Model Train Layout

[rpcrowe]

I visited the Old Town San Diego Model Train Museum today. As before, they allowed us in an hour before the general public so we could set up tripods to shoot.
I used a Canon 6D Mark II with my 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II lens. This lens is so versatile. It as a very short MFD so it is good for closeups as well as for long distance shots.
I shot these using varied focus points with the intention of doing some focus stacking.
1.

Here is #1 Focus Stacked...

I actually like it a bit better with some of the bacjground out of focus as on the original.
2.

3.


The articulating LCD was fun to use in his situation... However, I did notice that I am more cognizant of the edges of the image when I am viewing through an eye level viewfinder. Oh well! That's just something to get used to

[Wavelength]

Very nice and attractive

[AG64]

And I thought photography was a time consuming hobby! I can only imagine the amount of time it takes to construct those layouts...

[rpcrowe]

I would enjoy the model making that is involved in this hobby but, the actual running of the trains absolutely leaves me flat...

Here are my first ever attempts at focus stacking. Each is the result of three images stacked.





My daughter gives out pen and flashlight sets to advertise her business. The pen has a soft rubber stylus an one end and is great for selecting the focus points on my 6D Mark II articulating touch screen LCD. The tiny flashlight is great for photographing in very low light levels so I can see the camera controls.

[Shadowman]

Nicely done.

[JBW]

stacking looks good. the shots look great

[rpcrowe]

Thanks,

Often achieving a good image is having access to the right area at the right time And, of course having the right equipment.

There is no way that the general public could achieve these shots.

1. We were allowed entry to the exhibit an hour before the general public. There were only twelve or so of us so it wasn't crowded.
2. We were permitted to bring in our tripods and we were careful of each other's tripods.
3. There is normally a Plexiglas barrier between the exhibit and the public. This is, of course, to protect the exhibits from damage. There is no way that I could have shot through that barrier. The model train folks removed the barriers for us to shoot.



All of this was free of charge, although there is a donation box.

You can make a comparison with sports shooting. IMO, you absolutely need access to the sidelines for decent sports picture. You simply cannot get a great sports shot from the spectator stands unless you are simply documenting the crowd.

My camera club is really great for arranging access to places and events which the general public is not allowed. As an example, during horse racing season, we are allowed access to the stalls and paddocks. We don't have any formal meetings or dues just an occasional picnic lunch in some park and some donations to help the club.

We also do some more intricate shoots in which we rent a bus for transportation. The club is going on a shoot to Ensenada, Mexico soon.

[AlwaysOnAuto]

In all those pictures I only see a train in one of them.
Weren't they running them?

[Dave Humphries]

Good series Richard,

The stacking clearly brings benefits.

Cheers,
Dave

[rpcrowe]

In all those pictures I only see a train in one of them.
Weren't they running them?

As I mentioned I really didn't have much interest in the trains. Additionally, the shots were done at a very slow shutter speed in order to use a relatively low ISO at small f/stops. The running trains were just a blur which occasionally intruded into my shot as my shutter was open.

[rpcrowe]

Thanks Dave...

The articulating touch screen LCD is absolutely great for focus stacking. I can select each focus point with my stylus. Exposing can be with the shutter button, with a remote switch or the camera will focus and expose as I touch the screen with the stylus. It takes very little pressure to do that so the camera is not moved at all by that method of exposure.

[shreds]

Having done similar set ups for people who own such layouts and want some publicity shots, the depth of field is usually a challenge with adequate lighting required.

One thing they often request is getting right down to 'ground level' to see the model from that perspective rather than in an aeroplane/human /extended tripod level. That can be fun with things in the way too. Best is sometimes where they can part dismantle the layout so that the camera and tripod can be placed in between the baseboards.

Not mine, but here are some good examples.

http://mmrs.co.uk/wp-content/uploads...6/crimson3.jpg
https://www.flickr.com/photos/nevardmedia/8197014437/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/nevard...7675485996726/
https://www.scalefour.org/layouts/wh...izabeth03.html

[Rent]

To be pedantic it's a railway layout. The trains run on it
Roy

[johngunkler]

I would enjoy the model making that is involved in this hobby but, the actual running of the trains absolutely leaves me flat...

Here are my first ever attempts at focus stacking. Each is the result of three images stacked.





My daughter gives out pen and flashlight sets to advertise her business. The pen has a soft rubber stylus an one end and is great for selecting the focus points on my 6D Mark II articulating touch screen LCD. The tiny flashlight is great for photographing in very low light levels so I can see the camera controls.

Very nice. But running trains probably leaves you flat because you've never tried a realistic session, with a schedule, goals for delivery of goods and people, use of a fast clock, a dispatcher, and different roles for each person - several engineers, each running one engine, a hostler for getting road engines into place, yard men for assembling trains, etc. Very much fun.


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[rpcrowe]

Very nice. But running trains probably leaves you flat because you've never tried a realistic session, with a schedule, goals for delivery of goods and people, use of a fast clock, a dispatcher, and different roles for each person - several engineers, each running one engine, a hostler for getting road engines into place, yard men for assembling trains, etc. Very much fun.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Rather than fun, this sounds like a PITA to me.

However, different strokes for different folks.

My Son in Law is absolutely crazy over boats and every year or two he gets a bigger and better boat. Our daughter, his wife, has a realistic view of this. She says, "I'd rather him be crazy over boats than other women or drugs"

For me, a boat is simply a platform which gets me over the fish I want to catch. As soon as that platform returns to the dock, I am off of it...