Allagash video - comments, please!

Okay, to those of you who have the new video - what do you think of it? Any questions, comments, or other feedback? Anything more you would like to see from Mr. Confalone?

Great Video

Joe,

I am about halfway through, and already have a bunch of techniques I want to use on my own layout!!

One note, on the version I downloaded (8 APR), I noticed some typos on the summary screen write ups (my pet peeve, I know!).  Not sure if this was fixed in subsequent releases.  I am guilty of these as well sometimes when I rush a document, but something to look out for in the future.  Heck, I'll proofread your next release if I can get an advance copy to keep!!

Anyway, GREAT video, and PLEASE keep them coming!  Hats off to Mike!!

Another satisfied customer,

Joe B.

Hi,   Just as the poster

Hi,

Just as the poster above I've seen about half of the video, so my view might change later. Anyways, I think the video is really good both from a technical point of view and a presenter point of view. I think that he makes it very clear as what he is doing all the time and what effect he is after. I also like that, just as in your he chooses to use not the model railroading special material but rather uses stuff that is much cheaper and available in hardware stores. For example using the spackle rather then (sponsor?) stuff from for example W.S which cost ten times as much. I think the whole video is very promising and I certainly look forward to the next release.

I do have one negative comment, but that is my only one. For me it would be better if certain parts where shortened. Basically I do not want or need to watch 5 minutes of mixing paint and Celluclay. Please not that the 5 minutes might be way of but I do hope you get my point. It's good to see how to mix it, but we don't have to follow the entire procedure. The same goes for filling in the asphalt, it can be shortened and still remain as informative, if not more. Having said that, I REALLY enjoyed the video and I certainly hope that my thoughts are seen as my own personal preferences.

Besides that something I must ad is how great the download worked and the price. Living in Sweden being able to get the product on my computer in full HD within a few minutes rather then having to wait for a much more expensive DVD is GREAT. I also like the fact that the price is so low. Often you see the download version costing as much as the DVD release which always strikes me as odd.

Anyways, GREAT video and keep them coming. 

Magnus

That's why they invented...........

.........the FF button!  Awaiting mine in the mail..............

Peter

Nice job!

I just finished all 12 chapters and really liked it.  I remember seeing Mike's railroad in a past MR Planning issue (I think the focus was on modeling the 5th season) and again in the 2010 GMR.  I was glad to see how he made those dirty snow piles.  I couldn't picture what the heck kind of white styrofoam was being used until I saw it in the video.  That's a very convincing technique!

I kind of felt the same way about the "mixing" segment being too long, but on many how-to videos I've had the opposite problem where not enough is shown.  Given the choice, I'll take more rather than less any day.  

I was hoping to see some of the other areas of the layout--even just establishing shots.  Also a trackplan.  I always like to see how people situate their layouts into the space available.  He's got some great pine trees in other areas of the layout and I wish we'd have been able to see how he made those.

I've got several questions (if Mike happens to read this):

-Is Celluclay the same basic material as Sculpt-a-mold?  What are the differences?
-With your trees, do you have any pictures of those weeds in the wild?
-Have you found a source for larger pieces of green floral foam or do you use the blocks (like at Michaels)?
-Is there a reason you laid the track directly onto the plywood without cork roadbed or Homasote or other material?
-From start to finish, how long did it take you to build the scene and shoot the video?

And finally, a technical question--did you have a crew shooting along with you or did you set the camera on a tripod and just have at it??

All in all, I think the video was great.  I enjoy watching how other people work and for the price, you can't beat it!

Quick download, just started watching

I set a reminder for April 9th so I would download this as I am a big fan of Mike's modeling. His previous layout was similar in setting to mine (Lamoille Valley) and his scenery has always looked great, so I was anxious to get this video and see Mike in action.

I have to say the download times were pretty quick. I thought I read on this site beforehand that I would be looking at hours to download the HD format. All 12 parts only took me maybe 1 hour. It was easy to then drag them into iTunes and sync them to my iPhone and iPad. Now I can watch on my MacBook or either portable device when I want to. Handy to have in the layout room.

Once I finish the video I may post more comments. But so far it is real good and real informative.

