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Post by MONSTERRAILROAD on Jan 30, 2015 9:15:55 GMT -8
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Post by stevewagner on Jan 30, 2015 10:14:08 GMT -8
Al, thanks very much for your efforts!
I just watched your report at my desk at work while eating my lunch. I didn't dare turn the sound up much, lest I disturb colleagues, and there was a lot of background noise at the show, so much was hard for me to hear.
Last Saturday I was busy shoveling snow at home (4 hours' and 40 minutes' worth -- my older son did more!), but I did get to the show for about four hours on Sunday.
I talked with the same two Athearn people that you did. The younger one with dark hair is Chris Palomarez, who is Brand Manager for Athearn. The older man, whose card I left at home, is in charge of product development and is quite new. When he showed you the forthcoming C&NW passenger Geep he didn't point out the basically rectangular cabinet at the end of the long hood that on the full-sized locos housed equipment for providing electric power to the cars, which is new for Athearn. Some other roads used rather similar ones on passenger Geeps: the Boston & Maine on GP7's and the Jersey Central, on what sort of Geeps I'm not sure, and possibly others.
I talked with them about two sets of forthcoming locos decorated for the Delaware & Hudson. I mentioned that I and other D&H fans had been disturbed when the announcement of three Ready-To-Roll SD45's in the D&H's lightning stripe livery a few months back said all three would have the unusual L-shaped front window that some of EMD's demonstrators did. Mark Roach, who's a D&H modeler active on this forum, I and presumably others wrote Athearn that the 801 had the regular front window, i.e. divided into two panes. I told them I ordered an 801 after seeing that the front view for the 801 on the page where the firm has small drawings of each of the three locos indeed has the two-pane front window. The new man hadn't been aware of that but noted it.
I also had e-mailed Athearn strongly urging that not all of the four Genesis models of four D&H GP38-2's the firm announced more recently wouldn't be lettered the same way as the only one shown on the announcment's .pdf page, the 7303 with the roadname in YELLOW on the sides of the long hood, as erroneously done by CP's shop in Calgary in the 1990's. They assured me that all the others would have blue road names, the 7312 would have Bernie O'Brien's name on it (honoring the longtime D&H Road Foreman of Engines), the 7322 would have very big numbers above the roadnames, etc. Chris e-mailed me the artwork attached to two e-mail messages, but the first didn't come through (probably because of its size) and I can't open the files attached to the second. I'll be asking him to resend them to the Publisher of the "Bridge Line Historical Society Bulletin".
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Post by Deleted on Jan 30, 2015 12:32:20 GMT -8
I watched your video. My first suggestion is turn down the back ground music and get a microphone to put on the shirts to isolate the background noise. Background noise + your music + the man speaking = a bunch of mixed sound. My second suggestion is more of an assumption. You have a banner that reads you didn't get to go home with a model because you are not their paid spokesperson. Was this directed towards that JLWIL2000 youtube person? He had just posted a review yesterday here where he said he got the models 3 weeks ahead of time. Watching his review its very thorough, had mentioned some downsides to that model and hardly comes off as paid spokesperson type of film. Seems like a bit of bitterness there I detect on your end. Lastly did you see the paint job, is it as green like has been said?
