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Just came back from the Santa Village in Chesaning where the SRV is set up with a 12x57 foot HO scale layout. I took the tripod for the camera and got a batch of pictures of the village which I will post later as I get a change to process them.Had the laptop down with a brand new DLP projector to run MSTS. Very impressive running the sim as a 4x5 ft display on the screen.Here is a pic of the 1225 as she waits to take the passangers back to Owosso.Here is the link to the web site http://www.mstrp.com/npe.htmSanta Village will be open from 4 to 9 on Friday and Saturday and from 2 to 6 Sunday for the next two weeks. The train will arrive each day about 5PM and 3Pm Sunday. Unfortunely, it is sold out for this year. They plan to make this an annual event and are already taking reservations for next year. SRV Ron
Had the laptop down with a brand new DLP projector to run MSTS. Very impressive running the sim as a 4x5 ft display on the screen.I use a Mitsubishi XD300U DLP projector against my wall at 8 ft X 6 ft. I highly recommend a projector to anyone who has the room and the money. Picture is very clear and my sims now take on a new life. Very immersive!! It's a great Video projector, the Colors are very accurate. Even used as a Television with Direct TV or cable is very clear even without High definition as it includes an internal Line doubler and supports progressive scan. (525P) With my HD receiver though, I can watch all my TV stations in HD resolution. (750P or 1080I) The pure HD channels though is something to see. For a picture like mine, you will need about an 18 ft long room and a flat white wall or if you want a screen. I find though the wall projects nicely and I don't need a screen which can be as mush as $1200 - $1500. Viewing distance should be about 13-15 ft. and the projector about 16 ft (To allow for venting) and can either be table mounted or ceiling mounted. Mine is table mounted. For our sims I suggest a projector with 2000 Lumens light rating, as well as a high contrast ratio of around 2000 to 1. This will allow you to use some ambient light. Other projectors which are dedicated to Home Theater use are only 1000 lumens and require the room to be completely dark. The only real downside to these projectors is, you will periodically have to replace the projector lamp. Most today are rated at 2000 hours. Mine is rated at 4000 hrs. and the newer projectors just coming out rated as much as 5000 hrs.
I am using an Optoma EZPRO 739 Ultra. I settled on it after researching what was available in the price range and what I was looking for.This model is rated at 2300 Lumens, 2000 to 1 contrast ratio, supports the usual video resolutions and is native 1024x768 resolution. The 4x5 display at present is due to space limitations where I am set up and having to contend with background lighting. It does have a zoom function and keystone correction. Also, you can mirror or flip the image if needed to suit ceiling mount or rear projection. I'll post a better shot when I get one later this week. It's still nice and bright even on the poster board screen.Bulb life is rated at 5000 hrs. You get a warning message at 30 hours life left. Then, OUCH! replacement bulb is about $400. This is a 200 watt bulb in this unit which is portable, has a carrying case included and is under 10 pounds.I found some wall and tripod screens from $99 to $199. They range in size from 5x5 to 8x8. The expensive ones are motorized wall mounted.Here is the link to the projector I special ordered from Best Buy. http://www.optomausa.com/public/ezpro_739.aspSRV Ron
