A little while back, I bought an action cam for my other hobby, rock climbing. Seemed like a great opportunity to experiment with shooting a video run-through on my layout. 

After a lot of trial and (mostly) error I managed to turn out the vid on the link below. I was really pleasantly surprised by how it turned out; I found it uniquely satisfying to create a miniature environment and then find a way to actually experience it as though it were real.

First, an introduction of myself: you can call me Brock (or Hey You, if you prefer).  I've been reading here regularly, but commenting little.  Over the last few months, I've been getting back into model railroading for the first time since my early teens, when I had a Ye Olde 4x8 that my dad built for me.  Unfortunately, that got sold during a move, and I just never got back into building something to replace it.  That is now changing.

I'm planning to begin work on a couple of sections for a layout. I'm currently considering hand laid or kit built turnouts. I'm looking for feedback on three subjects.

1. Central Valley vs Proto/87 kits.

2. Hinged (pivoting) point rails vs frog-to-point full rail vs replacement point rails connected with a soldered rail joiner.

3. Power routing with jumpers made from circuit board ties vs copper tape.

Thanks.

William L