About a year ago, I was introduced to these wonderful cameras by a company called “WirelessMicroColorCam.com” (SJT Enterprises). The name of the company pretty much tells the whole story. Have you ever wanted to look at your train layout from “street level”? Have you ever wondered if that new office building model you just completed is as “real” looking as you think it is? Have you ever wanted to ride inside your favorite locomotive, watching the scenery pass by as it thunders down the tracks?

Well now you can because each camera system package comes with the camera unit, receiver, cables, and power packs. (Battery included). From the receiver unit, you attach a standard cable (supplied) to either your VCR or TV. The camera systems can be ordered with or without sound.

There are several different model camera systems that are available at this time. The less expensive model is a 1.2gHz unit, and the new “upgraded” camera system is a 2.4gHz system. Both types of camera systems work GREAT, but I must say I like the 2.4gHz better. It comes as a two-camera set, with a wonderful new receiver that even has an IR remote control! Now, is that fun or what! You can also get a 2.4gHz camera system with a built in rechargeable battery.

The cameras will operate on 9 volt batteries, the wall plug-in transformers, or for you folks that use DCC there is also a “battery eliminator” board available. These cameras will run for up to 8 hours on one single alkaline 9 volt battery.

These cameras are small enough that you can use them on any scale from “Z” to “Full Scale”. On the larger scale trains, you can mount the camera inside the locomotive or car. For some suggestions on making these camera cars in N-Scale, look at the article under “Rolling Stock” on this web site.

A new item that has just come out is a neat little Color LCD receiver for the 2.4gHz camera system. This is a hand held unit that works just like a TV except it only receives the camera system channels, not regular TV channels. If you have a wireless throttle just think of the possibilities. In fact, you can also attach this hand held unit to either your TV or recorder to share with friends.

In summary, these little WirelessMicroColorCam Systems are the best new items for model trains I have seen in a long time. They are affordable, work great, and add an interesting new dimension to our hobby. Go to their web site and have a look around. You won’t be sorry you did.

Dennis M. – Girdwood, Alaska