The 808 Keychain Camera for Model Rail Enthusiasts

For any model rail enthusiasts wanting to fit a camera to their rolling stock, one of the best I've found is known as the 808 Keychain Camera, or sometimes the 808 Keychain Spy Camera.

It's available from various places online, but the most reliable place I've found is Amazon; just follow this link: 808 Keychain Camera from Amazon.

What is the 808 Keychain Camera?

Simply put, it's a range of cameras that can take photos and video at a variety of resolutions, depending on the model, storing them on an on-board micro SD card.

The camera looks like a key fob, with an easily removable key chain at one end, some buttons and a small indicator light on top, and a lens and microphone at the other end.

It charges from USB, and USB can also be used to transfer photos and videos, although it's probably quicker and more reliable to unplug the micro SD card, and use a USB micro SD card reader.

Why is it Good for Model Rail Enthusiasts?

The camera is ideal for model rail, as it is small, light, and above all, cheap ($10-$20 for the cheaper models, and around $80 for the HD versions). The $20 versions are cheap enough that it's worth experimenting with them by taking them to pieces and fitting them inside rolling stock (i.e. containers or loads).

On the other hand, they're light enough that you can use double sided sticky tape, Velcro, or just an elastic band to attach them temporarily to rolling stock and locos.

The quality might not be the best, and they do need to be  used in good light, but the trade-off is some great on-board rail-height video that you can't get any other way!

Getting the Most from Your 808 Keychain Camera

Here are some tips from bitter experience:

• they can take about 40 minutes of video at a time;
• when they're plugged in, they charge, but keep an eye on the light, and unplug it when it goes out, otherwise they overheat which kills the battery;
• don't press all the buttons at once, and use the Internet to research operating instructions, as the ones that come with it are less than perfect!

Finally, Chuch Lohr has everything you could possibly want to know on his dedicated 808 keychain web site. I'll also throw up some sample videos from my own layout if there's enough demand.

Meanwhile, check out these awesome videos taken with 808 keychain spy cameras placed on home-made rockets!