GCJ Update March 2024 Its a Small World

[@peterwalker6535]

What an enchanting video tour. Putting yourself into the model was a genius idea.

[@greatchesterfordjunction]

Thanks very much Peter, So glad you enjoyed it Cheers Gormo

[@hirsutusi5536]

Very impressive. Both the village and the presentation. Cheers, Tony.

[@greatchesterfordjunction]

Thank you Tony Cheers Gormo

[@garydoc]

¡Hola buenas tardes Gormo! Well, you’ve certainly excelled yourself with this new form of update video. Your presentation must have taken weeks of planning and, it’s totally paid off - well done sir! After all the time and effort you’ve put into the creation of the town area, you’re fully justified in showing it off. Your attention to detail is superb and , the use of the photographic back scenes just adds a whole new dimension to the scene. During the opening shots, the scenes actually took me back to my home stomping ground of Saffron Walden (I know you are aware of the town). A great start to my day as I drink my coffee. So looking forward to seeing more in depth videos of your hobby showcase. Stay safe and regards to you and Julie. Un saludo. Gary

[@greatchesterfordjunction]

G`day Gary, Thanks very much for your comments. The planning took about a week and most of that was concerned with working out how to use a Green Screen and software. Once I got my head around that, I could then see the potential and set about working on the flow of the presentation. In my opinion, back scenes add considerably to the look of a model railway, so that`s my approach to the subject. Good old Saffron Walden...what a lovely spot....enjoy your coffee Cheers Gormo

[@duncanwatson9054]

What a great idea. Brilliant video tour of your layout.

[@greatchesterfordjunction]

G`day Duncan and thanks for your comments. Cheers Gormo

[@musoseven8218]

More great modelling ✌️👍😊 Cracking video 👍✌️😊

[@greatchesterfordjunction]

Thanks Muso Glad you enjoyed the video Cheers Gormo

[@vincenthuying98]

Dear Gormo, beautiful how you showed all the different angles, nooks, crannies and alleyways! From the very beginning I started watching your vids, I’m impressed with the placement of the different buildings in Chesterford East. It allows for so many viewing angles. Angles that all add to the illusion of depth and enhance the perspective beyond the 2D image of the backdrops. Same for the mill, with the ScaleScenes ‘flat relief’ factory in the back. Even though the width of the footprint is narrow, the scene gives the impression of a much larger industrial estate than the bird’s eye view from above would suggest. Love all the details you’ve added and created. Absolutely marvelous vid with Gormo as a 1:76 scaled guide leading us through all the scenic vignettes you’ve created! Cheerio

[@greatchesterfordjunction]

G`day Vincent and thank you for your comments and observations. I think photographic back scenes help greatly to enhance the depth of a model railway, especially if they lead your eye off into the distance. I guess the trick is to blend the foreground into the background to suggest it is all one scene. There is a lot of trial and error sometimes just to get it close to being right. Cheers Gormo

[@philblyth3218]

G’day Gormo from 🇬🇧! Great work, loving your work mate

[@greatchesterfordjunction]

G`day Phil, Thanks for your comments and glad you enjoyed the video Cheers Gormo

[@andrewstevenson5449]

Loved that tour. Thanks! (And you have successfully completed your audition as a TV weather presenter.)

[@greatchesterfordjunction]

Thanks Andrew, When do I start ??? Cheers Gormo

[@mickedgeleyparkstation5391]

Great update and tour around the town,thanks.👍

[@greatchesterfordjunction]

G`day Mick and thanks for your comments Glad you enjoyed the video Cheers Gormo

[@charlescrompton2009]

Wow Top Man what a fantastic video. Lovely guided tour . You have made a wonderful creation so much detail. Wonderful angles and depth to the streets. Superb video. Well done. Best wishes Richard Canterbury.

[@greatchesterfordjunction]

Thanks Richard for your comments The angles and depth all just evolved as it went along and turned out as you see it today Cheers Gormo

[@IrishModelRailway]

Really great video, Gormo! The green screen works wonderfully! Nice to hear the stories behind the buildings. Michael.

[@greatchesterfordjunction]

Thanks Michael, Yes the green screen is good once you get your head around the software. Glad you enjoyed the presentation Cheers Gormo

[@dennisfillhart88]

Fantastic intro at the station! Thank you for a great tour.

[@greatchesterfordjunction]

G`day Dennis and thank you, I just keep trying to push the envelope with this hobby and my videos......never give up and just keep going for it. Cheers Gormo

[@frankwhittle4364]

You never fail to astound me and I believe you have just created a benchmark for other utubers to follow. Absolutely faculous and I can't wait for the next one. Rivet counters eat your heart out. Best wishes Frank

[@greatchesterfordjunction]

G'day Frank, Good to hear from you and thanks for your comments. This style of presentation on KZbin is possibly unique....not sure...but we'll have to see if anyone else has a go Cheers Gormo

[@kenattwood8060]

Thank you for the tour Gormo. My scenic work wouldn't stand up to a close up inspection anything like as well as yours does! Incidently, I 've worked out what's in the barrels... They're half full of concrete - The shop owner put them there to stop clots from parking in the ally and blocking the rear entrance to his premises! (Honest!) All the best, Ken.

