Thanks to Tim Moran from Western Reserve Free-mo in NE Ohio for suggesting these vid's.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Scenery Has Started
After building my modules some 5+ years ago, I've finally started on the scenery. And would you believe, I've been in this hobby for over 25 years and this is the first time I have ever gotten to where I could add scenery and details? So, I haven't actually put anything I've learned over the years in action until now. So, if the work looks flawed, besides the obvious patches you'll see in the pic's, you now know why. My biggest issue was with the plaster cloth soaking up the matte medium, so I'll do another application after the first dries.
The next step will be to add ground cover to my other 3 modules but I have to touch up the ballast after I buy more. Then I will add trees, bushes, pavement, etc.
Here are a few shots I took after bringing the module back in the garage. In the overhead shot, you'll see green on the track, but that was just what came from the top of the hill in the top left corner.
The next step will be to add ground cover to my other 3 modules but I have to touch up the ballast after I buy more. Then I will add trees, bushes, pavement, etc.
Here are a few shots I took after bringing the module back in the garage. In the overhead shot, you'll see green on the track, but that was just what came from the top of the hill in the top left corner.
 |
| This shows my failed attempt at zip texturing. The yellow powder paint balled up while mixing. I need a sifter, I think. |
 |
| My first attempt at color washes on plaster castings. And you can see where the ground foam didn't stick. |
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| Transition from the rails is zip texture, earth and green blend. |
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| Upper right shows where the ground cover didn't stick. Also, where the foam is still bare I will be adding a gas station. |
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Tri-County Modular Railroaders
Well, I did it. I am in the beginning stages of starting a new model railroad club. My last attempt with the Ohio Valley Free-Mo group would have worked out if I first, didn't try to cover such a large area for membership. Three states was a little ambitious for someone new to Free-Mo and heading a model railroad group. And second, if I had more time to dedicate to a large group and money to spend on my modules, things would have turned out better. So, I turned it over to someone else in the Cincinnati area, but have not seen much, if any, progress from the group.
This time around, I will be starting smaller with trying to gain membership through local hobby shops, my families churches, and so on. So, hopefully this goes well. Please spread the word and find us on Facebook at the Tri-County Modular Railroaders page. The group is open to anyone interested in HO modular model railroading built to Free-mo standards.
This time around, I will be starting smaller with trying to gain membership through local hobby shops, my families churches, and so on. So, hopefully this goes well. Please spread the word and find us on Facebook at the Tri-County Modular Railroaders page. The group is open to anyone interested in HO modular model railroading built to Free-mo standards.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Thoughts Are Going Again
Well, even though my first attempt didn't take off like I hoped, I think I might try to put together another Free-mo type group. More on this later as I process the thoughts more.
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Monday, October 4, 2010
Dayton NMRA Div. 3 Train Show November 6 & 7
Just a short reminder post that the Dayton NMRA Div. 3 show is coming up in a few weeks. Visit http://www.daytontrainshow.com for more info.
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Sunday, October 3, 2010
Great Video From MRH Featuring Free-Mo Modules
As I was going through some of my YouTube subscriptions, I came across this video from the 2010 National Train Show in Milwaukee. It features a Free-Mo set-up with over 100+ modules.
Finally, fall is here!
Well, this is just an update actually. It's 7:30am and I've been awake since about 4:45am. So, I figured I would post to one of my blogs to get my brain to stop going 100 miles a minute, as usual.
First off, our dog has been found. Ashley's mom found him a few doors down a couple days after he took off. He was safe, fed and they even gave him a bath! As a thank you we gave them a gift from DLM (Dorothy Lane Market).
I have also started a new job. I am now working at the Walmart DC in Washington Courthouse as an order filler. So far it's a great job with plenty of places to go if I want. I've been there since 8/31/10. My schedule works for me pretty well too, M-F 4pm to 12:30am, even though I haven't seen an 8 hour shift since day one. But, the pay still makes up for that.
And lastly, I haven't forgotten about the module building. As time allows, I expect to start here in the next few weeks and build it over the weekend or before I go to work during the week. I will also have my son get involved as much as a 3 1/2 year old can. He helped with building his mommy's craft cabinets, so he can help with drill operations :-) .
