not a fan...

I have to say I wasn't a fan of this particular segment.  I just couldn't get into watching a guy build a bridge for half an hour.

I also have to say that I typically look forward to What's Neat, each month, and enjoy just about everything about it.

It Is A Fine Line

I must say I agree with bignallb about the bridge segment being too long for a What's Neat Episode.  But as my heading notes, it is a fine line- In the August What's Neat several people (including me) wanted to see more about how Mike Budde did the damaged cars and more on Ron Pare's structure details.  So  the answer lies somewhere in between 5 minutes and 30 minutes. 

Craig

We're exploring

Ken and I have been talking about getting more how-to details into his monthly show, so this was an experiment to see how to go more detailed.

I agree the sweet spot is likely somewhere in the middle ... thanks for the honest feedback. It's very helpful!

Flipside

Found the Bridge Build Most Timely and Useful

I've been looking at the two track version of the bridge to kitbash into a model of an old prototype streetcar bridge in the West Bottoms Kansas City.  I found the article very timely and most helpful in deciding if I could use the base of the bridge to build my model.

I realize I may be the only person who found the video timely and helpful, but it was, and I will soon be ordering the kit and some spare girders to begin my project.

Thanks, Ken and Jeff.

I watched the entire Video. 

I watched the entire Video.  I liked the build and did not notice it was that long.  It went by pretty quick.  I might have a longer attention span than most too and enjoy watching people doing builds like this.   

In contrast as an Operator, I find the videos with no voice over and super close ups of train run byes very tasking and boring to watch.  Describe what you are doing and why.  Just pointing the camera at a boxcar and switching it out 1 for 1.  Need more story.  Tell us what you are doing cover the "W"s.

The bridge build was a good story it had a beginning a middle and a ending.  Very informative.

Great Video

I liked the bridge-build segment. It was topical, timely and well done. I have the double track version of this bridge, and I found the build tips and methodology very informative. Where can one get those nifty steel weights used? I would love to have about 6 of those. Soup cans or similar just don't cut it for me.

John

Good video - some suggestions.

Overall a good video.  I believe with a little tighter editing and some sped up segments the video could have been shortened by 30 to 50 percent without sacrificing any quality.  I'm a big fan of Luke Towan as his videos use those techniques and are excellent.

Agreed Rick

Real Instructions & Real Expert How to = True Modeling...

Over the decades, Model railroading has gone from "had to do it yourself if you want it" (scratch building & research) to "simply buy a plastic, wood or brass kit if you want it" (enter all the big manufacturers) to "everyone's busy so it's already built for you" (I'll just buy what I need & install it) to "I can't do that, can someone show me in an article or video" (yup, most modelers have lost that ability to do it yourself).

The same it true on DvD videos or the years. (everyone wanted longer, more detailed, more personal how-to etc.). (then cheaper costs).  With the advent of unlimited free unlimited video/pictorials are at our fingertips... 

I say until someone invents actual (Harry Potter) paper magazines with moving pictures. I for one love how MRH has taken the time & space to allow What's Neat this Week to allow Jeff Parker to spend 3 days of fun with Ken, working for Joe to present this months free online article to better help me to learn and actually see what's involved from a professional from one of the hobby's longtime manufactures still around to be here for those of us left in the hobby still interested in True Modeling...

Seriously! Those reading this.  Don't critique any article, video or pictorial that's free and that so many others (who work so hard and are passionate as the rest of us) to the point that the content is not provided or the presenter throws in the towel.

I've presented before and I love this hobby so much that I want to be apart and try to present a full complete viewer content that perhaps helps or motivates another to a small of (many parts) of this hobby.

I love bridges, yes they are hard and they take time.  I love Central Valley, been a customer for many years and are thankful they are here. l love paper and online magazines and have collected both with monthly excitement (yes I'm a nut) ha. 

I'm a fan because I appreciate my fellow brothers and sisters taking time to entertain and teach me a thing or two. (God knows I need both). Thank you! to all who enter my computer and home (and always bring more free gifts when you come).  

Thanx Thom... P.S. Joe feel free to edit or cut my post out as you see fit, my feelings won't be hurt.

I agree with Thom

Thom said in his post:

"Don't critique any article, video or pictorial that's free and that so many others (who work so hard and are passionate as the rest of us) to the point that the content is not provided or the presenter throws in the towel.?

I especially agree that we don't want to criticize to the point that "content is not provided" or that the author gives up and doesn't present future content.  I do hope that input about the presentation that makes it a better presentation will be embraced by the author as it would profit all those that view it.  I know that much of the feedback that I have gotten on my video productions have helped me to improve them and I look forward to future input.