Chat Building Models in Zoom Meeting, Thursday, May 13, 2021

I just did a little test with Doug on his Zoom video setup. This is going to work out very nicely!

Thank you, Rich, for the great video and lighting advice. I'll work on the "studio" a bit in the coming week. Research says that Benjamin-Moore Neon Green 2032-10 is a good color for the green screen. Just happen to have a quart on the shelf.

The upcoming Amherst Railway Society's Springfield show is going to be virtual and I plan to participate both days, January 30 and 31, 2021 by having all-day Zoom meeting sessions. If all goes according to Hoyle, there will be a link on my ARS virtual show guide listing and, if you click on it, you will be directed to my Zoom Meeting Waiting Room. We will then be able to talk trains like we do at a show.

As I am refining the hosting aspects of Zoom I am finding that having a meeting open for a few hours during the day is productive to talk order updates, new orders, techniques, new projects and the weather. I have scheduled the next trial for Monday, December 21, 2020 from 10:00AM to 2:00PM. Here is the link:

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8810...RlNPZFdidGc0R0NBUT09

Meeting ID: 881 0186 7981

Passcode: 703314

If you join the Zoom Meeting you will first be in the waiting room and I'll let you into the meeting. I may be puttering around the shop so give me a minute or two to check in after your doorbell rings. Primarily I would like to talk about variations of our shadowbox buildings and how one can be made for your layout. I have two new projects to also chat about. Our new project for the ARS Springfield show is the McElwain Shoe Factory of Nashua, NH. McElwain was a contract supplier to Tom McCann shoes. It is a 4-1/2 story structure that will be available in sections. I intend to produce height variations because the elevation will offer attractive visual stimulation at staggered heights and setbacks. There is also a stairbox element that is ideally suited to join sections and the joint line. It is the first project where the brick pattern is designed to match the actual building.

Saturday’s 1st session went well and I was able to work out a 4-shadowbox array, 50" long overall, for a street scale backdrop with elevated rail in front. The green screen is in production and will be done by mid-week.

I chatted with Doug during this test session and found it very helpful.  Coincidentally, Just the day before this test session,  I had sent him an email about a project that I am planning seeking his guidance on the use of his products.  His response was to invite me to his session.  I had been considering this project for a while and had wanted to talk to him face-to-face at York, but clearly Covid nixed that!  So this is a good second choice as I was impressed as to how well the video chat worked.  He did have some technical difficulties during the session, but found a temporary work around, hence the value of testing before going full scale.  Nonetheless, we accomplished more in 20 minutes that we would have via email and phone exchanges.  

Today's Zoom Meeting Availability 10:00AM to 2:00PM

Time: Dec 22, 2020 10:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8208...blJZSHZ2dWN4ZzVIQT09

Meeting ID: 820 8376 4860

Passcode: 300887

The Zoom Meeting link will be updated on a daily basis and put on the website's home page. Zoom Meetings have been held daily for a little over a week (except Christmas Day) and have proven very useful. While I have not had more than one person on at a time yet, the typical conversation has lasted about 30 minutes. I am still working to set up Rich's green screen and have used the iPhone as a camera to the shop display table. Weekday meetings will typically be scheduled between 10:00AM and 2:00PM. Saturday is 10:00AM to 3:00PM an Sunday is 7:00PM to 9:30PM. The idea is to set up "store hours" that everyone can get familiar with times, including myself. If you think that alternate times would be useful for you and others, please let me know.

Topic: TAML Daily Shop Talk 12-28-20; 10:00AM - 2:00PM

Time: Dec 28, 2020 10:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8408...RkRiR2tQdUJVeUIzUT09

Meeting ID: 840 8094 1119

Passcode: 913977

I apologize for the confusion with the Zoom Meeting links. After speaking with Zoom I will now use the same link for every meeting. The same Zoom Meeting link will open meeting ID 726 986 6630 with Passcode 770655. Meeting times are M-F 10AM to 2PM, Saturday 10AM to 3PM and Sunday 7PM to 9:30PM, all Eastern Standard Time. As of right now, Zoom does not have the ability to show an "away" or "come back tomorrow between xxx and xxx" message. I have requested the ability to do so.

I just ordered Rosco Blue Chroma paint to create blue screens for both the PC station and the shop's display table. I figured that blue would look better than green for sky behind the train table. I should have the blue screens up by the middle of January. Again, this is all in preparation for the ARS Springfield Virtual Show that happens on January 30 &31, 2021. (I am sure going to miss stopping at Two Weeks Notice Brewery after hours!)

Here is the new daily link:

Topic: TAML Daily Shop Talk

Time: Weekdays 10:00 AM, Saturdays 10:00AM, Sundays 7:00PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7269...Z3l3VW9NZzMvQjgvdz09

Meeting ID: 726 986 6630

Passcode: 770655

Happy New Year! In the shop and ready to chat about shadowboxes and buildings. Use the link above or find the same link to Zoom Meeting at the bottom of the website homepage.

