What model scale should I use to make a series about the D&RG(W) in the style of Series 1 through 4 of Thomas the Tank Engine? I'm talking about like locomotives with faces and moving eyes like in the show. Should I use On3, Sn3, HOn3, or 1:20.3? Also, how can I minimize the budget I need, since I'm only 17?
If you are as computer savvy as most people your age, you could add moving eyes and changing facial expressions using computer animation. However, you will come to find that the most difficult part of this hobby is acquiring enough space to build the layout you want. The smaller the scale the less space you need although a small scale in a large space will provide more realistic panoramic views. To that end, I would suggest using HOn3 scale Blackstone model trains as they are extremely well detailed and operate well. An around the room track plan with generous aisles will allow longer trains and mainline runs with sufficient interior space for crew, cameras and lighting.
Hornblower
IloveDRGWWhat model scale should I use to make a series about the D&RG(W) in the style of Series 1 through 4 of Thomas the Tank Engine?
to the Model Railroader magazine discussion forums. We are glad you have found us. Your first few posts will be delayed by moderation, but this will ends soon enough, usually after just a few posts. Please stick around through the delays and become part of the crowd.
G scale would be best. It will take up more room and be more expensive, but will look much better. The heft of the models will make them look more realistic (less herky-jerky) in motion.
I know G-Scale trackage makes a weird ratio in narrow gauge that I do not know off of the top of my head. That might be the 1:20.3 you mentioned.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
There are youtube videos on making Thomas. They did not use a layout for filming as it would have been impossible to get lighting and camera angles to work with. What they did was have multitudes of dioramas and through the editing process made it seem like one large layout.
With today's computer programs available to even the amateurs of the world you should be able to have a lot of fun producing your stories.
My daughter's high school had six fully computerized editing suites for film making and she and her team would enter Zoomfest. What they came up with in such a short period of time was amazing.
I think the cost factor will determine your scale.
Brent
"All of the world's problems are the result of the difference between how we think and how the world works."
Bigger is better in terms of animation. I assume we're talking physical animation, not visual animation.
I don't think that Hornblower's suggestion to use a HOn3 Blackstone loco for this will work. What space isn't used for something else inside the shell is filled with weight to help them achieve better traction. The front of the smokebox pops off easy enough, but behind it is a cuircuit board for the front lights which mount on the front of the weight in the boiler.
What you may need is a brass loco, as these often have extra space in the smokebox.
Mike Lehman
Urbana, IL
Not sure what is your budget, but HO scale is probably the least expensive option. G scale would be easier to work with because of its size (as mentioned by Kevin), but these models are not cheap. HO also provides a lot of variety, both in new and used items, which will facilitate any scratchbuilding you would want to do. There are also many figures and animals available in HO scale. I would look out for Athearn/Roundhouse products and Bachmann products for HO locomotives.
Good luck!
Simon
For "cost" and space saving, HOn30 would be the one.
But, the original TTTE series was modeled in a larger scale, for a reason.... The extra room allowed the interchangable faces, and other things.
Computer aided animation is a much different animal now than back then though. If you can use it well, HOn30 should be no issue.
And, to the forums!
Ricky W.
HO scale Proto-freelancer.
My Railroad rules:
1: It's my railroad, my rules.
2: It's for having fun and enjoyment.
3: Any objections, consult above rules.
An additional consideration is that 'vertical scale' is likely to be important here -- the scenery is going to be large in some of the shots, both above and below track level. We had a recent thread about a famous artist who re-created such scenes as a major part of his modeling.
I'd use the smallest scale that gave me the 'animatronic' effects I wanted for the anthropomorphism to make the characters endearing... so that I had the most available space to build foredrops down to the floor and mountains and other scenery up as far as possible.
I suspect your lighting costs will be more manageable at smaller scale, too.
I suspect there may be a 'sweet spot' around the 1:64 scale that goes with S as standard gauge. But I think there is relatively little OTS for narrow-gauge D&RGW in that scale compared to HO or O.
G would be splendid if you have a good budget and something like a soundstage to build scenes in. But be prepared to rediscover some of the definition of 'boating' if you go that route... you'll be into cubic dollars quick.