Dean’s been in touch with an update if you’re looking for a Camera for N scale – or any scale come to that:

“Al,

Back in 2017 when I was just starting on your blog (time flies when you’re having fun), I uploaded some information on a mini video camera I had attached to one of my N-scale cars.

I’ve lost the ability to use that video camera and it is no longer available. But I found a much better and higher resolution camera which is also much easier to setup.

I found this micro spy camera on Amazon for around $20 plus shipping (search for a “mini spy camera”).

It’s a video camera sitting in a cube less than 1 inch in all dimensions. More information:

Records 1080 P HD video at 30 frames per second
Stores this on an up to 32-meg micro-SD card (you supply)
Motion detection
Night vision
Powered by an internal battery
Which can be charged with 5-volt USB cord
Records up to 50 min on a full charge
The camera can be used with any scale from N-scale on up
You can also find similar products on eBay.

Here are some photos of how I adapted it to use on my N-scale layout.

It comes with a magnet that can be attached to the back. Here’s the camera—the lens is in the middle dot and the four dots around it are IR LEDs for night vision.

And here are all the parts that I used to mount the camera on the gondola car shown.

The black strip is a strip of magnetic material which can also be purchased on Amazon (“magnetic sheets”) for a few bucks a sheet. It has lots of uses for your projects.

Also, businesses in my area often send out magnetic refrigerator ads that look like the same magnetic material. You might have some of those sitting around your house. You can easily cut it with scissors. The angle is from my local hardware store. I glued the magnetic material to the body with super glue

Here is a photo of the completed car. I had to cut down the angel to fit under my tunnel portals. Everything is attached magnetically, and the camera and metal angle can be removed. The car is still usable on my layout with the camera and angle removed and a load attached.

Finally, the camera can be attached to a home computer with the power cord supplied. Here is a photo taken from a video I took with the camera in action.

The complete video with the camera running around both loops on my Conejos Valley Railroad and more information can be found on YouTube:

Thanks, Al,

Dean from New Mexico”

A big thanks to Dean for sharing his camera for N scale ‘hows to’.

The cab rides are always enjoyable, especially when your layout is ‘finished’ – it makes for satisfying viewing.

When it comes to can rides, I’m always reminded of Jim’s: HO scale can ride.

Or if you just want to take good video of your layout (from outside the cab), Brian’s post is helpful:

How to video your model trains.

Now on to Terry:

“Oil City has a long history of railroads. They have one of the few WYE Bridges still remaining crossing the Allegheny River.

My railroad reveals a small town plus a farming community. The tree foliage has not been added. I currently working on the ground cover.

It is a 4×6 in an extra bedroom. I started this project during my recovery from a kidney transplant back in January. I am a Minister and adjunct professor.

The above track has been added because I wanted to run 3:trains on this DC track

Terry”

That’s all for today folks.

Please do keep ’em coming.

And if today is the day you get started on your layout, the Beginner’s Guide is here.

Best

Al

PS Latest ebay cheat sheet is here.

PPS More HO scale train layouts here if that’s your thing.