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Post by jlwii2000 on Jan 30, 2015 12:56:56 GMT -8
Al has been making that statement in his reviews for as long as I can remember, I doubt it's pointed at me. If I remember correctly I think he means it more for magazines(model RR,etc). As for my review, athearn let me borrow those locos in lieu of mine getting in. So they're not free and I'm not paid by athearn, written a check, etc. Actually the review will cost me money because I pay shipping back! I've got 5 of mine ordered through overland hobbies, my local hobby shop, dcc train, and train world. (I split the pre order to study customer service if each place) So with me you're getting the same review I'd do anyway just early in this case. I also mention a list of things that aren't prefect on the model. No leds, plastic handrails, green color, etc. I just point them as facts. That's all. People can invent all the friction they want and I'm used to it but he was on Youtube long before me so you can guess who was watching who's videos first. Which means youtubers such as Al got me in gear to do videos. Call it inspiration, call it paving the way, motivation, whatever you want. I watched your video. My first suggestion is turn down the back ground music and get a microphone to put on the shirts to isolate the background noise. Background noise + your music + the man speaking = a bunch of mixed sound. My second suggestion is more of an assumption. You have a banner that reads you didn't get to go home with a model because you are not their paid spokesperson. Was this directed towards that JLWIL2000 youtube person? He had just posted a review yesterday here where he said he got the models 3 weeks ahead of time. Watching his review its very thorough, had mentioned some downsides to that model and hardly comes off as paid spokesperson type of film. Seems like a bit of bitterness there I detect on your end. Lastly did you see the paint job, is it as green like has been said? |
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Post by MONSTERRAILROAD on Jan 30, 2015 13:07:51 GMT -8
I watched your video. My first suggestion is turn down the back ground music and get a microphone to put on the shirts to isolate the background noise. Background noise + your music + the man speaking = a bunch of mixed sound. My second suggestion is more of an assumption. You have a banner that reads you didn't get to go home with a model because you are not their paid spokesperson. Was this directed towards that JLWIL2000 youtube person? He had just posted a review yesterday here where he said he got the models 3 weeks ahead of time. Watching his review its very thorough, had mentioned some downsides to that model and hardly comes off as paid spokesperson type of film. Seems like a bit of bitterness there I detect on your end. Lastly did you see the paint job, is it as green like has been said? Directed at James, no. I downloaded and edited the video two nights ago, before James even posted his. I did not know anything about what he had going on at all. Plus I have not seen the video James made yet either. Are you assuming James is that Paid spokesperson? I was not. I say whatever I want but what I say is just based on my opinions. I have been outspoken about that long long ago. Haters like you love to try and make a thing out of everything I say or do for whatever reason. Listen, when I say something towards someone, I refer to that person by name, no Induindo puns or little secret messages. I have no corny bitterness but if you want to run with that, you are more than free to do so. I have many more edgy videos from the show to upload and that means plenty more "issues" you can draw up. On another not, I gave that wack video camera away two days ago and now have a newer Sony Handycam CX700V that I will be using for all future videos and adding a better external mic. |
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Post by Deleted on Jan 30, 2015 13:17:47 GMT -8
I watched your video. My first suggestion is turn down the back ground music and get a microphone to put on the shirts to isolate the background noise. Background noise + your music + the man speaking = a bunch of mixed sound. My second suggestion is more of an assumption. You have a banner that reads you didn't get to go home with a model because you are not their paid spokesperson. Was this directed towards that JLWIL2000 youtube person? He had just posted a review yesterday here where he said he got the models 3 weeks ahead of time. Watching his review its very thorough, had mentioned some downsides to that model and hardly comes off as paid spokesperson type of film. Seems like a bit of bitterness there I detect on your end. Lastly did you see the paint job, is it as green like has been said? Directed at James, no. I downloaded and edited the video two nights ago, before James even posted his. I did not know anything about what he had going on at all. Plus I have not seen the video James made yet either. Are you assuming James is that Paid spokesperson? I was not. I say whatever I want but what I say is just based on my opinions. I have been outspoken about that long long ago. Haters like you love to try and make a thing out of everything I say or do for whatever reason. Listen, when I say something towards someone, I refer to that person by name, no Induindo puns or little secret messages. I have no corny bitterness but if you want to run with that, you are more than free to do so. I have many more edgy videos from the show to upload and that means plenty more "issues" you can draw up. On another not, I gave that wack video camera away two days ago and now have a newer Sony Handycam CX700V that I will be using for all future videos and adding a better external mic. I say that James probably gets free product at times, money from advertising through those pop up advertisements, but with the time he puts into it I don't care if he does.. It just seemed all too coincidental of your video and lengthy description on YouTube. If you have no bitterness that is all n' great but I will say you are passionate about this subject in your video productions and descriptions. No bad feelings as I am not a "hater" I am warming up to you a little and that is why I suggested improvements to your audio. |
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Post by stevewagner on Jan 30, 2015 13:42:36 GMT -8
Correction to what I wrote on this thread earlier today:
The older Athearn representative in Al's video is Tom Bacarella. The older man I talked with, who works in Athearn's product development and has less hair on top of his head, is Craig Walker. Both of them appear with Chris Palomarez in a photo on Athearn's website.