Ok, that's all for now. Maybe I can sleep now before i have to get up in about 3 hours.
Happy model railroading!
First off, our dog has been found. Ashley's mom found him a few doors down a couple days after he took off. He was safe, fed and they even gave him a bath! As a thank you we gave them a gift from DLM (Dorothy Lane Market).
I have also started a new job. I am now working at the Walmart DC in Washington Courthouse as an order filler. So far it's a great job with plenty of places to go if I want. I've been there since 8/31/10. My schedule works for me pretty well too, M-F 4pm to 12:30am, even though I haven't seen an 8 hour shift since day one. But, the pay still makes up for that.
And lastly, I haven't forgotten about the module building. As time allows, I expect to start here in the next few weeks and build it over the weekend or before I go to work during the week. I will also have my son get involved as much as a 3 1/2 year old can. He helped with building his mommy's craft cabinets, so he can help with drill operations :-) .
Ok, that's all for now. Maybe I can sleep now before i have to get up in about 3 hours.
Happy model railroading!
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Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Lost Dog - Please Help!
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
NS Job Update
Well, I went to the interview session a few weeks ago, and unfortunately, I didn't get the job. I got as far as taking the assessment tests and that was it. From what I could tell, they picked about 15 people for interviews and most if not all were much younger than the other 60 that didn't get picked. Which is understandable since they probably didn't have a family to worry about not seeing and wouldn't have any issues with the 24/7/365 schedule. But, I'm still trying for other jobs with the railroad. I'm still applying with CSX, NS and Amtrak. And honestly, I am hoping some day to get the chance to work in the shops instead, so I'm trying for those jobs, as well as ticket and baggage agents with Amtrak.
So, as of right now on the job front, I'm now working for another machine shop here in Dayton. It's a good place to work, but the whole industry scares me now with plants closing more and more, and these jobs being sent out of the states. So, I'm still looking elsewhere. But, I have a physical abilities test for a Walmart DC this Wednesday at 8:00am. From what I have been able to find out, the job pays pretty well, up to double what I'm making now. We're crossing our fingers.
And on a side note, we are in the process of looking for a new house. We have outgrown our current place and are in the market for something about 3500+ sq.ft. And if anyone is interested, we are going to be selling our 2600 sq.ft. home. It has 3 bed, 3.5 bathrooms, practically everything has been replaced since 2007 when we bought it. It has a 2 car garage and is sitting on 5.5 acres. We also have a 32'x40' 2-4 stall horse barn with tack room, workshop and hay loft. The barn isn't in good shape, but it does serve a purpose of storing our tractors, lawn equipment and my truck. There is about a 1/2-3/4 acre corral and the remaining 3 acres are pasture with a pond. The rooms of the home are pretty big and the property would be great for a horse lover or some other agriculture purpose. So, if interested, you can contact me at contact@jgmconst.com
That's all I know for now. Until next time.
John
So, as of right now on the job front, I'm now working for another machine shop here in Dayton. It's a good place to work, but the whole industry scares me now with plants closing more and more, and these jobs being sent out of the states. So, I'm still looking elsewhere. But, I have a physical abilities test for a Walmart DC this Wednesday at 8:00am. From what I have been able to find out, the job pays pretty well, up to double what I'm making now. We're crossing our fingers.
And on a side note, we are in the process of looking for a new house. We have outgrown our current place and are in the market for something about 3500+ sq.ft. And if anyone is interested, we are going to be selling our 2600 sq.ft. home. It has 3 bed, 3.5 bathrooms, practically everything has been replaced since 2007 when we bought it. It has a 2 car garage and is sitting on 5.5 acres. We also have a 32'x40' 2-4 stall horse barn with tack room, workshop and hay loft. The barn isn't in good shape, but it does serve a purpose of storing our tractors, lawn equipment and my truck. There is about a 1/2-3/4 acre corral and the remaining 3 acres are pasture with a pond. The rooms of the home are pretty big and the property would be great for a horse lover or some other agriculture purpose. So, if interested, you can contact me at contact@jgmconst.com
That's all I know for now. Until next time.
John
Thursday, July 1, 2010
I Got The Call! Well, The Email!
