video update showing progress on the layout to date. You can find it on YouTube HERE

Video Update #12

 I recorded and posted a quick video update - and then got distracted by the holidays and forgot to provide a link to the video here! 

At this point I'm sure most everyone who's interested has found this thing, but in case you missed it, here's a link to the video on You Tube:

https://youtu.be/WMBTFFrr-ng

Apparently you can also get directly to my YouTube channel by searching for @cvsne678. 

Enjoy, and Happy New Year! 

New Video - Forced Perspective Scene - Part II "Landforms"

 Posted a video update HERE on the Forced Perspective scene. In this video I cover how to blend rivers into the backdrop and the process of creating realistic landforms out of foam. 

Enjoy!

In the meantime here's a seriously zoomed in photo of the covered bridge mentioned in the video. Started working on ground texture and planting trees. This is really hard to reach (I knew that going in!) - frankly I should have done the scenic textures on the workbench and then positioned them on the layout. Live and learn! 

Walking Tour and Layout Update Video 11

 I've just posted (finally!) a tour of the layout.  The video is basically a walking tour of the layout as it currently exists - with some train running thrown in for fun!

Here's a link to the video:

https://youtu.be/pz_AFnexlHY

Why no backdrops?

Why I didn't add backdrops (other than the room walls) to my layout can be summarized by this photo. 

 

I got an interesting email on one of my recent video layout updates the other day. ***

Essentially, the email questioned why I didn't include backdrops along behind both peninsulas and behind the "front" section of the layout where the Enosburg Falls and "Junction" scenes are located. An earlier view of the layout from the front "viewing aisle" is shown below for reference:

There's a couple of reasons I didn't include backdrops on those sections of the layout. In no particular order they are:

1. One of the toughest things to deal with in model photography and videography are shadows reflected from the 3-d world onto the 2-d wall, which is supposed to represent sky. Last time I checked, the sky outside my window doesn't reflect anything. 

Adding more backdrops is simply adding more walls - creating more distracting shadows that have to be addressed. 

2. Somewhat related to #1 is the issues with lighting that additional backdrops would introduce. If there's one area where we model railroaders really need to focus it's on thinking through and improving layout room lighting. I really failed in this area on my previous layout, and although I feel the current layout room lighting is better,  it's far short of ideal. 

More backdrops means more light is getting blocked from reaching the layout - the solution of just adding more light fixtures in the hope the problem goes away only goes so far!

3. Multiple peninsulas broken up with backdrops may help create a sense of isolation and distance - and if that's the goal that's fine. But such a benchwork footprint usually means narrow shelves (a few inches on each side of the track has been promoted by some) which may serve the purpose of stretching the mainline length but at the expense of visual impact. The only photo angle available is the "extreme 3/4 wedge shot." Worse than that, when viewing the layout in person you will find it a struggle to achieve the sense of a train in the environment - it usually looks like exactly what it is - a model train running along a narrow shelf with a modicum of scenery on each side. 

The 3/4 wedgie view of a train - you better like this perspective - a lot - unless you include some deeper scenes somewhere on your layout. 

4. The last, and perhaps most important reason I didn't add a bunch of backdrops to the layout room is simply the fact that I enjoy stepping back and surveying the landscape. In person it's pleasant to look at the layout. And, when you drop the camera down to eye level you can achieve some truly deep, realistic vistas. 

If you don't care for my thoughts on rabbit warren layout design, you don't want to hear about my preference for continuous running! 

(***I tried to illustrate some of this in my latest video layout update - you can see that on YouTube by clicking HERE. )

New Video and a (quick) Progress Report

I realized that I haven't posted an update since just after Christmas. Yikes! time flies when you're (not) having fun!!

Frankly the first two weeks of January I was simply too depressed to head into the basement and do anything but binge watch Netflix shows on Formula One racing and a sci-fi action series called "The Expanse."

Then Chrissy came home one day and announced someone at her office had tested positive for Covid-19. She had a cough at the time, so figured she should get tested "just in case." Well, she turned out to be positive as well. 