I would look forward to seeing more of Mike's layout including some overall views. I know he is still building so it would not be a full layout visit video, but a few minutes showing the overall layout space and how the layout fits into that space would be cool. It would be interesting to see some video of Mike's Op Session (or a simulated one) to see how he is doing paperwork, how he deploys operators and see some typical trains in action.

Thanks to MRH for making the video available as a download (and in HD) as I much prefer that now instead to DVDs.

Mike McNamara

Delran, NJ

Thanks for the feedback

Thanks for the positive feedback Bill, Mike and everyone. I'm glad the final product has met expectations. Please continue to provide feedback, both positive and critical so I can improve on future MRH projects. 

Bill, some specifics for you.

Is Celluclay the same basic material as Sculpt-a-mold?  What are the differences?

Celluclay is different than Sculptamold. They are similar in practical use, but I prefer the Celluclay because of the ease at which it takes paint. Just a little brown latex paint mixed in with the nuetral-gray Celluclay yields a nice mud-colored medium vs. the stark white of Sculptamold. I never liked the "feel" of Sculptamold. 
 

With your trees, do you have any pictures of those weeds in the wild?

I don't, but can certainly shoot a pic next time I'm out picking (later this month). just email me a reminder and I'll send it over.

Have you found a source for larger pieces of green floral foam or do you use the blocks (like at Michaels)

I purchased some wholesale from a friend who worked in the floral industry, but the dimensions were similar to the stuff that you can get at the craft store.

Is there a reason you laid the track directly onto the plywood without cork roadbed or Homasote or other material?

Typically in a papermill or other industrial setting, there isn't much, if any roadbed. In some cases, the track is stuck in the mud or dirt/debris. Just some dirt/gravel brushed on looks a whole lot more realistic, for THIS type of setting. All of my mainline track has cork roadbed. 

From start to finish, how long did it take you to build the scene and shoot the video?

Better part of a month or perhaps a bit longer. I lost track after the third week!

And finally, a technical question--did you have a crew shooting along with you or did you set the camera on a tripod and just have at it??

Just me, myself and I.

Hope this helps. More questions, let me know.

Mike Confalone

More Allagash to come

Thanks Mike. Thanks for keeping my old friend the Lamoille Valley alive!

The Allagash has really just been introduced with the recent Model Railroad Planning article.That barely scratches the surface. There is major expansion going on, both scenickly and operationally.

Stay tuned to future (this summer!) issues of MRH for a major feature on the Allagash, and for other projects that are in the works that will feature the railroad from an up-close-and-personal perspective. 

Mike Confalone

Great content, but could be better audio

I love the content; however, a lapel mic would have greatly improved the audio.  Such a mic can be purchased for around $25.00.

I have this one and it works great!

http://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-ATR-3350-Omnidirectional-Condenser-Microphone/dp/B002HJ9PTO/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1334173668&sr=8-2

Rick

Agreed on the audio

Rick:

You're right on with the audio. We've already been talking with Mike about how to improve the audio for future projects.

This was originally to be supplemental video for his article but it kind of got out of hand - in a good way! Mike's video was so informative that even with the minor technical issues we felt putting the almost 3 hours of content to DVD and downloadable would be most helpful.

Mike's got a lot in the works on his layout and this first project with MRH has shown he has a lot of useful things he can share with the rest of us. Here at MRH, we're hoping you all find Mike's material useful and would like to see more Mike Confalone in the future.

If you agree this material is helpful, then we're prepared to do more projects like this in the months ahead. It all depends on the response we get!

Count me in

"If you agree this material is helpful, then we're prepared to do more projects like this in the months ahead. It all depends on the response we get!"

If you guys are willing to put the time in and do all that work the least I can do is be there to reap the benefits!!!

The current vid came out just fine, especially when you consider it never started out as a full run stand alone DVD.  

I will echo the idea of having an intro to the layout - track plan, storyline overview etc just because we have chance to appreciate another fine layout.

Steve

Yes! More, please!

I look forward to anything from Mike. MRH articles, forum posts, more videos. Bring it on!