Well, I got the email anyway that has invited me to a recruiting session for NS as a conductor in Cincinnati, OH. Finally! After probably 5 years of posting applications to CSX, NS, Amtrak, UP and BNSF, I finally got to the next step. Let's just hope I keep up the momentum! I've missed working for the railroad for so many years and hoped this day would come.
I used to work for Conrail back in '98-99, starting as a brakeman, then went straight to engineer in training after only a couple short months. But, I messed up and left because A) I got sick and seemed like I could never get better to go back to work, and I was always getting called when I was unfit for duty or not qualified on a certain job. I think going to engineer school put me in that position. I wont make that mistake again, lol. I'll work for a year or 2 before bidding on the engineer training again.
I hope to be able to report next time that I am going for a physical and drug test, or what ever the next step in the hiring process may be.
I'll keep you all posted!
John
I used to work for Conrail back in '98-99, starting as a brakeman, then went straight to engineer in training after only a couple short months. But, I messed up and left because A) I got sick and seemed like I could never get better to go back to work, and I was always getting called when I was unfit for duty or not qualified on a certain job. I think going to engineer school put me in that position. I wont make that mistake again, lol. I'll work for a year or 2 before bidding on the engineer training again.
I hope to be able to report next time that I am going for a physical and drug test, or what ever the next step in the hiring process may be.
I'll keep you all posted!
John
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Just for the record. . . .
I thoroughly dislike mowing the grass! That is all. . . . . . . hahaha!
Well, yesterday was the first mow of the year for us, and I cut all 5 acres. Well, it actually took 2 days to do and I finished today. The first cut seems to always be the most involved, especially when your front 2 acres are filled with trees, downed branches and EXTRA high grass over the septic leach bed, and the rear 3 acres are overgrown from not cutting all year in '09. It took me the better part of 6 hours to cut the back yard and back 40 of our property, and then another hour to cut the front yard.
Today took a couple hours longer than usual though because the belt came off of the mower deck in the middle of mowing. And it didn't help that the deck was fill with grass that had to be pulled out. So, I pulled the deck off to clean it out and in the process, I find that all 3 blades are extremely dull. I would have been better off trying to cut the grass with the back side of a butter knife! I put everything back together though after doing a little filing on the blades and got the yard done.
Oh yeah, I forgot to mention, I AM FRIED! I got burnt to a crisp. Silly me didn't put on sunscreen or any thing, so now my arms, face, head and the tops of my knees are as red as the paint on our Troy Built mower. Not fun times at all. Oh well, I got a good base for our Myrtle Beach trip in a couple weeks. Can't wait for that!
Well, that's all for my rant about mowing. I hope you all have better luck, and a smaller yard, than I!
C-ya!
John
Well, yesterday was the first mow of the year for us, and I cut all 5 acres. Well, it actually took 2 days to do and I finished today. The first cut seems to always be the most involved, especially when your front 2 acres are filled with trees, downed branches and EXTRA high grass over the septic leach bed, and the rear 3 acres are overgrown from not cutting all year in '09. It took me the better part of 6 hours to cut the back yard and back 40 of our property, and then another hour to cut the front yard.
Today took a couple hours longer than usual though because the belt came off of the mower deck in the middle of mowing. And it didn't help that the deck was fill with grass that had to be pulled out. So, I pulled the deck off to clean it out and in the process, I find that all 3 blades are extremely dull. I would have been better off trying to cut the grass with the back side of a butter knife! I put everything back together though after doing a little filing on the blades and got the yard done.
Oh yeah, I forgot to mention, I AM FRIED! I got burnt to a crisp. Silly me didn't put on sunscreen or any thing, so now my arms, face, head and the tops of my knees are as red as the paint on our Troy Built mower. Not fun times at all. Oh well, I got a good base for our Myrtle Beach trip in a couple weeks. Can't wait for that!
Well, that's all for my rant about mowing. I hope you all have better luck, and a smaller yard, than I!
C-ya!
John
Monday, April 5, 2010
Module Construction How-To Update 2
As you can see, it's been almost a month and I still have not gotten around to the module project. For a guy with a wife, 2 kids, a full time job and about a million other things to do, you'd think I'd find one hobby and stick to it. But no, not me! I guess I'm an over-achiever when it comes to my interests. And this is why, along with the other things mentioned, I have not been able to work on this yet. On top of all that, I'm going to have to possibly join other millions of American's and look for a new job, or at least some kind of safety net in case my current job folds, which by the Grace of God hope it doesn't.
