Made a camera car

[pjdog350]

Seeing the videos that Jim makes I thought I'd try a camera car. I got several cars for this and decided that the postwar Lionel 2411 would do the best job. I hope to give it a go later today.

[starfire700]

Is the camera mounted on a velcro pad, looks like it. This is a good idea so you can change the angle of the camera. You may find that aiming the camera inward a bit helps control the rest of the room from being in the video. I also aim it down to avoid getting the ceiling lights, for this you may need to add a second velcro pad at the front end of the car, so the camera car is not in the video. Also remove the car end-railings, if you have not already done so.

[pjdog350]

Thanks for the information. Yes - the mount is mounted on Velcro. I also got a short bolt to hold the GoPro to the mount. The bolt that comes with the GoPro hits bushes and stuff as it runs down the track. Now I need as much track as you (Jim) has.

[Terry]

I was just checking this thread to see if I could mount a camera the same way. I can do that.

I fixed the 622 switcher that my dad had when he was a kid and broke one of the side rails. Seeing that car made me think maybe the endrails will make a good fit.

Back to the camera - you can see the camera on your phone screen. With the right adapter you can run MTH trains with your phone. I don't have the patience to learn new stuff like MTH protosound so I'll leave the rest to you all.

One last idea - mount a cheap tablet connected to the camera above the control panel so you can watch from the train as it runs around.

In fact, Thom's layout has cameras spotted around the layout with small CRT monitors mounted above the control panel. We did that in 1999 before there were cheap flat panels. I don't think Thom ever uses them. Just too much interference.

[pjdog350]

I’m sure having fun with the camera car. Been messing with it all day. Once I think I’ve got what I want I have another thought? Working a video right now.

[pjdog350]

Made a video with the camera car. Worked very well that's to Jim's advise about putting washers between the trucks and frame of the 2411 Postwar Lionel flat car. Plus removing the hand rails at both ends of the car.

[CNJRR]

You all know that they sell Mini cameras to mount on the trains?
They are real small. And not too expensive.

[romiin]

  I enjoyed that video pjdog. Too cool

[pjdog350]

Thanks for that Loco