I was going to say 1 meter, but hey USA measures everything in feet and inches so I was a little worried people would not understand.

Even though you are not american, but I still have no idea which measure is used in Scotland.

1m seems fine.

The fluid head you show on those pictures is flat base, right?

http://www.vimeo.com/channel9714

Another clip just to keep you going.

Toolroom has started on the bits I want made so, I'm moving forward albeit slower than i would have preferred.

Having to showhorn this in between work and various other projects/commitments.

Why does day to day life have to get in the way?

hehe.
tell me 'bout it..
Time flies when you have to many balls in the air at the same time.

It looks like i'm missing out on both the uwol and the dvc competitions this round because of other more inportant videoprojects.

Im very interested in this buildproject as it seems to have one of the smallest rigs made so far.
The indislider have that bottomplate that makes it twice the size.

So what does it cost? ;)

I just finished my version of this... very similar to Alastair's version. Mine has come to about $200 to $250 (including shipping related costs). It was about $133 for the rail, 4 glide blocks, and the base plate. I spent another $70 on a ball head tripod head. Then I custom built (out of sheet metal and aluminum from the hardware store) the stops at the ends of the rail, and a secondary plate to mount the tripod head on. I opted to build the secondary (slightly raised) plate to mount the tripod head on, as I didn't want to risk damaging the rail, glide blocks, or plate I ordered. I had an extra quick release plate for my tripod, so I attached it to the rail so that I can easily put it on and take it off the tripod legs (I didn't need to do any drilling to do that).

I think there is a slight bit of deflection when the camera is at the ends, but it is a non-issue for me (not very noticeable on video). The only other issue I have is a slight bit of side-to-side wobble, but it appears to be related to the quick release tripod plate, as it sits slightly higher than the other part of the tripod. I think I could probably remove the rubber strips on the quick release plate and that would get it to sit flat along the entire tripod head and reduce that wobble. But again, it is extremely minor.

Looking forward to hearing a definite price...thanks Alastair.

Progress Report
 

Well, here she is. Custom machined end stops come feet. This means that, in addition to being able to use this on a tripod, you can also floor mount it, without fear of it toppling over or un-balancing. I have had the end stops made so that you are not loosing any of the valuable travel. You have every inch of travel with this. In addition, the end stops/feet, act as a nice grip to hold as you glide.

And here is another clip I shot at the weekend.

http://www.vimeo.com/1134294

Looking good!

The feet is a nice addition.

Al, how well does it glide across it?

Do you need to oil/grease the rails? and does it make any noise?

Hi Tim,

Any of the videos on my Channel should show you how smoothly it runs.
NOTE-Vimeo introduces a slight jerkiness every sec due to it's encoding process that looses a frame every sec. The actual footage is smooth as silk.

http://www.vimeo.com/channel9714

The bearings are made of a self lubricating plastic and are whisper quiet in use.

when
 

so when can I buy one from you

The only problem I foresee is that shipping from the UK to you guys in the US is going to be expensive. First quote I got was $120.

I'm looking at other options, one of which may be, supplying the carriage and end pieces seperately. That way all you have to do is buy a length of the rail locally and drill and tap it to 1/4 20.

I'm interested in getting the piece parts from you...

where do I buy the rail here in the US??

Thanks

Just ordered one...great work Alastair.

Cheers Dave! Will be in touch in a mo.

Another clip has been posted by Richard at FX Films. It's at the bottom of this link.

http://www.glidetrack.com/companyinfo.htm

you can get a rail a cart in the USA here
automation products from Automation4Less: Speed Demon SGR35 Rail, Slides/Rail Size 35 (largest), SGR35-xxxx
but it will require some work for the tripod and camera attachement