Build a motorized camera track / dolly for DSLR (DIY, how to)

Cheap DIY motorized camera track / dolly using gear motors with a reversable potentiometer for speed control; aluminium rail for tracks and an old pair of rollerblades for the dolly wheels.
www.noneofmany.com
I have 2 gear motors - a 50RPM for video tracking speed and a 2RPM for super slow time-lapse. I haven't tested the time lapse motor yet - please subscribe to be updated when I add time lapse examples.
I've had these bits lying around for a while so can't remember the exact stores or prices. It cost around $75 including the electronics I bought on ebay, pulleys and belt on an online store and the aluminium from a screen door supplier. The belt is adjustable for tightness and a wingnut holds it all together. This makes it easy to dismantle. The 12-24V potentiometer is reversable and the gear motors high torque at 12V 5amp. I'm only running a 2.5amps in this video since 5A transformers jump up a lot in price.

[@FixitFingers]

Top idea here, great way to add motion to shots.

[@fabio_zanni]

how program do you use for this animation? slider and rail..

[@fergusonrail]

+fabio zanni Blender

[@ahmadezz2000]

i have a question , for the 12V motor how did you arranged the battery have you used 8 AA batteries ?? and if you used single battery 9V will it work or no ? second question how can you stop the camera once it reached to the end ?

[@rowanferguson]

Hi Ahmed,
I am using a transformer connected to 240V mains. However, when I take this into the field I will look at something like a 7.2A 12V sealed lead acid battery. They are about $30 in Australia and last a long time. Rechargeable is another option. I just stop the motor by turning it off when it reaches the end (no automation as I wanted to keep this project cheap and simple). I will upload another video soon that demonstrates time lapse speed using the 2RPM motor. It will also show the box I'm using to house the electronic components.

[@ahmadezz2000]

Thanks Rowan for your information but I have another question how can you move the cart right then at the end you want bring it to the left? Is this controller Abel to do that?

[@rowanferguson]

***** Yes, the speed controller is reversable.