How many drive-by enthusiasts are out there?

cressjl

Member
I am noticing screen shots with such amazing detail that I wonder if they are created as static; that is, fixed camera drive-by type sessions as opposed to a route of any length.

Conceivably, Trainz could be used to generate realistic-looking video captures of singles scenes, much like K&L Trainz's videos. It would not be necessary to develop an entire layout; in fact, most of the baseboards could be empty except for the areas within fixed (or orbital) camera views.

This would be a unique application of Trainz, but one I have not seen mentioned outright in the forums.

Anyone doing this?
 
Trainz videos can be attractive in a variety of venues. I think one area which is largely overlooked is applying those videos to 'historical' routes from the past. My own experience with local historical societies and railroad historical groups indicates a very positive response for such videos. I doubt a mere 'drive by' however, is what they seek. "Lights, camera, action" is more to the point. A railroad enthusiast, especially those with a 'historical' perspective are just as thrilled by the computer simulation of a well researched route and well made models, as they might be watching that old scratchy 8mm flick from 75 years past!
Now there's a nut to chew on..........................
regards

steamboat
 
Trainz videos can be attractive in a variety of venues. I think one area which is largely overlooked is applying those videos to 'historical' routes from the past. My own experience with local historical societies and railroad historical groups indicates a very positive response for such videos. I doubt a mere 'drive by' however, is what they seek. "Lights, camera, action" is more to the point. A railroad enthusiast, especially those with a 'historical' perspective are just as thrilled by the computer simulation of a well researched route and well made models, as they might be watching that old scratchy 8mm flick from 75 years past!
Now there's a nut to chew on..........................
regards

steamboat
Without a doubt, I'm sure. I would love to recreate historically accurate layouts, but here is exactly where "drive by" routes would actually most applicable, I would think. To create a historical "era" is not too hard, but the daunting task of creating a route of any length that will meet the demands of a historical society is a mighty lofty goal indeed! Every single asset would have to be created from scratch to historical specifications.

I considered this as a dream to create the area around Coketon/Douglas in West Virginia, only to find that the task is somewhat overwhelming. One member on these forums, a fine fellow and historian of note, quickly revealed how little I truly understood the history at all. And I thought I had an adequate knowledge of the area.

I would think that concentrating on certain areas would be most productive. Of course, one might create an entire layout, but invest most time accurately portraying those areas around the trackside camera locations, too, for greatest effect.
 
Agreed, it's a lot of work, but not so daunting as to be impossible. I work with Camtasia Studio, which can create videos up to 1080p resolution, so very nice scenes can indeed be captured. But I don't feel I need be restricted to 'drive by's'. My routes are TransDEM generated,so accurate representation of actual terrain is not an issue. Creating the terrain is the easiest part of making a 'historical' route. Indeed, as I'm modeling a route in the Berkshire Hills of western Massachusetts, the terrain itself is very much the focus of the route. Several dozen accurately modeled buildings may be all that's required to represent the area. Certainly, modeling an entire town isn't necessary.
 
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