Fog Machines

[Larry]

Has anyone ever tried a fog machine for model RR pictures? I was looking at 1 at WallyWorld last nite & was thinking about using it for a nice foggy scene on my train layout. Also, thought if they put out much wet steam it would be bad on the engines. What do you think?

 

[sparkyftw]

Well if using actual fog machine, just remember to get ground fog liquid. It will sit on the ground longer.

I think if you want something that isn't water based, you would have to use dry ice. Just a small amount in a little pan of water, and you will have tons of fog. Just remember not to breathe it in, and you will want something to ventilate it out of the room later.

 

[Larry]

I would have to drive to Tampa to get a pc. of expensive dry ice which is 110 miles away.
I figured the fog machine in the Halloween section would be a lot easier. It runs on water & the machine has a 5 yr. warranty. It's just an idea that I was kicking around. been trying to get some of my train pictures in Model RR'er magazine & thought the fogger might do the trick.

 

[DakotaLove39]

I can't say that any sort of water vapor like that would be good for the train.

 

[ChevelleSSguy]

I think ive seen pictures in Model Railroaders Trackside Photos column with the use of fog machines. But im pretty sure dry ice is the more popular use for that effect though.

 

[CharlesH.]

If you're taking pictures on the layout, I don't think a very good idea. That mist could leave an oily residue all over the place, especially if it's a long photo session. I'd prefer to use filters or place small amounts of cotton and move them around during the exposure.

 

[diburning]

If you want dry ice, try going to your local pharmacy, like CVS or Rite Aid. They get their prescription medications delivered in boxes of dry ice.

 

[UP2CSX]

It's alot easier and safer to add fog in Photoshop than to do it with a consumer grade fog machine. The pictures I've seen with fog machines look like...well, it was made with a fog machine. I wouldn't trust any of that cheap Chinese stuff around my trains.

 

[nateL]

Does anyone have a picture with fog in it? Id love to see one, it sounds cool...but like everyone else said, id have to kinda agree about it not being to safe...it could ruin your rails since its water based.

 

[jayl1]

Larry,

Our Winn-Dixie has a dry ice cooler. Did you check them?
Jay

 

[Rico]

Maybe just invite a smoker over for a few minutes and get him/her to puff towards the photo shoot. I've heard of guys doing that in the past but can't imagine it smelling too good later, unless it's a pipe with aromatic tobacco.

 

[UP2CSX]

Rico, I've actually done fog pictures using cigarette smoke. While it's not PC to be a smoker now, if you happen to know one, you can get a pretty good fog effect with about three big drags on the cig and a time exposure. I smoked a pipe for years and I agree, some nice Black Cherry tobacco would smell a heck of a lot better than a cigarette.

Nate, Check out the thread at http://www.modelrailroadforums.com/forum/showthread.php?p=43353. It has a very good picture of fog using dry ice but with a long exposure to get the fog to look good. Hint: seaching here first often turns up what you want.