Making Videos of Live Steam

C

CoggesRailway

Registered
I was just thinking. There are a lot of beautiful videos of live steam - Chris of summerlands especially comes to mind. I was wondering if people like this side (videos and pictures) in live steam partly because it is enjoyable to make a realistic view which is harder to get when operating.

I have a lady anne and a ragleth and can get them running nice and slow. But when it comes to realistic operation and REALLY crawling/shunting/uncoupling it does seem like electricity works best in our scales. Just a thought! there is a lot to live steam and especially at the basic RTR end there is not that much time before the process starts all over again etc.

I wouldn't be without my steamies I love them and their summerland chuffs, but when it comes to relaxed, in the flesh operating i think my LGB stuff works better with a glass of wine! So i guess if you enjoy editing a nice video, and chopping out the burnt fingers, clumsy shunts, and far to fast acceleration, one of the benefits is you can then relax and enjou your pride and joys behaving in a more real way.

OR maybe it is just me and I am a poor locoman - and there isn't actually reams of outcuts on the live steam editing room floor!
 
With the loco being radio controlled i can't even pick up a beer let alone drink it :laugh:
Had to get Chloe to film the train as i don't trust them with the R/C:nail:
With speed i find it very hard on my line with the grades need full power on the up grades cut the power on the down grades .
 
CoggesRailway said:
and there isn't actually reams of outcuts on the live steam editing room floor!
Click to expand...
Oh yes there are!!
2 ch RC in one hand, camera in the other, lots of footage of feet.
Great fun!
 
And of course if you set the video to half speed the loco will not only look as though it was moving slower but the sound is a lot more realistic too
 
Richie said:
With the loco being radio controlled i can't even pick up a beer let alone drink it...
...i find it very hard on my line with the grades need full power on the up grades cut the power on the down grades .
Click to expand...
Yep - all very familiar!
 
I have been making videos to put on Youtube for about 2 years...Its a bit of fun and is nice to watch when you can't run them. Though you will probably get the speeds right with Electric rather than Live steam, If the controls are at the other end of the garden it can be a bit difficult. I am trying to make more realistic videos now, speed, sound, whistles. With low pressure you have more control for shunting, with high pressure the whistles sounds better.

This has to be the best video I have made 'realistically' with a live steam loco. This is my Silver Lady.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G1SoDRk6wek
...but another one for a bit of a laugh we did was based on the movie 'unstoppable'....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NXRKeYvjeNo
...and when you add some smoke pellets and dramatic music....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXgqQtJ4gfM&feature=related
All in the name of fun!
Scott.
 
Well thanks for the kind words about my videos - and you can be certain that I have had all the problems at some stage in my 110 odd live steam films!
A few tips:
- I use a still camera on video, rather than a video camera, as they tend to have a wider angle lense and you can get in close.
- I use 720 HD now - not full 1080 HD as the files are huge and take forever to edit and upload.
- Editing software is essential - I use iMovie on my Mac but Microsoft moviemaker works fine. It is much easier than it looks.
- For the low shots, you need a mini tripod, or better still a bean bag. This can just be a polythene zip bag full of rice. Set up the camera (make sure it is level) and press record so you can drive the loco past the camera. Telephoto shots work well with this.
- With manual locos you can do passing shots - but pan smoothly, bringing the camera back towards you as the loco passes and then forward as it goes past - in a smooth curved V movement.
- Video makes the loco look like it is going faster - so put a good load on and go sloooow.
- I have done R/C films single handed, but normally have a skilled friend to drive.
- Making a good video is a single minded operation. You need to plan the shots and camera angles to get what you want - with practice you will learn what works.
- Keep it short - my general rule is 5 mins max and 3 mins is often better unless you have a lot of variety. To achieve this I might shoot at least ten minutes video.
I hope this helps
Cheers
Chris
 
Chris Bird said:
- I have done R/C films single handed, but normally have a skilled friend to drive.
Click to expand...

I encourage visitors to drive my locos so I can do the filming.
Of course they are not always familiar with the line, so the results can be variable.
I've tried the other approach - asked a keen photographer friend to operate the camera.
Disappointing results again.
So I carry on single handed.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top