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Show HN: A stop-motion video of an engine

howacarworks.com

181–190 of 197 posts

Re: Show HN: A stop-motion video of an engine

#181
post #3

It took 2,500 photos and 4 days to shoot, followed by about 8 days of photoshopping & grading.

I love the style, which to me was reminiscent of a demoscene production. It put me in mind of this one from a few years back: http://www.pouet.net/prod.php?which=50105

Good to see I'm not the only one who thought it was very demoscene-ish. In fact if you were to say the first 30 seconds or so were CGI, I'd probably be convinced.

Re: Show HN: A stop-motion video of an engine

#182

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Beautiful! Are you planning on rebuilding it? Another shoot? Is there a reason you don't mark the parts original location or is that simply because you intend to replace them?

The honest truth: This whole car is headed for the scrapyard at the end because it's not worth the extra time ($$$ per hour) while we film to mark parts, directions, alignments etc. I mark things when there's time. We're also modeling the whole thing in 3D and I'm sure the guys doing that will be mixing the bolts and fixings up. I'm kind of interested in how well it runs after this reckless teardown and rebuild.

You could probably get some $$$ back if you put the car up for sale (as a "for parts or not working/not roadworthy", to avoid any possible liability issues) --- I don't know about the market for Miatas, but I know that there are automotive collectors out there who are interested in cars that have "interesting" histories.

Re: Show HN: A stop-motion video of an engine

#183
post #158

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Isn't diesel also 4 stroke? I know it has no spark plugs for ignition and there are differences but the main principals would be the same.

Usually, but not always. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Two-stroke_diesel_engine

I'd bet most people in the US over ~20 or so have heard the sound of, or ridden in, a vehicle with a 2-stroke diesel:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XfI6ipuPQQE

Re: Show HN: A stop-motion video of an engine

#184

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Ehh modern engines are pretty reliable. They can easily do over 200k miles. The actual combustion part is basically a solved problem. Modern fuel injection (amongst other things) has done wonders for engine reliability. It's usually other things that cause people to want to ditch cars around 150-200 k. E.g. the automatic transmission failing, timing belt (instead of a chain) failing around 100k, alternator and other…

A typical car will "last" 200k miles[1]. It's not really still a fair comparison to EVs, because a typical combustion engine will require significant and regular maintenance plus part replacement to make it to 200k. > E.g. the automatic transmission failing, timing belt (instead of a chain) failing around 100k, alternator and other electronics, pumps, etc. Exactly why EVs are such a game changer. They literally don't…

Batteries in EV cars do need to be replaced at significant expense as well.

Re: Show HN: A stop-motion video of an engine

#186
post #148
post #3

It took 2,500 photos and 4 days to shoot, followed by about 8 days of photoshopping & grading.

Alex, beautiful work. What kind equipment does one need to do stop-motion pictures? How did you learn about the process?

Just a DSLR really - the camera guy for this used a Panasonic GH5. It's more photography than video. But a couple of lights that you can position for a subject like this make a huge difference.

Re: Show HN: A stop-motion video of an engine

#189
post #154

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Because it's lot of work. Like everything, it depends of the investment vs reward, unless you are driven by virtue.

I came from a school with a large Hard of Hearing population... I've really come to appreciate captioning on all videos. Mainly I just don't like listening to people say things very much, most videos have super annoying soundtracks and effects or other distortion, and really reading is just as effective. Have captions on your video for everyone, not just the deaf people in your audience (unless you just really love t…

I don't say it's not a good thing to have them.

But it's not free. Either it's worth it or you are a good doer.

Re: Show HN: A stop-motion video of an engine

#190
post #158

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Usually, but not always. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Two-stroke_diesel_engine

I'd bet most people in the US over ~20 or so have heard the sound of, or ridden in, a vehicle with a 2-stroke diesel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XfI6ipuPQQE

That one, the 6V92TA, does the 'TA' imply it's Turbo Aspirated?

Those things sound amazing. And oh so dirty!

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