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Post by MONSTERRAILROAD on Jan 30, 2015 14:09:47 GMT -8
Directed at James, no. I downloaded and edited the video two nights ago, before James even posted his. I did not know anything about what he had going on at all. Plus I have not seen the video James made yet either. Are you assuming James is that Paid spokesperson? I was not. I say whatever I want but what I say is just based on my opinions. I have been outspoken about that long long ago. Haters like you love to try and make a thing out of everything I say or do for whatever reason. Listen, when I say something towards someone, I refer to that person by name, no Induindo puns or little secret messages. I have no corny bitterness but if you want to run with that, you are more than free to do so. I have many more edgy videos from the show to upload and that means plenty more "issues" you can draw up. On another not, I gave that wack video camera away two days ago and now have a newer Sony Handycam CX700V that I will be using for all future videos and adding a better external mic. I say that James probably gets free product at times, money from advertising through those pop up advertisements, but with the time he puts into it I don't care if he does.. It just seemed all too coincidental of your video and lengthy description on YouTube. If you have no bitterness that is all n' great but I will say you are passionate about this subject in your video productions and descriptions. No bad feelings as I am not a "hater" I am warming up to you a little and that is why I suggested improvements to your audio. OK fair enough, but understand this I am very passionate about the subject of corny sugar coated reviews that are done like that because the magazines and emagazines are basically paid spokesmen for the manufactures. The manufacturers OWN them. The magazines can't be honest and tell us that even ONE product sucks, why? Because that same manufacturer that sent them a free model, also pays a bunch for advertisements. Can't make the manufacturers mad, because the reviewers won't get free pre-realesed models and make money on advertisements. The mags can't bite the hand that feeds them. In the end, all reviews are positive, every single one. I am not a paid spokesman for any mamanufacturer I may PERSONALLY really like a model or a manufacturer but that manufacturer does not own me or pay me to "be nice" on reviews. Like I said before too, I have a newer camera for better quality videos. It was so loud at the show that it is hard to get best sound quality in that enviorment unless I use a handheld mic or pin on mics. |
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Post by bar on Jan 30, 2015 14:30:06 GMT -8
Al has been making that statement in his reviews for as long as I can remember, I doubt it's pointed at me. If I remember correctly I think he means it more for magazines(model RR,etc). As for my review, athearn let me borrow those locos in lieu of mine getting in. The manufacturer lets you 'borrow' new products to make a review? Wish I could do that. Sorry, but you're co-opted as an 'influencer' and your reviews should be viewed with circumspection. |
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Post by nebrzephyr on Jan 30, 2015 15:00:57 GMT -8
If anybody is watching Al's video, or jlwii2000 video and you get NO audio, here might be the issue. In the latest Adobe Flash update they decided in their wisdom to default the audio to 0, (not mute). So if you hover over the mute icon the audio slider will appear and you can move it off 0. Bob
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Post by calzephyr on Jan 30, 2015 15:45:24 GMT -8
Thanks Al for the video. That first scene of the on ramp with snow shows the travel conditions and it probably was not easy. Larry |
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Post by jlwii2000 on Jan 30, 2015 16:11:35 GMT -8
Al has been making that statement in his reviews for as long as I can remember, I doubt it's pointed at me. If I remember correctly I think he means it more for magazines(model RR,etc). As for my review, athearn let me borrow those locos in lieu of mine getting in. The manufacturer lets you 'borrow' new products to make a review? Wish I could do that. Sorry, but you're co-opted as an 'influencer' and your reviews should be viewed with circumspection. So in the same statement as you say you wish you could do that, you accuse me of being an influencer. Just a little info for you: Every review causes influence no matter how it comes about. You may have missed the part where I said I would have the SAME locomotives in a few weeks from my order. Or maybe the part where I said I have to pay shipping back (over $20). I've got $1150 in these models, if I don't like something you're going to hear it and you did in that video on the models shortcomings. Considering the fact that it's costing me money to produce the review, most people would actually suspect I would go into it upset at the additional cost incurred or at least upset at the fact that I've got so much money spent on one type of locomotive, oooh but not you. Some people I swear lol  |
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Post by markfj on Jan 31, 2015 11:38:34 GMT -8
Geeze, some people need to take a pill and relax. Both videos were helpful and informative…and free!
