Agreed, John's scenery is great. I have not done nearly as good on my outfit. Johns backdrops are wonderful.
So here's a question. I have a Nikon digital camera with a 16-55MM lens (and another that is 55-200MM), but I can't seem to find a setting that allows me to take layout photos as clear as the ones in the previous post. Anybody have any suggestions? GS
From the pros with real cameras: Stop down the lens (go to the highest numerical aperture setting that you can), step up the light; the smaller the aperture, the greater the depth of field (the more that is in focus). Most use the smallest aperture they can, with lots of light provided. Another trick the pros use with digital imagery is to take a series of photos at different focus positions and then use software to blend the multiple images into one that simulates a shot taken with a pinhole camera. I'm assuming John took the pictures with a smart phone and their aperture is pretty small, but if you look closely at the pictures, only the stuff in the middle of the frame is truly in focus.
Do you have any samples of photos taken with the 16-55mm lens. I might be able to give you some suggestions.
I can't add much to what's already been said. You will need a tripod for the smallest aperture settings or set your camera on a stable surface, also a remote control shutter button is a big help. I am amazed at how long the shutter stays open sometimes on an aperture - priority setting.
Love seeing pics of your layout John! Frisco will forever be my favorite prototype diesel railroad! (Has been since early 70s!) Andre
The Frisco Lines RR hosted the 2022 Gateway NMRA Convention layout tour in St. Louis, Mo on August 7 - 13 , 2022. 130 registered guest came through and seen the layout over a 4 day period. 2 op sessions was held by the OPSIG group. I day LDSIG group. OPSIG = Operations Special Interest Group. LDSIG = Layout Design Special Interest Group. A good time was had by all. Everyone was courteous and careful and my effort of layout maintenance paid off during the op sessions.Not one derailment or electrical hiccups occured and no damage to layout details.
Sounds like you had a very busy 4 days! SO... the Op Sig sessions: Curious if you received any unsolicited critiquing of your rules/procedures? I doubt that I'll ever host a serious "Op Sig type" operator. Even if I could, I would be hesitant to do so. As a retired railroader, I'm sure they would expect more from my "rules and procedures" than I operate my layout by. I'm not after simulating the jots and tittles of hard core prototype operation, instead I prefer to keep it simpler and streamlining where needed or practical to do so. I had enough strict rules compliance when railroading, so I prefer to emphasize the "funner" aspects of railroading. So, I wonder... how were your Op Sig visitors?
I have not had any correspondence yet. They where very excited to operate on my railroad.and complimented me on simplistic operating procedures. Yes these are hard core operators to prototype rules of the railroad industry but yet adhere to each model railroad house rules and regs. I have been showered with Thank You cards and words of having a fine rairoad and a great time. They operate on all kinds of railroads.
That's very encouraging! I have read some threads on other forums that the host had some "less than fun" Op Sig-type" guests. SO, I got a bit of an impression that some of the "Op Sig types" can be turds. However, I'm sure turdness can be found in all persuasions of the hobby (or any hobby) and certainly not limited to just within the Op Sig types. Thanks for the reply! EDIT: By the way, have you ever posted a thread or post about your operating rules/regs/procedures? I'd be interested in seeing how you do it on your layout.
I do not have specific general rules or regs. The railroad has traffic regulated by the dispatcher through Mother may I approach.Each road crew or local is given a train sequence card.Each card has instructions on what procedures to take.The dispatcher has the same procedure in front of him also. He dictates movement of trains mile post to mile post by 2 way radios and tracks each train on a shematic magnet board.
Thanks for more info, John. Sounds interesting. I do not have rules or regs per se, other than very basic stuff. (Like main switches have to be lined for main once finished switching/etc.) We've sort of been "self dispatching" via verbal communication. (The layout area is small enough that 2 way radios aren't necessary.) I've yet to figure out a way to use a Dispatcher, but your idea of a magnetic board in conjunction with verbal communication might be something for me to consider. Do you have a pic of your magnetic board? Also, what are you using for magnets? I need train sequence cards. That would help the guys that can't be there often enough to learn the jobs. All fer now!
Thanks again, John. You've given me several things to think about! (Like I don't have enough already!)
It ' s good that you think of things that my come to fruition later. Eventually you have the problem solved or have an idea to handle it.
One of the things I have tried to do is get people to think like they were on the ground (walking) having to protect any reverse move, and consider that when planning their moves. As on the prototype the least amount of walking is always the best. Especially if you have to walk 20 cars one way to protect a reverse move. It won't take long for a guy to figure that out I tell ya. My ground throws are all those Caboose industries throws. For a few in the yard, the "reversed" position is normal. So I took to painting the top sides of the little switch handle yellow for normal and red for reversed, those that don't matter get yellow on both sides. I just ask that they make sure all switch handles are yellow.
