I've been intrigued by the aerial shots of small layouts, or sections of large layouts--that is, the "straight-down" shots. I do have the expertise to professionally illustrate my rather large 12 x 23 multi-deck layout plan. But I also have the expertise to take many straight down photos, and then stitch them seamlessly together into one large image. In my case, it would be three large images, as I have three decks. It would probably be much more work to arrange the photo shoot and then stitch things together than to just illustrate the layout. Suspending an expensive camera from the ceiling for the top deck gives me the heebee-jeebees, as I can no longer write off any disasters to a corporate parent! Has anyone out there tried this? The illustrations in the model railraod magazines are, generally, very well done. Would an actual photo approach add anything? Any thoughts? Pete
I do prefer a drawing of trackplan which I can examine without distraction an actual photo could have (like real scenery); and have some standard photographs, possibly with arrows indicating the camera position for each picture on trackplan - like a famous magazine does
The "aerial photography" approach is interesting, but I don't know that it really adds anything that a layout diagram or illustration wouldn't have. In some cases, I would think that the illustration is actually better - hidden track, track route more obvious/visible. Plus all that "tombstone" info is great (at least as MR tends to do it), but of course that could be added to any photo. Andrew
As well as a drawing can have a scale rather than a guestimation from a photo. So you KNOW how far a foot is in a drawing.
Does anybody recall the issue of MR a couple years back where someone did do an aerial photo compilation of their layout? I'll try to find it...
Yes. I believe that it would add a lot. Aerial photography is an excellent aid when researching a prototype. So why not the same for a model railroad? As for knowing the scale, if it would be possible to stretch out a tape measure along the edge of the benchwork, we see feet and inches. Boxcab E50
Scale is not a problem. I know how long the room is; once compiled I can use Photoshop to enlarge or reduce as needed. Pete [ 08. April 2004, 03:45: Message edited by: Pete Nolan ]
Ken Spranza has some tips for "aerial" photography of your layout at: http://www.horailroad.com/b_online_clinics.shtml It is on the "on-line clinic" page, but not officially an on-line clinic Andrew
Pete- I understand that you'd know the scale. But how will anyone else, unfamiliar with your layout, know the size/area of what they're viewing? Boxcab E50
Boxcab, It's a simple matter to add a grid on the non-layout parts, just like an illustration. Or a ruler. If I know for example, that the room is 23 feet 4 inches long, and the combined image is, say 16,800 pixels wide (or "long", to be consistent), then simple division shows a one-foot square grid line at every 720 pixels. I can always resize the combined image to a pixel size that allows for a convenient ratio--I don't want a grid line every 62.245 pixels, for example. It's also simple to add dashed lines for hidden tracks, or call-outs for features. I've done a lot of panoramas in photography, and a lot of "tiling" in designing brochures, so I'm sure I can get smooth transitions, resulting in a seamless image. I'd have to be careful about the pincushion effect that even the best lenses produce. This effect sometimes makes it hard to match edges. But software tools can eliminate that also. And I'd have to be a little careful about exposure, just to make the matching easier--but my experience says that's not a major problem if you're a little careful. Now, whether it's worth all the work is my real question. Pete
Pete- Grid lines would certainly do it for me. If you have a friend who models in N scale, there's a favorite view of mine in a Kalmbach book. "Modeling The Clinchfield Railroad In N Scale." The two page centerfold is not quite a direct overhead shot. But it helps give an excellent feel for the finished product. Boxcab E50
Boxcab, I model in N scale. Somewhere, deep in the bowels of my boxes of books that don't fit in our new library room, the Clinchfield book lurks. I vaguely remember the shot. Hoss, Patience! There are only so many hours in a week, and I'd much rather run trains and build the layout than take photos. I have given it a quick shot(s). The quickies don't work satisfactorily, just prove it's feasible. Pete
Do I ever have a deal for you! I can provide you with extra train running time. On special now, order one of my patented 25 hour days! Especially designed for N scalers... Boxcab E50
Hoss- Currently only two items in our product line. The 25 hour day. And the new, improved, (sold only on tv), 5 day weekend. Sorry to say that the response to my offer has been so great, that we are temporarily sold out. We do have further items under development. All of which will greatly benefit people in the railroad hobbies! Among them, just about ready to ship, is our "Instant Layout." Now packaged in a convenient spray can, for all scales including Zn30. Many sizes, 8oz, 12oz, 16oz, etc., to choose from, depending upon the space you have available. Fill a basement with your desired empire in seconds! All that's necessary is one quick spritz! Stay tuned for further announcements!!! And now, I return to my usual delusions of grandeur. Boxcab E50 [ 10. April 2004, 00:29: Message edited by: BoxcabE50 ]
I think you got short changed an hour. You need to consult with Boxcab and maybe help yourself get caught up.
Boxcab, we recently released our 9 day week. 6 working days, and 3 day weekends EVERY week. Great for those weeks at work where you simply dont have enough time to get stuff done or someone removes a day on you, and a long weekend every week. The bonus is, you can take 11 days off and its only a week to the company! Of course, we've left 52 weeks in every year, so by calculation it means everyone automagically becomes 30% younger overnight!
