Passing Loop

Friday Fun: Famous Artists Model Railroads

2008-05-16T04:42:00.000-07:00

Carl Arendt from Micro Small Layouts wonders what kind of a model railroad would a famous painter have? Here are some for your friday entertainment.

High-Definition Train Simulation System

2008-05-14T05:30:00.000-07:00

Fujitsu in collaboration with video game developer Ongakukan has developed the world's first train simulation system using high-definition video.

Conventional simulators for train operators so far have relied on computer-generated graphics. But through its technical collaboration with Ongakukan, Fujitsu was able to develop variable-speed playback technology for high-definition video shot on actual train lines.

Fujitsu is considering making this simulator available not only to railway operators but also to train and transport museums, amusement and children's facilities. You can buy one commercially for just $29,000.

Modelbuilder updates coming

2008-05-13T05:39:00.000-07:00

Evan Designs posted a comment to my previous post about an update coming in the next few days to the ModelBuilder software.

Finally we will have a triangle and other shapes built into a new palette.There will also be a gambrel roof slope and some more shapes. This will give us a lot of flexibility in designing. Check their site or come back here when i post the new features.

Scratchbuilding Project: More Progress

2008-05-12T05:41:00.000-07:00

Assembling windows is the most time-consuming task in any scratch building project. And this is when i was using commercial windows! But i finally finished all the windows and glued the walls together.

I also had to glue and hold the walls at right angles till it set. For the next project i should get a Right-angle clamp from Micro-Mark.

The edges of where the walls meet were covered by a strip of card and then painted brown.

I used Grey Roof tile sheet from ScaleScenes for the roof. I cut the strips and then staggered them from the bottom up, overlapping the newer one slightly as i went up.

A light brown roof tile strip was placed on the roof ridge and a rectangle cut was made for the chimney.

I used tissue paper to make the curtains. For some windows, i just put a rectangular strip to depict a roller blind. For other windows, i twisted the strip to represent a tie-back curtain.

I then glued it against the back of the windows. Looks messy but sort of represents a curtain.

The company house is finally standing but still more details need to be added. Eaves, chimney, front porch and steps need to be done.

Two things i learnt while doing these steps. Keep your hands clean. After handling white glue with bare hands, i accidentally left smudges on the walls. And the second step is, don't try to rush it. You will get glue, paint and make embarrassing cuts in the obvious spots. Take a break and come back to it later.

Future Rail Sim? I wish!

2008-05-09T05:36:00.000-07:00

This is actually an animation created by rvg1hwnd but i wish someday, railsim could reach this standard. Enjoy!

ModelBuilder Tips: A better workaround

2008-05-08T06:24:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, i talked about bypassing the restrictions of the ModelBuilder application in creating the slopes for the roofs by putting markers and then drawing a line after you print it. This method was somewhat tedious. After thinking about it, i came up with another better way.

DOWNLOAD: angle-left.gif and angle-right.gif

This method uses a rectangle gif file in which one diagonal part is transparent. As shown, the yellow is transparent.

You will import these and "subtract" the parts you dont want to see.

Lets create a new wall in model builder. We will have to create a block for the sloping roof portion. It just helps in height calculations. As shown below, the roof apex height will be 6' and the mid-point should be 13/2 = 6.5

Now, we will import the angle-left image and set the top and left to be the same as the roof block. Its height will be 6' and the width will be 6.5'

Similarly, import the angle-right image and set the top, height and width parameters. The left would be 10' + width of angle-left = 16.5'

What do you know! Our slope is completed. This is way easy than yesterdays method. Now for the bad part :-(
When you print it out the subtracted parts still show.

Now, you know why i put a black diagonal line separating the yellow transparent and the white halves. It will show no matter what and you can use that as a guide for cutting.

Hope you like this method. It just a little trigonometry and a simple subtraction...

ModelBuilder Tips -n- Tricks

2008-05-07T06:27:00.000-07:00

As promised in my last post, i want to share some tips and workarounds using the Modelbuilder software.

1. Always, change the Top and Left parameters.

Make it some nice whole number so that you can quickly calculate the positions of the various objects that you will place on your drawing relative to this.

