Probably a loaded question, but...

[popsracer]

What scale and brand offer the most realistic detail?

I'm a photographer and an ad I'm working on needs to include a profile photo of a high speed bullet train.
Without easy access to Europe or Japan, I'm planning on shooting a scale model. I found a lot of options in H.O. and N scale. My clients are concerned that the small size might not have the level of detail to come across as a real train in a photo. They are curious what would be available in O or even G scale.
My experience tells me bigger isn't always better. Perhaps true in this case as well?
Basic Google searches for the larger scales is coming up empty.
I'd appreciate any advice you all could give me.

Thanks!

 

[UP2CSX]

You don't have a lot of choice when it comes to Shinkansen models. Kato makes N scale sets and Tomix makes HO scale sets. Bachmann also made an HO model a few years ago but the detail was very crude. There are no scale model of Shinkansen sets in O or G scale.

The Kato N scale set is very well detailed and painted. The good thing about the Shinkansen is that there's very little outside detail since the manufacturer made the power units and cars as aerodynamic as possible, with almost no projections from the body. There are many different series of Shinkansen train sets that have been produced so the first thing you need to settle on is what model you're using in your ad. Assuming that you're using one of the most modern sets, like the 700 series, about the only projection from the body is to house the pantograph. The Kato model of the 700 series looks very realistic and, with the right scenery and camera angles, you could make it pass as a full size train. The diorama you use to set up your shots, including tracks, overhead wire, and either urban or rural scenery, will actually be more important to making it look like the real thing that the Shinkansen itself.

 

[popsracer]

Thanks, Jim.
I had a feeling that I was going to be limited to HO or N scale. I had found Kato and Tomix to look really nice. I also found a nice Jouef (sp.?) in HO. Unfortunately, I don't have the luxury of 'selling it' with scenery. It's kind of a collage piece and the train is taken out of environment with other photos layered behind it and around it. Ironically I had a Kato on order and they had me cancel it to look for a larger scale. I liked a lot of the European HO brands I found here: http://eurolokshop.com/, but the photos on the websites don't really show the fine details.

 

[UP2CSX]

You're confusing TGV trains sets with Shinkansen train sets. There are no European manufacturers I'm aware of that make a Shinkansen set but lots that make TGV and other high speed European sets. They look kind of similar but they aren't the same.

Since you're going to have to Photoshop this thing together anyway, the Kato set would provide more than enough detail, assuming you're not making a billboard. Actually, if you're not showing anything but the train, why not just use stock photos adjusted to what you need and forget about a model?

 

[Trussrod]

Hi Popsracer,
I'm a long time photographer too and my first question about the size of the train your looking for is how large of an image will this be as a finished product. I'm refering to just this prticular engine & cars if there will be any in the shot?

In other words will this be enlarged to be part of a wall sized Mural or Panorama at some loction, or will it used for something like an add in a magazine or a wall print in a lobby or possibly even a smaller Panorama of a few feet in length?

This all has bearing on the size factor but as has been mentioned your somewhat limited
in your choices of model sizes.

Also there is the consideration of the format type your going to use to shoot it with as that in itself might have the biggest effect on the finished product.

These are things you to clarify with your customer to determine how best to produce the finished photograph they're looking for or need!

Also there arises the question of why someone wanting a European High Speed Locomative/Train, with a Pantagaph?, is contacting a photographer here in the U.S.A when to the best of my knowledge we don't have any such trains!

HTH and FfT

 

[popsracer]

Thanks David,
All of you comments are valid. Quite often when I'm shooting an ad, there will be maybe a couple of known uses. They might be only looking to produce a page ad, but would like to have the option to repurpose the ad into different formats or sizes should the need arise down the road. So I go for highest detail and capture resolution/size. This client likes to own all of the images they use in the ad rather than just pay for limited usage as with stock. To purchase the full copyright on most stock images to own outright is very, very expensive!

Oddly enough, the ad is for the Brazilian market. We looked into this right away and discovered that Brazil also does not have a High Speed train, yet. This is a detail that is not important to the Art Director. Just supposed to look cool, I guess. Therefore the fact that it is a European TGV train or Japanese Shinkansen train is unimportant.

To put my client's nerves at ease, I should probably get the largest scale I can (HO). Any recommended brands? Or will I truly see better detail with N scale, despite the smaller size?

 

[UP2CSX]

If you want to use Shinkansen trains, the Kato N scale set should give all the detail you need. If you want TGV train sets in HO, Mehano Slovenia produces well detailed models of several different TGV and ICE sets. Either would be more than enough to produce convining pictures, especially in a country where hardly anyone has ever seen a bullet-type train in person.