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Modeler’s spotlight video for March 25, 2010 – Inside Cody’s Office
hey cody
where i kind find the irish song form last cody office
Really learned alot from this episode of Cody’s Office and was quite surprised to see that there are so many different types of couplers out there on our models or available for them. Are they all compatible with one another, that is, can you couple one type to the other? I’d also like to see David’s N Scale bowl of soup. Keep up the great work guys, and gals, and have a Happy Easter.
This is the 1st time I’ve listened to Cody’s Video,since I’m new to this computer,however I thought it was very good. I’d like to mention to modelers interested in real prototypically operating knuckle couplers,the line of SERGENT ENGINEERING Couplers. The couplers’ knuckles open just like the prototype. There is now a full line of “E” and “F” Couplers available,including Shelf Couplers,with a lower shelf coupler for standard frieght cars,as well as double shelf couplers designed mostly for tank cars. I’d be very interested in having Cody review this line of fine couplers,if possible,as they’ve never been rated for strength as Kadee&McHenry Couplers have. Sincerely,Al
Regarding knuckle couplers, I have had problems using couplers and undertrack magnets not made by Kadee. I am to the point that I replace any non-Kadee couplers with Kadees, so I can get reliable operation. If a product comes with Kadees, I will be more inclined to buy it. My personal (biased) opinion.
Thanks,
Bill
The coupler presentation was very interesting. I was about to ask that very question then the answer came in the next segment in the video! Are you mind readers??
I have wondered about how to use 91 % rubbing alcohol, and you just gave me an idea, Cody. With all truth, I got the 91% rubbing alcohol purely on accident about 6 months ago, from not reading the label ( Let that be a warning to everyone: Check the label before checking out,) and it has been sitting on the back shelf for a while. Now that I know it can be used to strip paint off of a decorated body shell, it will take it out and use it for step one of a project I have had on the back burner for a while ( a Life-Like FP-40 , soon to be decorated for Amtrak, and serving on my friend’s future HO scale layout.)
Now, Cody, Where can I get that HO Scale soup? I doubt it will be at the Hobby shop, because it’s food, but I also doubt it’s appearance to super-market shelves, becauseof it’s size.
Cody and crew. Are you guys planning to do an employee layout tour again this year?
I always look forward to Cody’s Office. I liked the coupler segment of this week’s video but noticed that whatever lighting is used for these videos doesn’t always allow the viewer to see much of what Cody is pointing to with his pencil. Mounting the different couplers on a piece of white styrene made the couplers much easier to see. However, the same cannot be said for the comparison of the standard and scale couplers on the ends of the two flat cars. I could barely see the standard coupler while the scale coupler was completely lost in the dark background. I have noticed this problem on other previous videos as well. Might I suggest that additional spot lighting be used to ensure that the video camera captures clear images of whatever details Cody is trying to show us. Keep up the good work!
Hi Hudson,
You’ll find Cody’s article on ballasting track when you click on Layout Construction under the Articles tab on top of the screen.
Thanks for reading Model Railroader and for watching Cody’s Office.
Dana Kawala
Senior Editor
Well done as always. These episodes really help make my week go smoother. A few weeks ago, there was mention of visiting other staff members’ layouts and doing articles and /or videos on them. Is there anything we can look forward to soon? I really would love a series on Andy’s Santa Fe layout or Jim Hediger’s Ohio Southern.
Another idea - has anyone recently thought of exploring a traction layout? A lot of action can be put in a small place with those.
Lastly, I think I mentioned this some time but what about redoing a classic layout from years past like building a layout featured in “101 Track Plans” or one of the older Linn Westcott-era or earlier books?
Keep 'em rolling!
Dan
I have to “Ditto” what Christopher Jean said. I always look forward to Cody’s Office (I’ll miss it next week). However, any dark item in the videos is almost always under exposed in the final product. If it is a matter of lighting, I might suggest taking “B Roll” of the dark items with more exposure & editing it in where appropriate.
Hi Cody,
Will you be running for Governor of Wisconsin this year? I hope not we all need you right where you are. Seriously do you have any idea of the readership of “Cody’s Office”?
Eric.
Christopher, in defense of the MR staff, and having been involved in technical photography for many years, I can tell you that black is the worst colour to reproduce. Photography works on light reflection and black is the lack of reflection so more light does not always help. Having said that, there are several tricks that could be used to help this particular issue, one simple idea is a translucent light table under the models to eliminate the shadows created by the model, leaving a white background for the black coupler to be displayed against making it easier to see. Just ensure that the light table does not over power the main lights. Hope this helps.
nice video as always. can you show me your technique on ballasting?
and quick! thanks, Hudson
Cody, a great show! When I rode the Superliners, they actually had soup on the menu.
Excellent work, short as it was, in explaining about the couplers. When you have time Cody, I would like to learn how you made the photo of yourself and applied it to the covered hopper in the beginning of the videos. Thanks, James.
Some macro shots would be beneficial Cody.
The segment on HO couplers was fine. But I model in N. Can you do one in that scale? Thanks.
–jd
Cody,
Do you actually watch your show before we get to see it? I enjoy watching and the out takes can be very funny.