God has been looking out for us since the economy has taken a downward spiral, and my family and I are VERY thankful for that. So, I have faith that He has something waiting for me around the corner, I just have to figure out which corner it is, I guess. Because frankly, even though I don't make tons of money, my job has "perks" that you wouldn't believe. I make decent money, could be more but it's enough to support my family, I get to spend pretty much unlimited time with my wife and kids, we can take vacations 2-3 times a year or more, I have a great schedule and either work from home, in the office or on a job depending on where I'm needed. I do work that I love and had always wanted to do, in more than one area. I'm the mechanic, general contractor, "truck driver", I get paid to travel, our health care is very inexpensive (for now, thanks Obama). I was getting paid to go to school to learn a new trade and school was paid for. And somewhat free use of any company vehicle when I need it. Perks than anyone would love.
Sorry for the . . . . .praise. Not really much of an update is it?
I will plan to build this new module in about 5 weeks when we get back from Myrtle Beach. So please check back then.
John
God has been looking out for us since the economy has taken a downward spiral, and my family and I are VERY thankful for that. So, I have faith that He has something waiting for me around the corner, I just have to figure out which corner it is, I guess. Because frankly, even though I don't make tons of money, my job has "perks" that you wouldn't believe. I make decent money, could be more but it's enough to support my family, I get to spend pretty much unlimited time with my wife and kids, we can take vacations 2-3 times a year or more, I have a great schedule and either work from home, in the office or on a job depending on where I'm needed. I do work that I love and had always wanted to do, in more than one area. I'm the mechanic, general contractor, "truck driver", I get paid to travel, our health care is very inexpensive (for now, thanks Obama
Sorry for the . . . . .praise. Not really much of an update is it?
I will plan to build this new module in about 5 weeks when we get back from Myrtle Beach. So please check back then.
John
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Module Construction How-To Update
As I had mentioned in the beginning of the How-To, I was describing every step by memory and trying to carefully think about the process. At least I hope I mentioned that! Well, as luck would have it, I just finished a cabinet using 3/4" birch plywood and I have just enough scrap left to take pictures of the process and materials. So, when the free time comes available I will spend a few weekends photographing and re-covering the process of building a basic 2'x4' free-mo standard based module.
Please keep an eye on the blog as it may be this weekend when I start the project. It also helps to have the new camera too.
So, I will post again shortly!
John
Please keep an eye on the blog as it may be this weekend when I start the project. It also helps to have the new camera too.
So, I will post again shortly!
John
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Carter's 3rd Birthday Party
This past weekend was Carter's 3rd birthday party, held at Rolandia/Magic Castle. Everyone had a great time, especially Carter! Pizza, cake, presents and arcade games, what more could he need. He got a lot of neat presents, but probably his favorite is the Imaginarium train table with some Thomas wooden trains.
Here are some pictures from the party and at home afterwards.
So, until the next post, God Bless.
John, "Pop"
Here are some pictures from the party and at home afterwards.
So, until the next post, God Bless.
John, "Pop"
Friday, February 19, 2010
Still Learning Our Camera
Well, it's been about 10 days since getting our camera and I have been trying to absorb as much about photography and digital cameras, especially our, since our T1i arrived. And just when I thought I read and learned enough to start photographing the things I want to shoot, I find some video on YouTube, or a blog, or some other website with a bunch more information I never knew about.
Some videos I have been watching are from Bryan Peterson (YouTube - ppsop2009's Channel) , Rick Sammons (http://www.youtube.com/user/pixelmagic), CameraLabs.com (http://www.youtube.com/user/cameralabs) and PhotoClassPro (http://www.youtube.com/user/PhotoClassPro). These so far have been the most informative YouTube videos. If you are new to photography, or just looking for different techniques, I would suggest looking into these videos.
As far as websites go, my bookmark list has grown exponentially just in the last two weeks. So you can see where I've been, here are a list of some of the websites. Feel free to check them out!