2. Window Placeholders
MB has many in-built windows that you can place on your walls. It looks great but in the final assembly, it might come up looking flat.

I prefer using commercial windows by Tichy, Grandt or Rusty Stumps. To help me create a opening, i import a small white jpeg in the drawing and resize it to the actual window opening. The white block will help you when you cutout the opening.

Download: WHITE.JPG

3. MB allows you to import a line drawing in WMF format. This helps you in cutting out the drawing precisely.

However, i haven't yet found free CAD software that can export to WMF. Some do but when you bring it in MB, the scale somehow is way off. MB doesn't let you create lines or slopes yet and so you cannot do something like this:

So for the sloping parts of the drawing, i came up with markers/placeholders that will help you to cut it. I use a sideways marker and a top marker to mark the points. Import the side-marker.gif file. Resize the height of the imported picture to the lowest that you can go. I use feet units so made it 0.1. Width can be whatever is easy to see. I used 5. Then place it at the two sides. Use the Arrange..Align Selected from the menu to flush all three object with their tops. It should now look like this:

Download: SIDE-MARKER.GIF

Now lets do the sloping part of the wall. The width of the wall is 20'. So, create another block of width 10' and the height of 5' or whatever is the height of your apex. Now, import the top marker and align it flush with its edge.

Download: TOP-MARKER.GIF

Right click the block you just added and create a duplicate. Put that on the other side.

Now you have your three points. After you print it on your cardstock, you can draw a line connecting the markers and cut it out along the line (blue)

Hope, these tips and workarounds help you out. As i keep saying, i love MB because i don't have to convert the measurements. I just plug in the actual dimensions, bring in the textures, maybe import images of posters/signs and i am done.

ScratchBuilding Project: Company House

2008-05-05T05:37:00.000-07:00

My Rusty Stump windows were waiting for some project so i decided to do the Ojibway Mining company house. It has a lot of windows and also an addition to the house. Would be interesting plan to do. The plan called for smaller window size but the Rusty Stump windows were 3x6 so had to modify the plan a bit to use them.

I used the measurements to come up with a mock up of the structure. This helps me get an idea of the structure size and also will help me assemble the walls in the correct order.

Mock-up

I tried to dimension the plan directly on the card stock using HO ruler and a protractor but the lines came out crooked. So launched Model Builder by Evan design and plugged in the measurements. I like model builder as you just need to plug in real measurements and no conversion is required. More about this in a later post.

Wall 1 in Model Builder

The materials included in Model Builder did not have a cream colored siding so i used a grey one as a temporary measure. I was also not using the Model Builder windows so i imported a white rectangle, re-sized to 3x6 to give me a place holder for cutting holes for window.

I printed the sides and glued (Elmer's/white glue) them to the card stock. I then cut out the pieces and the rectangles for the windows.

Printed and windows cut

I had bought a cream clapboard from ScaleScenes. They sell you PDFs of the various materials so you can print it many times. I love this feature and for your next card project give them a try.

I glued these on top of my sides and re-cut the windows again. I know, this is an extra step and i should have tried to figure out the siding editor in model builder. Maybe for the next project.

Cream Clapboard put in

Rusty Stumps windows are really great. They are laser cut and have an adhesive backing. It also comes with a clear acetate for window glazing.
I used a brown acrlyic to paint the windows/doors. The window parts were cut using a craft knife. I assembled one window at a time. I will have to purchase more windows as i will be 4 windows short.

Windows put in

I had a tough time cutting a perfect 3x6 hole in cardstock. After the windows were placed i noticed some gaps showing through between the
window frame and the wall.

Gaps showing

To fix this, i painted the gaps from the back.

Painted the back to cover the gaps

I have more windows and a door to do. I will update my progress after they are done and the four walls are glued together. I also want to put rain gutters and downpipes but haven't found a commercial product or everyday item to use for them. If you know of any do let me know.

Friday Fun: Just one more person

2008-05-02T06:24:00.000-07:00

An old 1991 clip...

