Scale Speeds

[Tigger]

Wasn't sure where this should go so here will have to do!  Anybody done much on this recently?  I decided to check speeds on the L&TR a couple of weeks ago to see how I was getting on and was pleased to note that it took 3

[invercloy]

All I've done in the past is just run trains at what I feel looks the 'right' speed, I've never done anything to calibrate it to see if I'm anywhere near right.  I might give it a go when time permits.

I worked out recently that my Liliput Dollnitzbahn (sp?) diesel powered railcar would take approximately 2 hours to reach the tunnel from leaving the end of the pier on Isle Ornsay, that's a bit TOO slow  ;D  :laugh:

[Tigger]

"...approximately 2 hours to reach the tunnel from leaving the end of the pier on Isle Ornsay, that's a bit TOO slow  ;D  :laugh: "

You could always model a couple of members of staff pushing it! ;D

[pilotfriend]

I have to say that I choose speeds that 'look right' too. You just cannot win as model railways are so compressed longitudinally. Looking at film of the L&B, the wheels are revolving much faster than we have them. Probably due to the old film but I really do not know.

[DeadHorse]

I have a porter glued to the platform who works at a scale speed. :-)

[Tigger]

I have to say that I choose speeds that 'look right' too. You just cannot win as model railways are so compressed longitudinally. Looking at film of the L&B, the wheels are revolving much faster than we have them. Probably due to the old film but I really do not know.

That's how I've always operated the L&TR - ie, using an 'if it looks right' speed; the timing and calcs were done for curiosity more than anything else!

Old film, especially hand-cranked and amateur work, was always recorded at a slower speed than modern film which is why films by Keaton, Chaplin et al all look a bit fast when transferred to modern equipment.  It's only a few FPS difference but it makes quite a difference.  In recent years I've seen some old film played at the correct speed digitally and the results are remarkable.

I have a porter glued to the platform who works at a scale speed. :-)

A letter from the Porter's Rail Action Timing Society will be sent shortly... ;D

[tedp]

I always look at the engine's wheels and try to hear the exhaust in my mind. If it's anywhere like the Ffestiniog running along the Cob it's OK with me. And the FR runs pretty fast with the exhaust purring away nicely, considering its large-wheeled engines. My own locos have underscale wheels (that's what comes of Pugbashing, John :o) so I have to mind the wheel revolutions....  ;D

I had a good exercise in scale speed running when I made and edited my videos, synchronising the exhaust with the engine wheels. See the CDR video page: http://www.009dutch.nl/archive/2009/pages/ecdrvideo.htm