Scott Kelby's Photoshop Insider Blog
Stare Photography School Online
DSLR Tips:
Digital Photography Tips
PhotoTips.biz
The Perfect Picture School of Photography
Not Your Normal School of Photography
The Photo Forum
Photography Forums
Digital Photography Review
Canon Digital Photography Forums
As you can see, I have probably let myself get consumed with this subject, which can be good or bad. It's good because I can possibly turn this hobby into a source of income in the future, and it will make me and Ashley better photog's. It's bad because I have spent a lot of (maybe too much) time online or in books reading instead of paying more attention to my wife and kids. Hopefully to former will pay off and support the latter. In other words, I hope we can in fact make at least a part time "business" out of photography and help pay for activities and vacations with the family.
On a side note, we have all been sick, so we haven't been in the mood or able to go take more pictures lately, but we are all finally getting over our illnesses and will hopefully be out shooting soon.
So, until the next post, God Bless.
Some videos I have been watching are from Bryan Peterson (YouTube - ppsop2009's Channel) , Rick Sammons (http://www.youtube.com/user/pixelmagic), CameraLabs.com (http://www.youtube.com/user/cameralabs) and PhotoClassPro (http://www.youtube.com/user/PhotoClassPro). These so far have been the most informative YouTube videos. If you are new to photography, or just looking for different techniques, I would suggest looking into these videos.
As far as websites go, my bookmark list has grown exponentially just in the last two weeks. So you can see where I've been, here are a list of some of the websites. Feel free to check them out!
Scott Kelby's Photoshop Insider Blog
Stare Photography School Online
DSLR Tips:
Digital Photography Tips
PhotoTips.biz
The Perfect Picture School of Photography
Not Your Normal School of Photography
The Photo Forum
Photography Forums
Digital Photography Review
Canon Digital Photography Forums
As you can see, I have probably let myself get consumed with this subject, which can be good or bad. It's good because I can possibly turn this hobby into a source of income in the future, and it will make me and Ashley better photog's. It's bad because I have spent a lot of (maybe too much) time online or in books reading instead of paying more attention to my wife and kids. Hopefully to former will pay off and support the latter. In other words, I hope we can in fact make at least a part time "business" out of photography and help pay for activities and vacations with the family.
On a side note, we have all been sick, so we haven't been in the mood or able to go take more pictures lately, but we are all finally getting over our illnesses and will hopefully be out shooting soon.
So, until the next post, God Bless.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Some cropping in Photoshop Camera Raw
Here is a picture Ashley took tonight of the barn, at dusk. The snow was falling and she was trying to capture that. The other 2 are the same picture cropped and made black and white and sepia tone, both with vignetting. Enjoy!
More shots with the new camera!
Here are some more pictures from the new camera. These were croped and adjusted using Adobe Photoshop and the Camera Raw plug-in.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Camera Arrived Today!
Today was a happy day! UPS came knocking on our door this morning with gifts. Our camera, printer and other equipment got here and man are we excited. We just spent about 2-4 hours reading the manual and trying things out on our new Canon EOS Rebel T1i dSLR. Since all Ash and I have ever really had for a camera were point-and-shoot cameras, this is deffinately the best we've ever had. We can't get over how sharp the pictures are with just basic settings and not really fine tuning anything. It's taking some getting used to the use of a view finder instead of just an LCD screen, or not having the option of a view finder I should say. We haven't tried much with the live view yet, but I'm sure that will come soon enough.
Well, here a couple of our first shots! We took over 60 in about a 30 minute period!
Well, here a couple of our first shots! We took over 60 in about a 30 minute period!
Sunday, February 7, 2010
New Camera Equipment Purchase!
This weekend, Ashley and I finally had the opportunity to buy a "real" digital camera. I think we've spent at least 3-6 months searching for the camera that would best fit us, and I have to say, it's almost like buying a new car if you aren't sure of what's out there.
What we decided on was a Canon EOS Rebel T1i DSLR kit. We had suggestions from friends and other people who do photography for either a living or just a hobby, and most of them came back for either a Nikon or a Canon. Some suggestions were for the more pricey cameras the pro's use, others were more in our price range. At first we had decided on the Canon XSi, but after further consideration went with the T1i instead. We really wanted a camera that would be great for getting pic's of the kids and family events, some sports and auto racing, railroad pictures and other shots that just cannot be done well with a point-and-shoot. We are done with the grainy, out of focus, poor quality shots we get with our Sony p-n-s. It has done it's job over the last 2 years we have had it, but it is not the best for action shots that are required when you have a 3 year old and a 7 month old.
