SJ EPISODE 5: Adding Scenery Details with Computer Graphics

In Episode 5, I switch things up a little bit to show you how I use some graphics programs to create details for my buildings, like interior walls, decorative items and even TV monitors. I use an older Miscorsoft program called PhotoDraw, which I've had for about 20 years--it's really intuitive and easy-to-use; while it doesn't have all the bells and whistles of something like Photoshop, it handy for simple projects like this. You could also use something like Corel Draw, or even a inexpensive desktop publishing program for this work.

This is the first time I've used OBS as a screen-capture tool to demonstrate these techniques; the process is a little different from the "hands on" work I normally show. In some cases, I could record my audio as I went, and in some spots had to do a voiceover, which required some timing. All in all, I think it worked out OK. At the end, I'll also show a couple new additions to the garage. Keep the comments coming - the feedback really helps! Watch the episode HERE:

New Additions to The Paddock: Vintage, Old and Relatively New

Always more holes to fill in the Slot Car Garage, it seems, and the acquisitions continue with a variety of cars that are a few decades old, well over a decade, and relatively new. The first of these is a classic Scalextric Lamborghini Miura - a car I've always wanted but up til now has been a little hard to come by in the US. I've almost sprung for the AutoArt version a couple of times but held off.  This much older Scaley version is a little dated (no separate chassis and the "tupperware" type body) but it was in excellent condition.

The next car on the list was an earlier 2000's MG-Lola LMP. I already had the dark grey and lime green original version, but this blue and white Thetford livery was in almost-new shape and was obtained on eBay for an excellent price. My original car was a superb runner, and I expect this one will be good as well.

Lastly, my other purchase was a Carrera Corvette C8 - this one (like the other grey and red one I own) purchased from Lakota Collectables as a de-digitized analog car with no box. As I really don't need another case and I am analog after all, this offers me some considerable savings.

 

It's a good deal all around, and I'm not the only one who's taken advantage of their approach. Lakota is actually a division of Great Traditions, an online dealer that is known to offer solid deals and excellent service.

 

 

Shooting How-To Videos: Short or Long?

One of the questions I am trying to work out while putting the Control Tower Project together is how to best present the construction process.  At the outset, I thought the best way to do this was to break the work up into smaller, bite-size bits, sorting the process out into logical parts and then sharing it over a 10-15 minute video (plus the other segments I normally include, like Autorama and commentary.)

 

So far this has worked fairly well - I think - and the comments section on each of the videos seems to indicate that this approach is pretty helpful. As I approach my next video, however, the process takes a little twist as I start doing screen captures while I am using my graphics software to demonstrate some of those techniques for creating interior details. This will take a little more time.

As a result, I will be asking for more viewer input and comments in an effort to further refine the video presentations going forward. There are many ways to do this; Dave at SLOTR often uses some higher-speed video to make the construction bits a little briefer. At the other end of the spectrum, Boone often takes an hour or more to detail his scenic construction techniques. Both ways work and as a result, both of these guys are deservedly popular. I'm interested to see what viewers think.

 

SJ EPISODE 4: Tower Times Part 3 and the Bare Truth...

In Episode #4, we continue with our Tower Project by cutting windows, adding some paint, adding some trim and planning for the interior details. Then we look at a couple of Group 5 Cars that joined the Garage. As I mentioned before, they are not my favorites in terms of beauty, but as a group they do have their charms. I suspect they will be good performers, too.

    Finally, we'll finish by highlighting a YouTuber who's clearly won the [brass] pole position by shooting his videos in a strip club! Not really...but the concept of using a fun viortual background shows some real creativity. Best of all, the slot car content is really useful. Be sure to check it out!  The Video is HERE:

G&S Tire Grinder Provides a Cost-Effective Answer for Basic Truing Needs

In addition to creating and hosting the weekly Worldwide Slot Car Chat, Greg Gaub continues to benefit our hobby community by developing a number of useful 3D printed tools and accessories - most all of which he provides as free .STL files on Printables.com for users to print for themselves. In addition to helpful tools, Greg has created a unit that can convert almost any light scale into a magnet marshal, a multi-use setup block, and lots of other cool stuff. Greg's latest creation--which he developed withthe help of Dennis Samson and Giacomo Verlini--is a cost-effective tire-truer that will meet the basic needs of many slot car hobbyists.

Available as a complete, ready-to-use unit, a DIY kit with all parts included, a 3D-parts only, or as a hardware-only combination - the machine is intended to be a "good enough" machine to get casual racers started with their tire truing needs.The basic features include:

- One motor turns all axles

- Only two screws to remove/replace the entire grinding assembly for different grits

- Screws beneath the ball bearings to adjust parallel

- Spring loaded axle carrier to allow "grind and release" truing methods with ease

- Indicator knob for precise repetition of tire diameters as needed

- Consistent tension of o-rings due to double-pulley design

- O-rings can easily be moved side to side to accommodate various axle configurations

- standard 1/32 bushings snap into axle carrier, but V-shape still allows smaller or larger bushings or bearings to stay in place

- Distance between sanding drums accommodates most 1/24 and 1/32 wheels/axles

- sanding surface cannot contact axle pulley/o-ring
 

More information about the Grinder can be found HERE.

G&S Tire Grinder Pricing (not including shipping)
$150 - Fully assembled and tested machine, ready to get to work.
$100 - Complete kit of parts including all printed parts and hardware.
$50 - Printed parts only.
$50 - Hardware only.
PSU not included. Shipping extra. International orders welcome.
To place an order,  email Greg at ggaub@ggaub.com