So I have been looking at various devices that will help me in my modeling.

I looked at CNC routers but the cost to get one that is accurate enough for our hobby is price prohibitive at something north of $1500.

Lasers are high priced and limited in what they can cut due to damage to the laser or mirrors or the gas is extremely toxic.

And 3D printers that are affordable produce crusader details, then most folks would like.

Note I am not saying these devices don't have there use I am just saying the are expensive and limited.

Years ago (1990's) I purchased a set (24  different numbers) of Kansas City Southern grain hoppers (KITS) by InterMountain.  A friend assembled the kits for me, as the task was beyond my skill.

The grain cars had great detail but came with plastic snap together truck frames and 36" plastic wheels.  The snap together trucks flex too much causing them to come apart when running.  I have lost several cars which fell into the canyon!!  (Off the layout to the concrete basement floor.)  The set has been in a box since that date.

Another "mini" video using my Cube micro camcorder - this time the subject is the three islands at the base of Misti Mountain.  There will also be a island in the foreground towards the edge of the layout.

I recently purchased a minicam with sound, the one in the Micro-Mark catalogue.  I have been only able to get it to work on my expensive Toshiba high-def TV.  If I hook it up to my cheaper, but newer Dynex, the picture rolls like the old tube-types when the tuning is not quite right.  There is no vertical adjustment control.  At our clubhouse, there are 3 older TV's with the big video tube.  Same thing, the picture rolls.  I can't figure it out.  Why does the minicam work with one TV and not others?  Anyone else out there h