Anyways, the Athearn UP unit looks good, but I have to agree that the Overland paint is nicer. Being from the northeast, I’ve only ever seen the NS units, which have a rather glossy black finish even after some weathering. And, those handrails are flimsy, but not a deal breaker. I would hate to see Athearn go back to wire unless they did some kind of hybrid plastic/metal handrails (not sure how they would do it though). I even liked the bulbs-as-headlights, since I know we'll "never" see anything else from Athearn.
Thanks, Mark
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Post by Spikre on Jan 31, 2015 17:08:21 GMT -8
 Steve W, the CNJ units with the rear box were GP7s,saw them many times. CNJ did have 2 GP9s rebuilt from the wrecked GP7s in the Newark Bay Bridge disaster of the late 50s.the GP9s were rated at 1500 HP, and didn't have the rear boxes,cant recall ever seeing them. D&H/EL 801, everything seen here says the unit was built with the "L" windshield. it is possible that EMD rebuilt the unit before it went to D&H ? or that D&H rebuilt it after it arrived from EMD. but its also possible the early reports are Wrong,and it was built with the regular cab windows. for some reason can find plenty of pics of EL 803,even one where it was numbered 3803,but the 3 was painted out before entering EL service, that picture was by Preston Cook,at the time He worked out of ELs Marion Shop for EMD. less pictures of 802,and no close shots of 801. NS Flared SD70Ms: FWIW,cant ever recall seeing any of the NS Flares yet,maybe someday ? Spikre 
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Post by MONSTERRAILROAD on Jan 31, 2015 21:06:25 GMT -8
I am truly about to upload one of the BEST videos ever from the train show that I recorded. It is one of those videos that reminds me why I actually make the videos in the first place. It's just a great great inspiring video I promise you of that.
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Post by atsfan on Feb 1, 2015 6:41:34 GMT -8
Al
A friendly suggestion is turn off the music during the video after the intro.
Also I don't know what your using for video editing but some programs allow you to dial down different audio tones like the background
I like your videos but the sound is distracting from you
Just saying. Thanks for sharing.
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Post by atsfan on Feb 1, 2015 6:43:22 GMT -8
Al has been making that statement in his reviews for as long as I can remember, I doubt it's pointed at me. If I remember correctly I think he means it more for magazines(model RR,etc). As for my review, athearn let me borrow those locos in lieu of mine getting in. The manufacturer lets you 'borrow' new products to make a review? Wish I could do that. Sorry, but you're co-opted as an 'influencer' and your reviews should be viewed with circumspection. His videos are even handed. Besides if watching video reviews influence your purchasing you would watch more than one anyway. |
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Post by bar on Feb 1, 2015 8:26:10 GMT -8
Giving Al a camcorder is like handing out spray paint at the LA railyards. Keep shooting, Al!
