Got a Set of 3D Glasses?...

[JonnyMac]

If you've got one of those funky sets of anaglyph 3D glasses get 'em out.  Attached you'll find a 3D image of Peter Montgomery's (www.socalhalloween.com) train.  It took a month to build from tubular steel (frame), sheet styrofoam, and some cardboard tubes.  

I helped a bit with construction, painting, and adding controls that are not tied to the animation network: the headlight flickers dimly using a Prop-1 and TIP-120 Darlington (to drive the headlight -- ULN would have gone "poof!"); the smokestack glows red using a Prop-1 and an LED replacement lamp for car brake lights; and in the cab there is a custom programmed FC-4 and four small bulbs to simulate the fire (it is a steam locomotive!).

I helped Peter shoot video that is being edited now so very soon you'll be able to see the display in action.


Photo & 3D by John Van Vliet

[BigRez]

An awesome job!

There's obviously a very wide range of talented people out there.  One month?  I could start now and not have anything that looks half as good by next October.  Guess I'm on the lower end of that talent pool. :-[

My son is still searching for his 3D glasses for me.

[JonnyMac]

Peter has a lot of practice; he was an FX guy for Disney for about 12 years, directed TV shows for them (while still doing FX), and is a director now (mostly commercials).  Most of Peter's friends -- yours truly included -- are in "the business" in one form or another and the guy who did the 3D stuff is one of Hollywood's FX wizards; he knows how to get the eye to see what he wants it to see.  What's amazing is that the train is made of Styrofoam sheeting -- you can't tell unless you're right on top of it, especially at night.

I just ordered some 3D glasses because John showed me how easy it is to make 3D pics with a digital camera and editing program.  Just what I need: another hobby....  John recommends this site for 3D supplies and info: http://www.3dstereo.com/

BTW: John also shot a bunch of time-lapse stuff and I'm hoping that Peter posts that as well.