Another stunning layout video from Arnie

Got this video in from Arnie.

Thought I’d just copy and paste, word for word, too.

Please leave a comment if you’d like him to carry on with the ‘chapters’. I know I want him to!


“Hi Al,

I once again am contacting you about my endless photography and video projects on my N scale Susquehanna Valley & Gulf Summit Railway. I recently decided to put together a series of videos focusing on the many different trains I tend to run on my layout. I will be doing what I have entitled as Exhibition Clips. There will be 2 categories: Diesel Operations and Steam Operations.

Since I have, and continue, to run many different types of both steam and diesel locos, I plan to break each content area down into relatively short chapters.

I just finished the first of such chapters: “Diesel Operations on the SV&GS (Part 1) — A Look at the Susquehanna GP18 & GP20 Freight Service.” I hope you enjoy it and will consider sharing it with the other subscribers. Note: the sounds you hear of the locos are actual prototype soundtracks of the respective locos being shown. I think it ads greater impact and realism. If they appeal to you and the subscribers I would be happy to forward ‘chapters’ as I get them done.

Since my layout is a table-top design with access from all sides, there is no way to use permanent backdrops that would block access to the layout. So intstead, I use portable backdrops for photography and videoing. This technique also allows me a greater latitude in scenic backgrounds: By just changing the backdrop I can instantly change locales (e.g., from an eastern U.S.rural setting to a more western U.S. mountainous look). And by changing from steam to diesel and changing vehicles I can also change era. I’ve sent some photos to illustrate my point: Simulation of the Alaskan McKinley Explorer excursion train; The Amtrak Acela vs. the Old West 4-4-0 American steam loco/train of the 1860s.

Hope you enjoy them.

Thanks again,

Arnie”

Click here for the latest savings with ‘ebay cheat sheet’.

Best

Al



32 Responses to Another stunning layout video from Arnie

  1. Tom Oliver says:

    Apart from the excellant scenery, the Diesal Horns, and the clatter, clatter of the carriages going over the rail joins really add to the realism. Great job Arnie.
    Tom Oliver

  2. Nice one Arnie

  3. Keith Shaw says:

    Arnie that is something to be proud of!

    Makes me want to get stuck into my own project.

    Please keep us up to date – would it be possible to post a track plan to enable us to work out the geography of the videos?

    Thanks again for sharing with us.

    Keith

  4. Dave G says:

    Nice job. Well done!

  5. Nitro says:

    best I’ve seen yet…inspiring layout with total details…in my favy “N” gauge

  6. James says:

    What a sensational layout. Love the scenery and all those delicious train and freight noises. Terribly impressive.

  7. Clay says:

    That is an amazing layout. I think the best N Guage I have ever seen. Please keep sending videos. It would be very interesting to see a track plan as well.

    Thanks for sharing

  8. Gene Turner says:

    Super Job on everything, Sound, Video, Train movements, etc.
    I’d like to see a track plan if you can manage it sometime…
    I think that this is N-scale, am I correct?
    This is a very nice job that you have done.

    What type of video editing software are you using?

    Great Job! Thanks for posting it.

  9. Jerry says:

    On the very last clip the backdrop is just what I have been looking for. Where did you find it or do you have a pic you can e-mail me of it. I have a friend who can make me a back drop.
    Thank’s and keep the video’s coming.
    Jerry

  10. Len Lainsbury says:

    Brilliant ! Keep them coming !
    Thanks for sharing Arnie, and as usual a big thank you to Alistair for his terrific efforts.

  11. Bart Zuccala says:

    Exceptional. Will be switching to N scale, What are the dimensions of the layout? can you supply a track plan.

  12. David, in Thailand says:

    Everything’s just stunning !! I just don’t know how anyone can improve on that.

  13. builder Kim says:

    wow that’s super.great detail.love the sounds.thankyou for the video

  14. Roland, in Nashville says:

    Arnie, you have a great layout. I am also interested in the background.
    When you answer Jerry’s question, please cc. me. Thank you.

  15. Roger Ringnalda says:

    A great layout Arnie, and a fantastic video! I hope to see more.

  16. MIKE,Seattle WA says:

    Arnie THAT IS A FANTASTIC LAYOUT. Thank you for sharing. Am just starting my layout.Hope it will look half as realistic as yours. THANKS AGAIN

  17. Simon Zeoli says:

    Fantastic video,well done with fantastic scenery.Every model railroaders dream to have his layout become a reality; sounds are great and very well applied.

  18. What a great layout, what are the dimensions to your layout, could you choose to share them with us, please! Also I really like the idear of moving the backdrops around, so that it gives the impression of being in a different part of the country, very clever idear indeed.

  19. Dick Chapple Sr says:

    Very convincing indeed!!!!! I like the changing scenery backdrop ideas. There are areas on your layout that could pass for our country in Montana too!! This is the type of railroad that gives one inspiration to improve their own layout and feel that it is attainable rather than “well I could never do that”. It is so well done that I notice some were not sure if this was N scale or not.
    I too hope to see more information about this railroad.

    sincerely
    Dick Chapple Sr

  20. Richard Standing says:

    Bearing in mind a certain sketch about the Sesquehanna Hat company, perhaps you should call one “Abbot” and the other “Costello”….

    Nice layout!

  21. David Williams says:

    Due to a computer failure I did not get your article on LED lighting. Any chance fo a re-run or even a direct posting to my email address. Well done Arnie a very nice job.

  22. chris says:

    very inspiring

  23. Rick in Pittsburgh says:

    One of the best I’ve ever seen. I’m reconstructing a 13’x6′ this fall and you have given me quite a few new N-scale ideas. The audio is first rate, where did you get it?

  24. John Warnecke says:

    That has to be one of the finest layouts I have ever seen. So realistic and beautiful scenic design. 10 out of 10 for this one. So enjoyed watching the video. Some get boring, this one I will watch with envy over and over again. Well done indeed a fantastic layout.
    John

  25. Sheila says:

    Enjoyed the video. Great job! Looking forward to others.

  26. Florin says:

    A lot of works…but very nice job !

  27. Kaustav says:

    That is as realistic as it gets! “stunning” in the word… thanks for Sharing Arnie (and thanks to Al for bringing these cookies to us every week!). I just love the sound – I’m just wondering, can you fit a sound decoder in a GP 20, or have you installed itin one of the rolling stock?

  28. Kaustav says:

    Oh! I noticed it after posting the previous comment – so the sound is actually separately added to the video and not coming from the sound decoder of the train? hmmm… that’s a great tip to make my videos better… STEAL!

  29. jerry knispel says:

    nice job ,like too see more.

  30. Trich Trouton says:

    Dear Arnie,
    I am a “New Chum” to this hobby & I found your presentation exceptionally inspiring, riveting actually. I also have a “Table” layout so your use of different backdrops, lighting effects, the Railway’s function & the fantastic sounds have had an extremely positive affect on me. I HAD STALLED. My thinking processes had been swamped by the “Prototypical” format….thank you!!!! You have opened my eyes to other possibilities…very exciting! Trich from Downunder

  31. Ian Mc Donald says:

    a great video keep sending them please, always find great ideas from this site.

  32. Thomas says:

    Super Duper Video. Very Nice!

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