[@greatchesterfordjunction]

G`day Ken and thanks for you comments and observations You`ve solved the mystery of the barrels......thanks for that....those parking clots have been sorted.! Cheers Gormo

[@Castlebridge-00]

Absolutely ruddy wonderful. Loved every minute. Do it again. It must have taken ages and caused a bit of a head scratch at times, but well worth it for me. Barry.Devon

[@greatchesterfordjunction]

G`day Barry and thanks mate....👍 I will do it again....this was part one......it took a bit of planning and I had to learn my way around setting it up and the software as well. That said.....it will be easier next time around because I don`t have to learn all that stuff again. So glad you enjoyed the presentation. Cheers Gormo

[@DYLINGTONMODELRAILWAY]

A nice tour of your layout, my grandson loves how you've presented it, and it's a great looking layout. Have you seen any of my grandson's videos that he films for his Dylington Model Railwaychannel. The latest one is a stop-motion video featuring the Dukes of Hazzard visiting Dylington. Anyway it's a great video and we've subscribed, now to catch up with some more of your videos... Cheers James 🙂👍

[@greatchesterfordjunction]

Thanks James, Your grandson is very creative and his videos are good to watch. I will show my little grandsons his videos because I`m sure they will enjoy them. All the best to you both Gormo

[@DYLINGTONMODELRAILWAY]

@greatchesterfordjunction we're pleased you've enjoyed watching them and we're pleased you enjoyed them. Hopefully, your grandson will also enjoy them as well. Thank you for the kind comments... take care, James 🙂👍

[@afm1948]

A very nice guided tour sir. Great modelling. Also the idea of yourself as the guide is a great idea.

[@greatchesterfordjunction]

Thank you afm, Glad you enjoyed the presentation Cheers Gormo

[@EtonieE25]

Looks bloody great Gormo and enjoyed every minute whist having me full English breakfast👍 I’m just down the road from Bicester and you’ve done a great job transferring it into,your miniature world mate 🙂 The streets also remind me of a place called Sidmouth in Devon almost identical to yours! Also loved the idea of a mini you mate 😎

[@greatchesterfordjunction]

G`day John, Thanks very much for your comments and your observations Cheers from Mini Me ( Gormo )

[@petertownsend8276]

Gormo. Some truly impressive modelling. I love the presentation. Pete.

[@greatchesterfordjunction]

G`day Pete, Glad you enjoyed the show. Cheers Gormo

[@barrywest8944]

Hi Gormo, it’s absolutely brilliant

[@greatchesterfordjunction]

G`day Barry and thanks very much Cheers Gormo

[@patrickbaldwin9244]

Looks good and lots of hard work, one thing that jumps out thou is the time on the church clock, the town is very busy, shops open, people going to church etc 😊 five past eight,,, maybe the clock has stopped working 👍

[@greatchesterfordjunction]

Thanks Patrick, Try 8:05 am...????...or 8:05 pm daylight saving..???? Or maybe the clock has indeed stopped...it`s a mystery and maybe we`ll never know Cheers Gormo

[@NickCollins-w4e]

Nice blended background.well done 17.50

[@greatchesterfordjunction]

Thank you Cheers Gormo

[@dinmorejunctionmodelrailway]

G'day Gormo. I'm loving this style of layout tour.

[@greatchesterfordjunction]

G`day Dinmore, Thank you, I usually take close up pics of my projects anyway, so why not take it one step further and do something a bit different. ? It may not be everybody`s cup of tea, but who cares.....I`ll keep working on it as an alternative style of presentation. Cheers Gormo

[@PaulSmith-pl7fo]

Hi Gormo. Love your appearances on Platform 3 and Church Street. Really good to take a look around the town. It has suddenly occurred to me that, as far as I know, no one makes working clock faces for churches (I guess it would be difficult for scales below OO, but OO *ought* to be feasible); does anyone know of such a thing? Now, what we don't know is whether the space around the corner was vacant when the Post Office van arrived! How accurate is your representation of the town of Great Chesterford? I have driven through the town on the B1383 on several occasions on my way to Audley End (a stately home), but maybe the town centre is situated away from this road. The inclusion of a model shop is inspired. A selfie? Shameless! Abbey Road: a second homage to the Beatles in your youth. The tricycle van is a little far from home, isn't he? Union Mills: an homage to the loco manufacturer (please say yes!)? I just love this layout - such thought and attention to detail!