Model Railroading help on DVD

2008-05-01T07:02:00.000-07:00

There are many books on model railroading and creating scenery but none are good as watching someone do it. This is where Model Railroading videos can help. Just like reading a cookbook is great but watching it on food network is much better. But i have a problem. Pricing!

I understand that these DVD don't sell like the Hollywood ones so most are priced $25 and greater. I have an issue trying to convince myself to spend that much. Some of you might not agree but disposable income is hard to come by these days.

I recently came across Model-trains-video (via ModelRailCast) who are using the iTunes model. They do sell DVD's for $25 and greater but what i liked about them is the downloadable video content. They are offering three formats, iPod ($1.99), DVD ($2.49) and HD Video ($2.99). They also have a short preview of the formats and you can then decide which appeals to you.

The iPod version is ok but will be choppy if you view it on your PC. Just as a preference, DVD or HD version will be clearer when viewing full screen on your PC.

Vidcap from the DVD clip

I purchased the DVD format of the Track ballasting and weathering clip. After you pay with Paypal, you almost instantly get an email with the downloadable link to the Zip file. This clip is about 64 Mb and runs for 6 mins. The step are explained very clearly. He shows how to ballast and weather the rails/ties. In all, i liked it and learned from it. The price is good and you can buy only those clips where you need a little help.

I wish that other publishers could use this retail model.

Railpax Magazine

2008-04-30T04:54:00.000-07:00

Railpax Magazine is a great site for you all to catch up on the latest passenger railroading news. They cover Amtrak, Commuter, Service alerts and fare specials from all over the US. After all, when you add it all up, rail travel makes a lot of sense!

Signs for your model railroad

2008-04-29T05:33:00.000-07:00

Billboards and advertisements stagically placed around your model railroads gives your layout a lot of realism. This trainweb site has a huge collections of signs. Most are public domain that you could print out. Please dont use a lot of signs as they will distract the viewer. A few well placed ads will bring your modeling era to life.

Friday Fun: How to crush tank cars

2008-04-25T04:35:00.000-07:00

Tank cars must be relieved of all interior pressure by cooling the tank with water or by venting the tank by raising the safety valve or opening the dome vent at short intervals otherwise....

Darjeeling Himalayan Trainz

2008-04-22T05:21:00.000-07:00

The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Trainz team created a very detailed and authentic route from Sukna to Darjeeling. All the buildings, foliage and objects were modelled after the prototypes. The route is DEM-based and can be downloaded for free from DarjeelingTrainz.

Here, we catch a charter train as she struggles her way from Kurseong towards Darjeeling.

Microsoft Train Sim 2 Updates

2008-04-21T02:14:00.001-07:00

Microsoft has released new BNSF and Norfolk Southern renders from their upcoming Train Simulator 2. These screens look great but i have to note that any rendered screen will always look better than the in-game screenshots.

Railroad Photography and your rights

2008-04-17T10:09:00.000-07:00

Every rail fan want to get up close and take that perfect shot . But there have been cases of harassment by authorities. This is not only happening in the US but elsewhere too.

Amtrak does allow photography from public spaces. They are even having a contest. MBTA has changed their policy wherein authority can ask for your ID. [PDF Link]

Print and keep your rights in your camera case. Also, if confronted, be polite and comply. Being brown, i have decided not to go out finding the perfect spot. I plan to stick to tourist rails and railroad stations. While taking the only clip at Mansfield station, i did notice some glances but i might be over-reacting. Maybe going in a group and wearing T-shirts screaming RAILFAN in bold letters would help.

Anyway, NYCSubway has a good list of the various transit policy here in the US and the London underground. Some policies might have been updated so please email them or ask around in any railroad forums. For those outside the US, check their respective railway website. Network Rail (UK),Connex and CityTrain (Australia)

TGV Atlantique Cabview

2008-04-15T11:44:00.000-07:00

Most cab-view videos on YouTube are amateurish but this one about the TGV Atlantique, is the best cab view that i have seen so far. The clip is professionally done with tons of cabviews with some passing and overhead shots.

It follows the TGV engineer, steping into the cab, driving it from Bordeaux to Paris. It is in 6 parts, the clip below is to part 1. Narration is in French so could not understand what was being explained.

