Curved Track Question

Logan LeBlanc

Logan LeBlanc

Well-known member
I will be using plans similar to these for the dolly:
http://www.bokserfilms.com/article.php?story=20050822015616995

I've seen a few dollies with straight wheels used on curved tracking. The shots looked good, but the curve had to be pretty big just for the dolly not to jump the track. It seems somewhat inhibiting. Would anyone know of a way to create a chasis for the wheels so they can move independently (think of the wheels on a grocery basket). It seems like if you equipped all four corners with wheels that could rotate a whole 360 deg., that the tracking could be set up in a more versatile functions.

Any Input?
 
I love the thought of versatility and getting the most out of a little but it seems a little ricketty. It has been my experience to make the camera as heavy as possible. That inclues the dolly, jib, most anything. It just makes the shots much more smooth. I just dont think you could ever get slow close close-ups worth keeping with this dolly system.

Check out the "ROWECINE" wheels and kit in this forum.
 
That's what I'm saying. If there were a way to design (extremely smooth design) the chasis' so that they all could spin independently, the dolly could be used a little more freely.
 
that flex trak looks pretty interesting but you could probably get away with a couple of hose pipes and some little curved plates pegged into the ground to hold it in place.
 
I am clueless about what design and ANY info would be great. Where could you find all the materials? Thanks guskersthecat!
 
I don't think I'll ever need a "snakey" setup unlees I'm going for some crazy Sam Raimi type shots.

I have hacked together some curved PVC track by taking 3/4" (quite flexible) and attaching T end caps so it won't roll. On each side of the T cap I have attached a small rope which I can "cinch-up" like a bow to form any degree of curvature from slight to circular. It sounds cheesy but it works, and it's light, cheap, and very portable.

You just have to make sure that the wheels can freely pivot or be anchored at the right degree of pivot.
 
That's some excellent construction. So the main purpose is not having to mess with laying the track out perfectly?
 
Nice Gus...Nice. Just wondering, why'd you scrap the inline design? And also, would you be able to tell me the size of the chasis you used for it (inline design)?
 
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