Anamation Assistance Please

[Anonymous]

Guys

Another nebie question here.

I recently went to the Wise Ave Firehouse Train Garden in MD. It's a beautiful display.

Anyway, several of the dept 56 ifigurines/tems were animated in one of two ways. For instance a figure would move from side-to-side or front-to-back. It was a continuous sliding motion, such as a dog going out and coming back in a dog house. The second is a round-and-round circular motion. An example would be a John Deere tractor going in a circle.

I'm relatively certain I could do these additions; only question is where to buy the small motors. Any ideas on some web sites or retail stores?

Secondly, on the platform is an animated 1/43 MD State Police Car with flashing lights, headlights, and tailights. It's unlike anything I've seen....really really wild. Any ideas on where I can get these made or from anyone who sells these products? One of the gentleman there said it was purchased at the York, PA TCA meet, but that's all the info he could give me.

Again, thanks for all your help in advance. Happy New Year

[brianel027]

I've seen geared down motors in hobby shops and electronics shops... they're a little on the pricey side... around $30. May I suggest using a cheap "walkman" type cassette player. I see them for $5-10 and they already have the geared down motor. You would need to remove the door to the player and mount it beneath the train board with a pole or pile of some kind going from the plastic nut of the tape player to your animation.
Animations are also possible using simple things like fish line and springs or counterweights, extension camera cords and bicycle brake cables.
If you are creative, you could probably make your own lighted vehicle by starting with one of your liking that comes apart with separate attached details. The variety available today of LED's and minature lights is better than ever. I've seen flashing bulbs and LED's, so it is possible to make one of your own for a fraction of the cost.
Seems to me I have seen these vehilces advertised in the train mags at one time or another, so keep your eyes peeled. There is a company that specializes in this stuff, Williard Animations. They advertise in the train mags, so check them out.
brianel, Agent 027