I actually tested negative - so we did the whole "you live upstairs and I'll live downstairs thing" for the latter half of January. 

Good times.... 

And, although work has been nuts lately with the changeover in administrations etc... I did manage, at long last - to finally finish the Tortoise install project! I can also announce that the vast majority of wiring is also completed! 

My plan is to turn my attention from the layout and focus on bench projects - there are a number of half finished freight cars sitting around in various corners of the layout and workshop, and I want to focus on getting a South River kit finished. 

Which leads to a link to a video update on my progress so far on the South River kit, which you can find on YouTube  HERE. 

Video Layout Update 09

Hope all had a Merry Christmas - and wish all nothing but the best for 2021!Just prior to the holidays I posted a layout update video on YouTube. 

Here’s the link:

https://youtu.be/tiYp0WPG6TI

I’m afraid there’s not a lot of visually exciting things to share - I’ve been spending virtually all my hobby time in the last month or so working on electrical and mechanical items - but I’m happy to report the seemingly never-ending Tortoise install project is almost completed!

I also got an early Christmas present this year in the form of a couple of Athearn CV GP9s. 

It’s likely impossible for folks who model things like the Santa Fe, Conrail, BNSF etc,,, to appreciate how much of a thrill it is to get a complete factory painted locomotive that I don’t have paint/decal etc.. myself!

While I do get to use factory painted CN locomotives from time to time, CV factory painted engines are a comparative rarity. 

It’s happened exactly three times with diesels that I can think of in the past - an Atlas RS-11 (two paint schemes) and an S-2!

Apparently there are some “issues” with the details on the Athearn GP9s - I’m hardly a diesel locomotive expert so you’ll have to ask someone who knows more than I do for a run down on the issues. 

To me, they look like CV GP9s and sound nice - and all I had to do was figure out how to get them out of the packaging! 

Video Layout Update #7

I just posted a video layout update to my "CVSNE" YouTube channel. 

You can find the video HERE

Video Layout Update #6

Just released on my YouTube Channel!

A video update on the Richford Branch layout - including the chance to see Stic Harris conduct the first "walkthrough" of the swing gate. 

Plus some other stuff. 

What else could you possibly waste 5 minutes and 41 seconds on? (don't worry, it's not Stic the whole time....)

Just click HERE to go directly to the video. 

Status Report - End of July 2019

Layout Video Update for July 2019 can be found HERE

Unfortunately a lot more went on UNDER the layout than on top, entirely necessary of course but hardly photogenic! But here's a quick rundown:

1. All the track on the outer "loop," including all sidings and spurs (with the exception of the bridge and swing bridge) are complete. That's track down, wired, tested, and debugged.

2. Started laying out the track "full size" on the paper mill peninsula (I'm considering calling this area "Stafford Mills" since there's one too many "Sheldon <fill in blank>" on the layout. Someone mentioned that might confuse operators. I think it might since it confuses me.
You'll find Stafford Mills was the location of the paper mill complex on the original Southern New England (see MRP 2000). Besides, I came up with the name Stafford Mills for my first "real" model railroad back when I was in high school. I liked it then and I liked it now. 

3. Continued with creating a realistic, and visually appealing, composition for the Enosburg Falls section. I sketched, and re-sketched some of the streets a half dozen times, but I think it's finally taking shape.

4. I didn't do a great of bench modeling this month, but I did finally finish this structure - Ben Thresher's Mill. You might remember it from the previous SNE layout in its unfinished state. I still don't quite know where (or if) it will find a home on this layout - at the very least I'm going to build a small diorama and install the mill pond and damn.

I'm on the docket to do a couple of clinics this fall. The first will be at the Mid-Atlantic Railroad Prototype Modelers Meet (MARPM) in September. The second will be at the Mid-East Region, NMRA Convention outside Philadelphia in October.

Layout Video Update #4

I've posted another video update. You can find it on YouTube by clicking on this LINK. 

I'm really enjoying doing these video updates - although if you're not careful video can become a real time sink and frankly I need to spend my hobby time working on the layout not messing around on the computer!

Appreciate any and all constructive feedback - positive and not so positive. Just remember, like the blog, this video is worth every penny you're paying for it!

