N Gauge HD TrainCam (DCC)

This page is all about our high definition N Gauge camera train project. Other attempts at building one of these have been made before, but the resulting footage quality was always poor, and many did not fit within the track gauging. Another issue was the reliance on battery power, rather than taking power directly from the track.

Watch the video!

Our camera train (well, technically camera wagon) solves these problems. We are not aware of any other N Gauge camera that provides the same 1080P image quality as ours.

• High quality Panasonic camera unit capable of 1920 x 1080 (30 fps) and single channel AAC audio
• Based on a Minitrix bolster wagon, made of metal
• Modified wheels, with track pickups on all axles for reliability
• Custom electronics to convert the DCC (AC) track power to a suitable DC voltage
• On-board, removable 128GB micro SD card for H264 MP4 recording
• Rechargeable battery backup to provide realiable power over dead spots or dodgy track
• Onboard battery rechargeable using standard micro USB cable
• Live 'driver's view' via phone app
• Remote still capture and start/stop recording via phone app
• Video, still image and slow motion modes
• Red track power OK status LED

Note that our camera train currently cannot run on DC layouts - it is DCC only. We are planning a future modification to enable DC running, by installing a switch to disconnect the track power. This will enable the camera to be powered by the onboard battery alone.

Hire Our Camera!

This unit is available for hire (see pricing here), the cost of which includes return insured shipping. A refundable deposit of £100 is required. You will be provided with full instructions on how to use, a 128GB micro SD card and a USB adapter so you can copy your footage over to your PC or laptop. The instructions also describe how to install the app on your phone should you wish to try the live 'driver's view' feature, remote still capture and remote video record features.

Note that a DCC compatible loco is required to haul our unit around on your layout. We recommend something fairly powerful, although we have successfully seen Class 08 shunters and small 0-6-0 locos (e.g. Jinty) pull it easily.

Hire Our Camera Train