I am still working on the logistics for hosting a daily Zoom Meeting. After a session with Zoom help over the weekend I am have set up a recurring Zoom Meeting for Monday through Friday. Same time, 10:00AM to 2:00PM. Same link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meetin...F4pLRNt28zVv1pD4fi-w

You will be asked to register. Registering consists of providing your first name and email address (boilerplate Zoom Registration), and last name and state (the additional information that I am asking for). I am trying out this sign in process because several people have tried to join one of the Zoom Meetings after I have ended them. This way, I can be sure to invite you to the next one(s). The process also asks to identify bicycles, crosswalks or parking meters. I apologize for that, but I don't think there is an option not to have to do so.

The weekday Zoom Meeting schedule format seems to be doing pretty well. Today is meeting #7. Drop in to chat about ongoing projects and the upcoming Amherst Railway Society's Virtual Show at the end of the month. I am in the shop, but will be airbrushing, cutting and painting the blue screens. The Rosco Video Paint Chroma Key Blue quart arrived. I went with blue instead of green so that I wind up with a blue background to the display table. I am curious to see what will happen when I imbed a picture on the blue screen and then have the iPhone on it as a live participant.

Here is the weekday link, good from 10:00AM to 2:00PM:

Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meetin...F4pLRNt28zVv1pD4fi-w

Again, I am doing the registration process so that I have your email address so I am able to ask you back to the meeting if we do not connect.

Just finished painting 1/2" thick Gatorfoam with Rosco Video Paint. Light coat of Krylon Gray Primer and then rolled the Video Paint on. Seems to cover very well with one coat. Its going to be a lot of deep sky blue!

What you don't see behind me when you sign on the daily Zoom Meeting sessions. Stop by today and I'll send you a bench kit or set of laser cut PolyBak stars.

Here is the weekday link, good from 10:00AM to 2:00PM:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8813...VGNsOWhaZ3YranB4UT09

This update and hopefully last update does not require registration as that seemed to be a stumbling block for myself and others

New lighting and blue screen. Check it out today!

Sign on to today's Zoom Meeting if you would like to chat about the variations of the McElwain Factory Warehouse project. A 2-3/8" deep shadowbox version has been developed to add a single window column on the side, also providing for greater front elevation setbacks when using multiple pieces with staggered heights.

The daily weekday (M-F, 10AM-2PM EST) link is

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8813...VGNsOWhaZ3YranB4UT09

Meeting ID: 881 3025 4125

Passcode: 296362

I couldnt get into the meeting today, but what a GREAT idea. I hope to join future meetings.

Alan- Nice chatting with you this morning!

It took a while to work out a few details of the new WH-06 McElwain Factory Warehouse of Nashua, NH, including developing the model at O, S and HO Scales. It will be our 3rd official S Scale offering and our first in HO Scale. The prototypical 4-1/2 story O Scale version is shown below. It has also been developed in 3-1/2, 5-1/2 and 6-1/2 story heights. The standard shadowbox depth of 1" applies to the O and S Scale versions. The depth of the HO Scale  version will be decided after conversation with prospective buyers. An alternate shadowbox depth of one window column has been developed for those who wish to vary elevation setbacks combined with section heights.

Details to notice: The brick pattern is raster engraved instead of vector cut which allows for a wider mortar line. There are also variations on the brick pattern as seen on the real building. The windows are three layers of PolyBak instead of two, allowing for the prototypal presentation of the separate masonry opening frames and window sashes. The granite sills are separately applied and the sill color wraps the bottom masonry opening. The star bolts are separately applied.

All versions will be presented for sale at the Amherst Railway Society Virtual Meet this weekend. The model will be offered in runs of 10 for each scale in three-month increments.

The three glazings available on the new WH-06 McElwain Factory Warehouse project. Note the common bond brick pattern, separate red masonry opening frame with bronzed colored window sashes and separately applied star bolts- all prototypical. Available in prototypical 4-1/2, and 3-1/2, 5-1/2 and 6-1/2 story heights. Typical shadowbox depth of 1" in the first run with alternate depth of 2-1/4" depth with or without side window column available by special order.

Amherst Railway Society Virtual Train Show discounts on laser cut windows, letter sets and fence applies through today. Custom run orders on the new McElwain Factory Warehouse project are also closing today as we need to get into production for the 1st run that will be shipped by the end of the month.

Thank you to all that ordered from the 1st run of the McElwain Factory Warehouse project. We did not make the total of ten pieces so the balance will be filled in with various heights, painted and put in build boxes.

The production of the 1st run of WH-06 McElwain Factory Warehouse begins today with the laser cutting of windows. In addition to star bolts cut in the drop-outs, we have added 1/8", 5/16" and 3/8" laser cut discs, all with adhesive transfer tape on the back for peal and stick application. If you would like an assortment, send $4 to Todd Architectural Models, 54 Mountainview Road, Chatham, NJ 07928 and we'll send some to you along with a couple chair or bench kits.

I had the pleasure of meeting with Doug yesterday.  It was very i=mormative and allowed for a great back and forth dialog.  Doug and I discussed a building for my layout bringing me up to 4 total.  In the days of no meets or travel, this was a very pleasant surprise, albiet, no substitute.  Keep going Doug.  Great job.