[@greatchesterfordjunction]

G`day Paul and thanks for your comments. I have not yet seen any working clock faces for OO scale, however it should be possible if one could find a small cheap watch. It could be a nightmare to change the battery though.? The space around the corner may have been vacant, however you see, by posing the question, the cameo has indeed done it`s job by making us think....." Why did he park on the footpath ?" I have been to Great Chesterford twice and my model is nothing like it at all I`m afraid. GC now is mostly residential without even a local shop now. The pub has become a restaurant and I think the locals like it that way, preferring to go to Saffron Walden for their shopping needs. I have a family connection to GC so have purely used the name only for my model.......same applies to Little Bardfield.....artistic license The Union Mills sign came with the Metcalfe warehouse kit and seemed appropriate. With the tricycle and cars and indeed trains....I just buy what I like whether they are correct or not. I`m glad you like the layout and you`re welcome to visit if you are ever in this neck of the woods. Cheers Gormo

[@R3deye119]

Absolutely amazing mate 👍👍

[@greatchesterfordjunction]

Thank you Cheers Gormo

[@terrythornton1549]

Going in so close really shows off the quality of the modelling.

[@greatchesterfordjunction]

G`day Terry and thank you. Going in close for me also shows the faults, but I guess that`s what happens to all of us who build models.? Cheers Gormo

[@greatnorthernrailwaytother4711]

Very clever Gormo. Cheers Pete

[@greatchesterfordjunction]

Thanks Pete, Glad you like it Cheers Gormo

[@davidparker886]

Well done Gulliver, visit Milton Parva GWR branchline any time you like!

[@greatchesterfordjunction]

Thanks David, And thanks for the invitation Cheers Gormo

[@andrewtempest1944]

What a super idea, its a great way to show all the fine details. Can I ask where did you source the people figurines from,they are very realistic. Thanks Andrew UK.

[@greatchesterfordjunction]

G`day Andrew, Thanks for your comment. The figures are a mixture with most of them being Bachmann Scenecraft, however there are some Dapol figures which required hand painting. I also mix in some Preiser ( HO ) figures for variety. Preiser do a very good range of figures and even though they are smaller than OO figures they can be easily placed so you can`t tell the difference. After all, people in the real World are not all the same size and shape. Cheers Gormo

[@alechudson6492]

Well that was a bit different. Very good.

[@greatchesterfordjunction]

Thanks Alec, Yes I thought people would find it different. Actually I`m not sure if anybody else has ever done it this way before.? Cheers Gormo

[@garthjunor3027]

Excellent work sir!

[@greatchesterfordjunction]

Thank you Garth, Glad you liked it Cheers Gormo

[@Rock_God]

G’day, Gormo. Great tour with a novel format of a miniature Gormo as the tour guide. How ever did you manage to make yourself an inch tall? I’d love to give it a try 😂. Best, Jason.

[@greatchesterfordjunction]

G`day Jason, Thanks for your comments. Mini Gormo, or should I say Mini Me, was done with a Green Screen......an el cheapo product from our local Kmart ( 20 bucks ) I video myself in front of the Green Screen and then place that video on top of an image in my video editing software ( Lightworks ) The Green Screen image then has two video effects placed into it. One called DVE which is a size and position effect and the second effect is called Chromakey, which allows you to remove the green background showing Gormo on top of the underlying image. Gormo`s size and position can then be manipulated with DVE to turn him into Mini Gormo and placed wherever he is required. Sounds complicated but it`s easy once you get your head around it. I have the Green Screen strung across one end of my workshop. The screen is lit from both sides to cancel out shadows. My video camera is on a tripod facing me, and next to that is my phone on a second tripod. The phone has the images on it that I wish to comment on, so it makes it easier for me to work out which direction I must be facing and what I should be pointing at. Some of the areas in the town are hard to get at to film, so I`m using a small Nikon Coolpix to take some of the still pictures. Hope this helps Cheers Gormo

[@Rock_God]

@@greatchesterfordjunction Thanks, Gormo. Much appreciated. Best, Jason.

[@brendanhicks677]

Just excellent

[@greatchesterfordjunction]

Thanks Brendan Cheers Gormo

[@davidperry2605]

Keep up the good work

[@greatchesterfordjunction]

Thanks Dave, Glad you liked it Cheers Gormo

[@RGJTrains]

that’s some clever editing, presume you’re using a green screen?

[@greatchesterfordjunction]

G`day RGJ, Yes I`m using an el cheapo Green Screen I got from our local Kmart.....20 bucks. ! It came with a tripod set up which was just crap, so instead of using the tripod, I set up the cloth in my shed like a curtain ,making sure it`s secured at all four corners to avoid it flapping around in the breeze. The images are transformed in Lightworks video editing software. The tripod has been converted into a boom for filming and lighting. So overall a piece of crap has turned into something quite useful. Cheers Gormo