Messages

271

General Discussion / Re: Double heading postwar Lionel

« on: May 19, 2021, 04:55:49 AM »

I was catching-up on my backlog of reading and noticed an interesting twist on the double-head concept in the Nov/Dec 1936 issue of Lionel's Magazine Model Engineer.
It is a loco developed and actually built by Wm Mason in 1871. The Janus Is a "Double-ender" two 0-6-0 locos spliced together at the cab. The 0-6-6-0 was actually in service a short time, article attached, but no others were built.
Next time I have 2 General locos with broken cab roof corners, I am definitely trying this concept, but will be 2-4-4-2 wheel configuration. Locos would have to be connected and both motors wired to one E-unit.

272

General Discussion / Re: Interesting Auction Items

« on: May 18, 2021, 03:57:51 AM »

Yes BEAST is a kind description of it, not pretty.

273

General Discussion / Re: Making videos

« on: May 17, 2021, 05:33:34 AM »

Terry, I emailed you a message about another subject. Have had issues with this before, so let me know if not received. Jim

274

General Discussion / Re: Poor man’s M10000

« on: May 16, 2021, 05:45:42 AM »

Sounds like you have good luck with the 1700's. I have always had problems losing tabs when restoring.

275

General Discussion / Re: Making videos

« on: May 15, 2021, 06:56:52 PM »

I also shoot still photos, videos as background for text and some audio with my Samsung phone. Many of my intro and text backgrounds are nature shots, also made some text pages on an old program from when we designed Marx Trains, called Arts and Letters. In the program I arrange video clips I have shot, trim ass desired, mix with stills and blend with some of the many transitions in the program.

276

General Discussion / Re: Did you run your trains today?

« on: May 15, 2021, 06:50:33 PM »

I agree that $999 is too much, should be more like $300 to 400.

277

General Discussion / Re: Making videos

« on: May 15, 2021, 06:49:07 PM »

I only have experience with my first GoPro a Hero 3, which worked fine, except I could not get rid of the fisheye effect on close shots, and I like close shots. For long shots it is fine, and the older Gopros can be had quite inexpensive, reconditioned or on Ebay. I bought the Gopro 8 a year ago, and have done 33 videos since. Its size allows it to ride the train, it has great sharpness and depth of field, works in bright light and night scenes. Also great sound. If anything, sometimes it is too good, because it picks up details of tools and things left on the layout, sometimes it is hard to keep myself out of the picture. The model 9 is out, so I am sure that 8's are now discounted. Also many different mounts are available. Besides my different camera cars, I can mount it to one of 2 tripods, I also use a microphone stand, from my garage band days, with and without a 12" bracket that allows shooting down on the tracks from overhead.

I use HD Moviemaker Pro for composing and editing. It is inexpensive, from the Microsoft store. It has great features for editing, trimming, special effects, slo-mo, adding text etc. My audio is both live from the GoPro and added separately. I can dial-down the noisy E-units. Before I found the Youtube audio library I experimented with composing virtual music on the Garage Band app on my I pad, also brushed-up on my guitar and composed some generic cord-progression type music. I have a Vox amp with many fuzz, distortion, sustain etc type of effects that smooth out mistakes that my tired old fingers make.

My big question is when did you buy a 763E for under $300......1970?

Anyway, bottom line is that I think the combo of the GoPro 8 and HD MovieMaker Pro produces very satisfactory results. I tried some other programs before HDMM, but they were harder to work with.
Anyone else have some ideas for Terry?

278

General Discussion / Re: Did you run your trains today?

« on: May 14, 2021, 06:12:04 AM »

The vintage Marx work train, shown first in the video, is from about 1940. It was a set that I looked for at least 25 years. I finally found this nice set boxed about 5 years ago.
You will also note many dogs in this video, not to mention my pack of hobos.
Life is MUCH better with dogs!

279

General Discussion / Re: Did you run your trains today?

« on: May 14, 2021, 05:56:38 AM »

Here are some photos of my Marlines work train. It was missing the Marlines caboose, so I substituted a red CP 6" caboose.
Also link to video that shows this train running.

280

General Discussion / Re: Did you run your trains today?

« on: May 14, 2021, 05:26:05 AM »

The red Marlines work train is a desirable set. I was lucky to buy one back for about $300. It is one of my favorites. I will post the link to my video that shows this train. I have mixed emotions about the high price, proud it could command that much, but also sorry it is not more affordable.

281

General Discussion / Re: Interesting Auction Items

« on: May 14, 2021, 05:22:52 AM »

Terry, did you ever get the photo of the loco that matches the gondola on Milestone auction?

282

Collector Corner / Re: Some Interesting Lionel Items

« on: May 13, 2021, 01:09:24 PM »

Very un usual 36 observation. Lionel was usually more-consistent with their markings.   

283

General Discussion / Re: Did you run your trains today?

« on: May 13, 2021, 01:06:00 PM »

I unfortunately do not have an example of everything that we made. When we built the new house and moved I sold a lot including prototypes. I kept the 3/16" scale boxcars, a few locos, a Disney set and an Army set. Now trying to buy it back is both good and bad. Bad because it is difficult to afford, good because I am proud that our creations appreciated so well. I was able to buy-back a CTA elevated set and a red Marlines work train, 2 of my favorites. The motors on out modern Marx Trains will run through Lionel switches. Most marx, including all prewar will not, because the gear teeth are on the edge of the wheel-flange, not recessed. 

284

General Discussion / Re: Did you run your trains today?

« on: May 13, 2021, 05:12:18 AM »

Nice to see your prewar video, looks like you are having fun with the trains and with the gopro.

285

General Discussion / Re: 2660 crane

« on: May 10, 2021, 04:01:00 PM »

I had a 2660X box a few years ago, got it empty and wondered what was different about the crane that came in it. Now I know, thanks.