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Post by canrailfan on Feb 1, 2015 9:11:47 GMT -8
Like I said before too, I have a newer camera for better quality videos. It was so loud at the show that it is hard to get best sound quality in that enviorment unless I use a handheld mic or pin on mics. Hi Al, Have you tried a directional mike on the video camera (if it has a connector for an external mike)? I found that the built-in omnidirectional mike on my Panasonic was picking up too much ambient sound and making some recordings next to useless. I started using a Rode directional mike, getting more of the sound of what the camera was pointed at and very much less of the side and back ambient sounds. The built-in mike location on many of today's camcorders is right on top, to me that's not the best location for most of the railfanning videos I shoot. For your interviews a directional mike might be easier to use than hand-held or pin on mikes. Always enjoy your videos. David |
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Post by atsfan on Feb 1, 2015 9:16:47 GMT -8
Hi Al, Have you tried a directional mike on the video camera (if it has a connector for an external mike)? I found that the built-in omnidirectional mike on my Panasonic was picking up too much ambient sound and making some recordings next to useless. I started using a Rode directional mike, getting more of the sound of what the camera was pointed at and very much less of the side and back ambient sounds. The built-in mike location on many of today's camcorders is right on top, to me that's not the best location for most of the railfanning videos I shoot. For your interviews a directional mike might be easier to use than hand-held or pin on mikes. Always enjoy your videos. David Rode directional mike ! Amen |
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Post by MONSTERRAILROAD on Feb 1, 2015 10:17:27 GMT -8
Rode directional mike ! Amen The new Sony camera I got has external directional mic and the external mic plug, plus the remote control that I needed for my videos. The train show is always a super loud place so the ambient background noise shows up in the vids. Also, if you notice in my videos I do adjust the background music at times when I am speaking or someone else is. The video that I just uploaded last night has Michael Jackson music in the background that I adjusted to the times the kid is singing and when I am talking. Its a balancing game that some people think is fine and others think is too loud. |
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Post by MONSTERRAILROAD on Feb 1, 2015 10:20:16 GMT -8
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Post by tankcarsrule on Feb 1, 2015 11:25:14 GMT -8
Al, that was not the best video that I've ever seen. You need to come out of your shell and gain more self confidence.
What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and loose his ----?
Regards, Bobby
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Post by MONSTERRAILROAD on Feb 1, 2015 14:39:11 GMT -8
Al, that was not the best video that I've ever seen. You need to come out of your shell and gain more self confidence. What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and loose his ----? Regards, Bobby Well OK then, that is cool wit me. We are all entitled to an opinion. Regards, Big Al |
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Post by atsfan on Feb 1, 2015 14:53:04 GMT -8
The Singing video sounded different and IMHO better
The kid was wicked awesome
I like it :-)
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Post by John Sheridan on Feb 2, 2015 7:13:07 GMT -8
Correction to what I wrote on this thread earlier today: The older Athearn representative in Al's video is Tom Bacarella. The older man I talked with, who works in Athearn's product development and has less hair on top of his head, is Craig Walker. Both of them appear with Chris Palomarez in a photo on Athearn's website. I tend to call them "The Unholy Trinity" myself ....heh heh heh. Had dinner with all 3 of them on Sunday @ the steaming tender. First time i've ever talked to Tom who is the only one I did not know. I know Chis through Microscale and I've known Craig for about 20 years or so. The three of them are a pretty good bunch of guys & all railfans to boot. |
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Post by John Sheridan on Feb 2, 2015 7:20:13 GMT -8
Geeze Al, you keep that up & you are ruining that evil reputation that you are world renown for! |
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Post by stevef45 on Feb 3, 2015 19:02:24 GMT -8
Al, finally watched the video and loved how you asked them straight up about the customer service or lack thereof. All the excuses made me laugh. I still, even after getting a personal email to forward my complaints about not receiving replacement parts have not been answered by that person. So now what? LOL I have 2 projects that I cannot finish due to missing parts that are athearn specific.
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