High-Quality YouTube Videos

2008-04-14T08:01:00.000-07:00

I find a lot of railway cab rides or model railways on YouTube and used to bookmark them in order to come back to it later. There were ways of downloading the videos in FLV format but now there is another eaiser way to download it in a High-Quality MP4 format.
Go ahead fill up your hard drive!

[via Lifehacker]

Friday Fun: Quizzes

2008-04-11T05:07:00.000-07:00

Test your knowledge with some trivia questions on trains. Topics vary from Steam, Electric locos to railways from around the world.

I scored a miserable 5/10 on the Amtrak quiz. Hope you do better! Have fun!

NMRA Hub Division Spring Training Event

2008-04-10T05:08:00.001-07:00

NMRA Hub Division is having a Spring Training Event this Saturday April 12, 2008 - 10am to 4pm at the Sheraton Milford Hotel, 11 Beaver Street, Milford Massachusetts. [Map]

Some interesting classes will be:

Weathering Freight Cars by Scott Mason
Digital Photography by Michael Tylick
Kitbashing – the art of creative destruction by Dick Johannes
Making Trees by Gerald Abegg

Check out the full schedule of the various classes on their site.

NY subway cars swim with the fishes

2008-04-09T05:33:00.000-07:00

Retired New York Subway cars are being dumped in the sea to create an artificial reef for the fishes. Or, as Jeff Tinsman puts it "luxury condominiums for fish”. (Video/Animation )
[via kdawson in Slashdot]

Rail Simulator FOV

2008-04-09T04:58:00.000-07:00

Thanks to codrivermike for his post on UK Train Sim about changing the Field Of View (FOV) setting in Rail Simulator. Unlike Trainz, this one value affects both the World and the Cab view.

Located in your Rail Simulator installation directory, namely at C:\Program Files\Rail Simulator\Dev\scripts is a script file called engineScript.lua

Mine looks like:

fogParams ( true, 200, 1500, 200, 200, 200 )
setFov(65)
end

The default value for setFov is 65. I changed it to 45, 80 and 90 and have taken screenshots to show you the difference.
Click on the thumbnails to get a bigger image.

Cabin Views:


Note: I prefer the fov=80. This lets me view the tracks ahead along with the controls so i can use it without shifting the view.

World Views:


Note: Fov=90 seems skewed and may impact performace if you do not have a lot of memory.

Rail Simulator - Switching

2008-04-07T06:54:00.000-07:00

That did not take long... Found a post in the Train-Sim that explains with pictures how to set your switches in the yard. Also, if you prefer, this you-tube clip gives a hands on approach. Will try it out tonight.

Rail Simulator by Kuju

2008-04-07T05:55:00.000-07:00

I found the US version of Rail Simulator, on sale for $19.99 at the local Gamestop store. I had played the UK version demo and had liked the graphics and the sounds. There are many reviews already available of the Rail Simulator so i wont delve on them here.

The only difference between the UK and US version is that instead of the York to Newcastle route, the US version has the Cajon Pass between San Bernardino and Barstow. It also comes with the GE ES44AC and EMD SD40-2 locomotives.

I did noticed a few minor issues. The cab view is very restricted, ie. angle of view. I wish we could change it like we do it in trainz. The "G" key on the keyboard changes the switch ahead, but i do not see a visual indication. I spent only a couple of hours on it so might have missed something. Will post if i find something. Anyway, i did love the sounds of the diesels and the overall graphics. That said, I am not yet giving up on Trainz. The more train simulators out there, the happier i feel.

Click on the thumbs below for some screens. Will post a video sometime soon.

ModelRailcast Podcast

2008-04-04T05:02:00.001-07:00

ModelRailCast is the podcast hosted by Ryan Andersen that i had talked about. I had missed the last few updates but when i checked it out yesterday, i was pleasently surprised. He has brought in Will Ayerst as a co-host. They have a brand new show format and update the site with the links that they mention on the show. They are currently talking about operating sessions. Do give them a listen on iTunes.

Ryan has put up a lot of pictures of his friends HO layout and he also has made available a lot of signs for use in our structures.