I have gone through all 12 chapters while doing other things. Even tough I was distracted I got good ideas and useful techniques from the video. The rail weathering with powders is a great idea and will help me with an area I have struggled with. (Yes even using Floquil paint markers)

Thanks to MRH and Mike for all the effort and the great result. I would love to see more!

Well done, Mike! Well worth the money

I just finished watching the last of the segments and I must say that the video (download) is well worth the money.  I learned a few nice techniques and I enjoyed seeing the completed project in operation.  As I said previously the only suggestion I would have for future videos of this nature is to make sure the speaker has a mic so that the audio is better - but that's just me being nitpicking!

I highly recommend the purchase of this video and hope to see much more like it!

Rick

weeds

Mike, I think we'd all like to know what these weeds are and see the pic, perhaps you'll post it here?

Great article and video work by the way. I wathced the entire set over the course of 3 evenings. Well worth it!

Cheers!

- Bill

Yes, let's see more

Very well done.  I learned a few new tricks.  Mike has a natural presentation style which complements his impressive modeling skills.

Jerry

Missed my calling?

Thanks Jerry. Maybe I should have been an on-camera meteorologist for the Weather Channel or something. It's the one job where you just have to look and sound good, but you can be wrong 50% of the time and still not get fired!

Seriously, thanks. I'm glad the presentation came across naturally, and not flat. I wasn't sure how this was going to work. I think as we do more of these, things will continue to improve as it becomes more natural to me.

Mike

Weeds for trees

Hi Bill.

I've got a complex family medical situation going on (mom very ill). I won't be able to get pics for you for a bit yet. I plan on getting up to the field to harvest a bunch more, probably later this month, as soon as the dust settles I'll post.

Mike

Great stuff, feed me more!

Since I saw the ad for this video, I've been so excited get get it playing on my t.v.  I've been a huge fan of Mike Confalone's modeling since reading his articles in various Kalmbach publications and through a few videos on YouTube that Mike has posted.  Mike's mastery of modeling beautiful New England scenery has been a game changer for me.  He's certainly raised the bar in this area that can sometimes be an afterthought.  I've been thinking for a while now how great it would be get more detailed information on Mike's modeling techniques from future articles, but never expected a video!  Although published articles are great, techniques in particular can be more easily understood by having video.  Let me just say this dvd hasn't disappointed.  I received the video today in the mail and sat down with my seven month old daughter and watched it to the end.  Even she loves his paper mill scene!  It is and will be a wonderful reference for me in my own modeling endeavors.  I hope this is just the start of a long series of Mike Confalone videos.  I guarantee I'll be a repeat customer.  A few subjects I can think of off hand that I'd like to learn more about: Weld, ME, After seeing some of Mike's YouTube videos of this area of the Allagash, I'd love a video of how he built this quaint town.  The structures and night time lighting are amazingly realistic.  White pines and other trees: I noticed Mike placed a few of these pines in his paper mill scene, but how to create them wasn't mentioned in the video.  Mike has mentioned in earlier articles that it's a time consuming process, but I'd love a detailed overview on creating these and any other special trees he makes.  These detailed trees can really make a difference in a scene.  Proto-freelancing: I'd love to hear Mike's thought process in imagining and creating the Allagash's diesel and freight car roster, paint scheme and heralds and how some of his equipment was built such as those Allagash woodchip hoppers.  Backdrops: Backdrops are an important part of his scenery and add so much depth and realism to his scenes.  Whether it's to represent a structure or countryside, I'd enjoy a detailed segment on the whole process Mike goes through from photography to printing to installation beyond what was provided in the paper mill article.  Freight car and structure weathering and detailing: a general explanation of what techniques he generally uses on these before calling them complete.  The only complaint I can raise of the video is that of the audio.  As has been mentioned in an earlier post, it wasn't of the best quality, but this is something that can be easily fixed for future installments.  Awesome job Mike Confalone and Model Railroad Hobbyist for enabling the hobby community to have the opportunity to enjoy and learn from such a superb production and please keep them coming!  Beyond model railroading, best wishes for the healing of Mike's mother.

Preston Clark

Thanks everyone

Thanks everyone for the great feedback - and yes, we plan more from Mike Confalone in the future.