Also with the camera we ordered some accessories. First is a dedicated flash from Vivitar and a mini softbox/light diffuser from Dot Line. We also got a UV filter to help protect the lens. For a memory card we picked up a SanDisk Ultra II SDHC 8GB card. And to carry everything around we chose a Canon backpack style bag that has enough room for all of our stuff and space to spare. And as an added bonus, there was a $400.00 rebate on a Canon Pixma P9000 printer, so we ordered it as well. And the cool thing about the printer rebate is that we are paying $446.00 before the rebate. So we get the printer for $46.00 and change.
Now, where are we buying all of this photographic awesomeness? A place in New York City called B&H Photo and Video. Of all of the places we shopped locally and online for what we wanted, B&H had the best prices and deals, and the people are great to deal with. At least the 2 Ash and I dealt with were. So we strongly recommend you check them out if you're in the market for photo and video equipment.
Also, we were recommended a couple books, or I should say an author, that are very informative and keep things light, without bogging you down with digi-cam techie jargon. The author is Scott Kelby and the books are called "The Digital Photography Books, Vol. 1-3". We got ours on loan from the library, but we will probably buy them later on down the road. Maybe when a book store has a sale or we get a coupon. Another book we were told to get was the "Rebel T1i for Dummies". This one we did buy since it was camera specific and we needed all the help learning this thing that we can get.
So, by Wednesday, the 10th, UPS should be knocking at our door with our equipment, as long as there isn't a delay because of the snow over the weekend. I'll eventually post some info and our thoughts on the camera after we play around with it for a few days.
Wish us luck, or pray for us, lol.
John
What we decided on was a Canon EOS Rebel T1i DSLR kit. We had suggestions from friends and other people who do photography for either a living or just a hobby, and most of them came back for either a Nikon or a Canon. Some suggestions were for the more pricey cameras the pro's use, others were more in our price range. At first we had decided on the Canon XSi, but after further consideration went with the T1i instead. We really wanted a camera that would be great for getting pic's of the kids and family events, some sports and auto racing, railroad pictures and other shots that just cannot be done well with a point-and-shoot. We are done with the grainy, out of focus, poor quality shots we get with our Sony p-n-s. It has done it's job over the last 2 years we have had it, but it is not the best for action shots that are required when you have a 3 year old and a 7 month old.
Also with the camera we ordered some accessories. First is a dedicated flash from Vivitar and a mini softbox/light diffuser from Dot Line. We also got a UV filter to help protect the lens. For a memory card we picked up a SanDisk Ultra II SDHC 8GB card. And to carry everything around we chose a Canon backpack style bag that has enough room for all of our stuff and space to spare. And as an added bonus, there was a $400.00 rebate on a Canon Pixma P9000 printer, so we ordered it as well. And the cool thing about the printer rebate is that we are paying $446.00 before the rebate. So we get the printer for $46.00 and change.
Now, where are we buying all of this photographic awesomeness? A place in New York City called B&H Photo and Video. Of all of the places we shopped locally and online for what we wanted, B&H had the best prices and deals, and the people are great to deal with. At least the 2 Ash and I dealt with were. So we strongly recommend you check them out if you're in the market for photo and video equipment.
Also, we were recommended a couple books, or I should say an author, that are very informative and keep things light, without bogging you down with digi-cam techie jargon. The author is Scott Kelby and the books are called "The Digital Photography Books, Vol. 1-3". We got ours on loan from the library, but we will probably buy them later on down the road. Maybe when a book store has a sale or we get a coupon. Another book we were told to get was the "Rebel T1i for Dummies". This one we did buy since it was camera specific and we needed all the help learning this thing that we can get.
So, by Wednesday, the 10th, UPS should be knocking at our door with our equipment, as long as there isn't a delay because of the snow over the weekend. I'll eventually post some info and our thoughts on the camera after we play around with it for a few days.
Wish us luck, or pray for us, lol.
John
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