General Discussion (Model Railroader)

After hearing me say several times something along the lines of "there's this guy on the forum - Joe Fugate - who has a video series that the guys say is really great" my super supportive wife surprised me on my birthday with Volumes 1 through 4 of Joe's series (can't wait for the next volume!  Joe, if you want ideas on future volumes - how about one on weathering rolling stock - your stuff looks fantastic!).  With work closed early because of the snow Friday I spent several hours watching (and rewatching) the dvds.  All I can say is "way cool."

I thoroughly enjoyed each chapter of each volume.  Interestingly, I found the chapters on things that are really "not applicable" for my layout most thought provoking.  My in-design layout will not be a "mushroom" like Joe's.  My original decision was based on "I don't understand this mushroom thing so I'm not going to consider it."  Volume 2 gives an excellent presentation on how the mushroom works and through computer generated graphics and video shots of the layout I finally understand how the thing works and the advantages of such design and believe I could actually construct a mushroom layout.  My decision not to go with a mushroom is now an informed decision - which is always better.  I also found very informative Joe's description of the DecoderPro software.  I don't think I've ever encountered a more informative description.  I think the chapter on DecoderPro should be watched for everyone deciding on which DCC system to go with, thus again, allowing a more informed decision.  

The use train blocks within power districts is an excellent idea and described really well - this little snippet alone will most likely save me more dollars in additional boosters than the series cost.  Ditto on the use of taillight bulbs for short circuit management.  Although I've read descriptions of this and seen numerous diagrams before, I never really understood how it all worked until I saw it explained in the video.  Again, the dollars saved on short circuit management stuff will more than pay for videos.  The use of isolation blocks on the programming track will most likely save me from frying more than one decoder in the future.  Finally - I love the fact that Joe is willing to admit that some of things he's tried didn't work and then present them so others can avoid time consuming and often expensive rework - the "Helix from Hell" chapter is priceless and has gotten me to re-examine my ideas. 

All in all a great birthday!

Dave

davekelly wrote:

The use of isolation blocks on the programming track will most likely save me from frying more than one decoder in the future.  Finally - I love the fact that Joe is willing to admit that some of things he's tried didn't work and then present them so others can avoid time consuming and often expensive rework - the "Helix from Hell" chapter is priceless and has gotten me to re-examine my ideas.

First of, Happy birthday.

Secondly, I agree with everything you wrote. Joe really makes a great presentation and an excellent video. The part I quoted I like to. The fact that mistakes have occurred. I also like the fact that he is not afraid to say that certain things where done with cost in mind and to avoid spending huge amount of cash. I think most of us are on some kind of budget and it's great to here someone give good ideas without spending a fortune.

Joe Fugates videos are the best money that anyone could spend in this hobby.

Magnus

Happy Birthday Dave !

Good stuff, I recently received volume 4, very educational and professional.

Dave,

About a month ago, I bought the series as well.  It was a tough decision, because it runs about $100 for all four videos.  However, it's been worth every penny.  Joe makes things look so easy and explains things so well, that I know that many parts of construction that I was initially dreading will go much smoother now.

Plus, they videos are just plain fun to watch.

I also have the complete set of Joe Fugate's videos.  I have watched each video many times, and learn something new each time I watch. 

I also have the ops videos.  Since I am constructing an operating oriented layout, I have found the ops videos very valuable.  This video series is a great resource and I highly recomend it!

JIM

I'll second everyone's comments on Joe's videos. I subscribed to the complete package (I've received the first 4) and I can't wait for the rest. The videos are excellently done.

Andre

Mudbug1001 wrote:

It was a tough decision, because it runs about $100 for all four videos.  However, it's been worth every penny.   Plus, they videos are just plain fun to watch.

I was thinking the same thing, but the way I figure things now, Joe has saved me from needing to buy at least 2 DCC power boosters, several short circuit protection devices and the materials to rebuild a helix (which I most likely would have to do if I went ahead and constructed one as I originally designed).  These would cost waaaaaay more than the videos.  And yeah, they are fun to watch!

Happy Birthday, Dave.  It will be interesting to see how you do over the next year or two...hopefully you will document any progress you make?  It would be good for Joe's series to have "real" people report periodically how the videos have impacted their own modelling experience.

-Crandell

Happy Birthday, Dave!

I have Vols. 1, 2 & 3 of Joe's DVD series and have found them very helpful - especially the how to wire a layout for DCC (Vol. 3 )  I "look" at the DVDs almost as a virtual book.  I can stop, pause, or go back and "reread" a portion of the DVD till I better understanding of it.

Nice BD present, Dave.   Your wife is definitely a keeper...

Tom