As to his mother, she passed away last week. MRH offers condolences to Mike and his family in this time.

I really enjoyed the videos. 

I really enjoyed the videos.  I learned allot.  I chose the download version, as I have enough stuff piled up in my apartment to move...

I do agree on audio, and I'm guessing, but you did seem a bit nervous, or maybe it was just a side-effect of recording your work as you go (I know how it works!), but you tended to come across as clumsy.  I was watching the video with my brother-in-law, and he mentioned the same, and said sometimes you looked un-prepared.

Anyways, please don't take the criticism to harshly, I 100% understand how hard it can be to record a segment like this!  My Youtube clips last around 5 minutes, and take over 2 hours of recording and maybe another hour of editing.  Top off it audio dubbing if needed, you're looking at 3-4 hours of recording/editing alone.

Keep it up, I cannot wait to see more.

Well Done!

I waited to get a hard copy of the video because I like something to hold in my hand for my money and I have always found the M-T-V.com DVD's worth the price.  This was no exception.

I was a bit "cheesed" when those who took the cheap road to instant gratification, (the download) got to watch the DVD first and comment on it here.  It's kind of like hearing how the movie you've paid to see ends while standing in line waiting to get into the theater to see it.  I think the release should have been handled differently, with those whom paid for the DVD hard copy, getting it in the mail before the download option was made available online.

I'm sorry.  Although I am lacking an ear drum in my right ear and am, as a result, fairly hard of hearing, I did not find the audio to be a problem at all.  Because I had read this "spoiler" thread before getting my copy, I was expecting the audio to be less than great.  It was fine though.  I had no trouble hearing Mike's narration.

I have only watched the DVD once through, but at no time did I get a sense that Mike appeared "clumsy", at all.

As for unprepared, there were a couple of spots where Mike had to stop to lay out card stock, to move a container to a better position or "back up" to clarify something, but I did not find it to be a problem at all.

The nearly three hour DVD that completes an entire scene has been compared to single subject, five minute YouTube videos...uh OK.  Whatever.

Seems like there may be some video rivet counters in our midst.  Call us when you get nominated for an academy award for best director, LOL!

Having shot and edited un-scripted, live events for pay, perhaps I am more forgiving by nature?

I do try to keep in mind that the video was not originally produced for a Model-Trains-Video.com DVD.  Rather it was included as supplemental footage with an article submission and found to be so loaded with good content that it was a prime candidate for a DVD.

I enjoyed Mike's narration and what I call, his honest and straightforward delivery.  The only critique I would offer would be to smile more often, something I know is hard to remember to do when you are; producer, director, cameraman, gaffer, key grip and acting in the starring role!

I'm looking forward to more from Mike and M-T-V.com!

Allagash Video

I finally got through the DVD version of the video last week.  I really enjoyed it.  It has good content and it's well presented.  I learned some new things, e.g., using florist foam in the scenery to allow easy planting of trees.   I agree with some of the other reviewers about cutting the amount of time spent on routine things like mixing the ground goop, etc.  In future videos, it might be good if someone could manage the camera for different angles and close-ups.  I may be overly sensitive, but in future productions could the background music be left out or at least reduced in volume?  I was able to hear Mike when he was speaking, but I found the background music distracting at best and at worst annoying, especially when the volume was continually being adjusted up and down.  If it is felt that there must be background music, keep the volume low and keep it constant.

Overall a very good video.

Bob

Very good video

I was a little disappointed to see that the video covered only a small portion of the layout and didn't show more of it. I probably missed something in the promotion of the video, but having seen Mike's other short video's on YouTube, I incorrectly thought that the video would include more shots of the overall layout. Maybe the overall trackplan and then some detailed shots of sections of the track work. For whatever reason, I always find that I pickup more when I can see and trace our the trackwork to show how the layout actually operates.  I do look forward to seeing more of Mike's layout in the subsequent ezine articles.  As others have said, showing the overall layout space and a track plan would be my suggested improvements. 

Layout Tour as opposed to How To VIdeo

I think some may be confusing a how to video on scenery with a layout tour article and video.  The two are nothing alike in my opinion.