How Cab Ride Videos Are Made – Railroading with JM

Railroading with JM is run by a working Norwegian locomotive engineer. The cab ride videos are real train journeys on real timetabled services – not a simulator and not staged runs. This page explains how these videos are created in a safe and professional way.

1. Real trains, real responsibilities

Railroading with JM is filmed while the driver is on duty on normal Norwegian passenger trains. Safety and on-time operation always come first. The camera is mounted in a fixed position and is not handled during the trip. There are no risky camera moves, no leaning out of windows and no distractions for the driver.

The result is what viewers love: a calm, honest view of what the driver actually sees through the windscreen on lines like the Dovre Line, Røros Line, Nordland Line, Rauma Line, Meråker Line and the Trønderbanen commuter network.

2. Camera setup in the cab

Most newer videos on the channel are recorded using a GoPro Hero 10 action camera with a large external power bank to survive long Norwegian routes.

The camera is usually positioned so the viewer sees the track, signals and line-side scenery clearly, while still respecting cab layout and safety. Instruments and screens are visible only when that is natural from the mounting point – the focus is always on the line ahead.

3. Long, unbroken journeys

Many Railroading with JM videos are full-length journeys: one train number, one route, from initial departure to final arrival. This is perfect for:

• Railfans who want to experience the whole line
• People using the videos as “slow TV” or background ambience
• Other railway staff and trainees who want to study routes and signals

Some routes are also offered in speed-adjusted form, where the entire trip is compressed into a shorter viewing time while still covering every kilometer.

4. Editing and post-production

After the trip, the footage is transferred and edited on Apple hardware. The creator uses Final Cut Pro on a combination of Mac Studio and MacBook Pro to do:

• Basic trimming (removing dead time before and after the run)
• Stabilisation when needed
• Colour and exposure tweaks to handle snow, tunnels and low winter sun
• Occasional on-screen titles for train number, route or special events

There is no CGI, no artificial overlays trying to “fake” anything – the main goal is to preserve the real-time feel of Norwegian cab operations as closely as possible.

5. Safety, privacy and realism

Norwegian railway operations follow strict safety and privacy rules. When publishing cab rides, the creator takes care to:

• Avoid showing sensitive information on screens in the cab
• Respect railway rules and regulations while recording
• Keep the viewer experience realistic without compromising operational safety

Sometimes sections can be cut or blurred if they accidentally reveal information that should not be public. The priority is always to stay within the spirit of professional railway operation.

6. Where to start watching

If you want to see the result of this workflow in action, good starting points are:

• Røros Line – forest, winter and classic Norwegian cabins
• Nordland Line – long Arctic runs with dramatic scenery
• Rauma Line – mountains, tunnels and world-class views

You can also browse the full index or explore Train Travel in Norway – Scenic Railway & Cab Ride Guide for an overview of the most important routes.

7. Why cab rides matter

Cab ride videos are more than just “railfan entertainment”. They are also:

• A way to document how Norwegian lines looked in a certain year or season
• A tool for enthusiasts and students to study signalling and line-side details
• A calming, immersive way to experience Norway for viewers all over the world

Railroading with JM combines all of this with real-world driving experience – giving viewers a small taste of what it is like to be in the driver’s seat on Norwegian railways.

This page is maintained manually and may be updated from time to time as equipment or workflow changes.