I am doing a run of "bank" buildings using the right side of the D.F. Stauffer Biscuit Co. project. The footprint will be 5-3/4" wide by 6" deep. Heights will be 10" ( 3 pieces), 12-1/2" (3 pieces)  and 14-1/2" tall (3 pieces). The shadowbox (1" deep) versions are shown below. All of our buildings come with individually lit floors and your choice of glazing: clear, translucent, Roscolux Grey and Roscolux Grey with translucent behind. The buildings will have windows on all four sides. The run is currently being laser cut and painted, and will be in build boxes (ready for assembly to order specification) by April 1, 2021. We are accepting no-pay preorders at this time. Check out the homepage of the website for the link to connect to our weekday (M-F, 10AM-2PM EST) Zoom Meeting session to chat about the model.

Awaiting an update on my G scale building.

Chris- Thanks for the chat. Will look at that McElwain in G Scale, also.

Delayed start to the Zoom Meeting session today- trip to Jersey City to pick up plastic.

Here is something that I have chatted with a few folks about over the past couple of years and recently got a volunteer to try it out on. The track diagram is laser scored on the back of a clear piece of 1/8" acrylic. The track lines are painted first and then the entire back is sprayed with black. In this case, the holes have been cut to fit the Walther's switch controllers and holes have been provided to mount the panel.

I have had a conversation with an S Scaler about a panel for his switch yard. In his case, there will be holes provided for LED lights that will be in each track. This will allow him to read which track(s) the switches are thrown to. In the case of the original that I made for the Somerset 4-H Trainmasters many moons ago, there were holes provided in the tracks for an on/off switch and light. The panel is used in the staging yard so the yard can be powered/live and user can be reminded by the illuminated light that the power has not been switched off on a particular track to remove/rail engines and rolling stock.

I will commit to taking on one of these panels each month. Drop in on a Zoom Meeting session or call the shop to discuss your panel.

Happy Valentine's Day! After Friday's detours to Acrilex, the material is prepped and laser cutting begins today. I saw parts of New Jersey that I had not seen before, including a good looking PRR generating station at the NEC portal in Union City/Weehauken. Six of the first team O Scale pieces of the McElwain Factory warehouse are spoken for. Join the Sunday Zoom Meeting today between noon and 4:00PM if you would like to reserve on oof the last four. Reminder that the Zoom Meeting links may be found on the home page of our website and there two links, one for the weekday sessions (M-F, 10-2 EST) and one for the Sunday session (Sun, Noon-4). The sessions are proving very helpful to talk through the details of orders.

Today's weekday Zoom Meeting discussion is open to conversation about modeling one more more buildings from Altoona, PA. I had a great chat with a hobbyist during yesterday's Zoom Meeting session about modeling a number of buildings from the Altoona/ Juniata Shops. Please join in one of the Zoom Meeting sessions if you are able to provide some information as to where to research building plan information or to express interest in one or more of the buildings associated with the shops. I expect the research and development aspect of the project will take three to four months. I will be starting as a neophyte on the history and use of the buildings and am looking forward to the challenge of research and model development.

Today we have bench kits to send to the first five that reply via email.

Today will be a heavy paint day. Please give me a few minutes to check on the Waiting Room. if you join today's session.

Today we offer a coupon code for 10% off any Union Pacific Trackside Warehouse shadowbox order if you check in to today's Zoom Meeting session. That can be the original 2-story elevation all the way up to the 6-story version for any number of pieces. I'll sweeten the pot by adding the optional canopy for $10 per section instead of $15 per section. I'll sweeten the pot by adding the optional canopy for $10 per section instead of $15 per section.

The Zoom Meeting link may be found on the homepage of our website.

Our Evergreen Scale Models order came in on Sunday so catchup will now happen in earnest. The first run of the McElwain Factory Warehouse shadowbox (WH-06) is being painted. There are four models of the 10-piece 1st run still available, one each in 3-1/2, 4-1/2, 5-1/2 and 6-1/2 story heights. Shipment for committed orders will start on Thursday.

The Tuesday, March 2, 2021, Zoom session is cancelled due to a family health issue. The shop will also be closed until at least later in the afternoon.

The Wednesday and Thursday, March 3 & 4, 2021, Zoom sessions are cancelled due our ongoing family health issue and the need to be 100% applied with the remaining available time to meet shipment commitments. Please plan for the sessions to resume on Friday.

Normally would have just finished shakes & howdies at Round The Clock and headed over to the Orange Hall. I always had butterflies on Day 1, kind of like Opening Day. There is a 25% sale off of all laser cut letter sets, window kits and fence running through Sunday. Due to the way the site is set up, you will have to place orders separately each category, but I will combine shipping and refund the overpaid amount if the orders are placed consecutively.

As of this morning I will be back to running the daily Zoom sessions to talk shop- status of orders, new orders and regular TCA York catching up. The link can be found on the website homepage.