And remember, a thumbs down vote, without some indication of why you feel that way, is virtually useless to me. 

I'll say that this particular update is a little more "what I'm going to do" as opposed to "what I've done" - something that didn't dawn on me until I was editing it. 

Video Update #3

I've been pretty busy working on the layout for the last few weeks - you can see the progress in the latest video update I've posted to my "CVSNE" You Tube channel - 

Or you could simply click the link HERE 

Video Layout Update #2

For those of you interested, I just posted a short (about 7 minute) video update. 
This features a quick pan of the layout area, showing the benchwork in its current state and then does some minimum radius testing on both a CV 2-8-0 and, just for fun, a 2-10-4. You can find it at the link here, or by clicking on the photo below. 
And if you like the video channel please consider subscribing and leaving a comment!

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Wordless Wednesday #196 - Layout Video Update July 2018

Click HERE for a link to monthly layout update.

Video Update #1 - Lessons Learned

One of the gremlins with the BlogSpot software is the length of comments is limited, meaning a long comment, or reply, will often be cut off in mid-sentence.
Over the weekend I posted a link to a video update I made - I received the following comment in the thread for that post from Mike Cougill. Rather than deal with the limits of the comment section, I decided to make my response it's own post.

Here's Mike's comment and my reply:

Hi Marty,
Your videography has a solid foundation to build on. The motion is smooth and consistent, with each scene well lighted. Tthe audio is clear with excellent sound quality and natural sounding narration. Excellent beginning.

Regards,
Mike Cougill

Thanks for the kind words Mike.  
Although I’ve shot “grab shot” videos before, this was the first time I tried to create something resembling a coherent, technically acceptable product.  My goal was to create something at least one step above unwatchable – in other words an acceptable baseline from which I could progress.
While I didn’t write a script, I did use some notes taped to the underside of the camera on the tripod to keep me on track.  What you heard (and saw) in most cases was the second or third time I’d shot the segment – in fact I shot a whole segment on fascia colors that ended up on the cutting room floor. In all, I shot about 3 or 4 times more “footage” than I actually used. 
The video editing is an enjoyable challenge, but it does take time.  All told, I spent a pleasant few evenings and one Saturday morning working through the process, toying with the software (iMovie), and the like.  I found structuring the content of the video no different in principle from writing for print – but there the similarities end.
A few seconds on a single image with voice over feels like an eternity. Excessive panning creates a dizzying viewing experience.  And you need to think through what the viewer can see, and what they will be hearing. for example, in the "here's what's in the box" segment I should have spent less time showing my ugly mug and cut back and forth to video closeups of the parts of the model I was holding up. Doing that, of course, takes longer than simply holding up the stuff in the box but the results will be far better.
I tried to focus on not saying “um, and eh and the like.” The video editing process came pretty easy – once I figured out the software. I found audio editing is an entirely different animal.  More than once I found I’d cut some video and fail to accurately cut the corresponding audio, resulting in me talking about something the viewer wasn't seeing. I also need to add some musical outros and intros for the segment transitions.
I was impressed with the performance of my iphone 6 in shooting both the video and the audio.  I felt I might have needed to do a “voice over” for the layout tour sections, but the audio levels once boosted slightly matched the “sitting at the modeling desk” portion so I went with them.
I should add the inspiration to do this video was from Mike Deverell (see his Colorado Front Range YouTube channel), and Gerry Leone's Bona Vista update videos (also on YouTube).  Mike's are long, extremely well done shows (they're almost broadcast quality) - while Gerry's updates are a little more "shoot from the hip."  I can see advantages and disadvantages to both approaches.
We'll see how this evolves over the next few months.
But, hey, I had fun doing it and have more ideas (improvements!) for the next one!

Video Update #1 - December 2016

I'm going to try something new - doing monthly video updates on the layout. The first of them is posted on YouTube and can be found at the following link. 
Video production is something new to me, and I obviously have a lot to learn! 
I hope you enjoy and appreciate any and all feedback. 
It's available here.
https://youtu.be/Sm25muC3zfk