Hi Harold:
Thanks for the 'how to'!
I don't think that having the sound and the flash happen at exactly the same time is important. In reality, there is almost always a pause after the flash before the sound hits. If there is no pause the lightning strike was too close for comfort!
Good modeling!
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
1. I just press the buttons and the lights flash. No flaster circuit as I would have no way to match the sound to the lightning.
2. I have an old laptop that is now used for this purpose. I located sound from the computer and downloaded it into a file. The computers are hooked to the speakers. All I have to do is turn on the computer double click on the file and away we go. As I start to hear the thunder I start hitting thr button to match the sound. It probably if off by a split second but nobody notices.
3. The panel is on the rear wall and because it is painted black you really don't pay it alot of attention. I also keep the lights fairly dim.
Harold
Thanks Harold.
The Elmer's glue method seems too easy to be true, but it obviously works.
If you don't mind, I have a few more questions:
Do you use a flasher circuit or just press the buttons intermittantly?
Is the sound triggered by the same buttons?
What are you using for a sound system to drive the speakers?
What does the panel look like in full daylight?
Thanks
Sure Dave
Here are the steps
1. Got a 2' x 4' sheet of clear plasic from Home Depot
2. Went to the computer and printed out several pictures of Lightning Bolt
3. Placed the photos behind the plastic. After trying several different methods I came up with the best by accident.
4. Plain Elmer white Glue with a small tip. I then went over the lines from the photo on the back. You should now be looking at a Lightning Bolt in glue on the front side.
5. Sprayed both sides of te plastic black using a spray can completely covering the surface and the Lightning.. I used my air brush too add some highlights
6. As with my tests I found that when I went to remove the glue drawing it did not stick to the plastic and came off leaving nice sharp edges on the bolt.
7. I used Bright White LED's for the lighting. I wired these to my control panel with open push botton switches. Hit the botton an the Lightning will flash.
8. I mounted the LED's to the back wall, screwed in a couple on 1" x 2" to the wall an mounted the plastic to the wood.
9. Projected finished and ready to enjoy. One other thing. My layout is built in a 10' x16' Shed. I have the lighting split down the middle with Dimmers on each. This way I can control Daylight , Night etc. I am now planning on using a amber photo gel on the light lenes to create sunrise.
I hope this helped.
PS I failed to mention that under the layout are three computer speakers from an old desk top. One is a big Sub-Woofer. The sound really makes the scene.
Harold, that is very cool and outstanding modeling.
I thought I recalled seeing some pictures of how you created the lightning patterns but I can't find them.
Could you be persuaded to do a 'how to' thread for the whole project?
Cheers, the Bear.
"One difference between pessimists and optimists is that while pessimists are more often right, optimists have far more fun."
Cool!!
Fantastic work on the layout, sir. You made quite a realistic scene. I like the contrast between dark and light.
Hi Hwolf
Sorry no time for feed back have to rush off and close car and house windows before that lot hits.
That looks really good.
regards John
Very nice!
Harold, Thanks for the movie and neat effects.
hon30critterautomatic sprayer to hit the viewer with a few droplets of water
That's what the Walnut Creek Model Railroad Society used to do during their open house when putting on the thunder storm effects, always caused quite a stir.
Happy New Year! Peter
Looks and sounds great. Nice work.
hwolf:
WOW! That looks fantastic!
All you need to do now is set up an automatic sprayer to hit the viewer with a few droplets of water. Just kidding.
Could almost feel the pelting rain. In fact, I kept expecting to see a mud-lubricated boulder sliding down the cliff face.
Well done!
Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964 - humid, no lightning)
Nice work.
At the start where the top edge of the mountains is illuminated across most of the mountain crest is the only part that I found a bit unrealistic. If it could be brighter, higher or simply broken up some would be more convincing.
Mike Lehman
Urbana, IL
That is really cool. The effect is great.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
The bulb is a LED. It slipped down a little. It is not noticable on the scene.
Saw the video and all i can say is wow. I am building a chicago right now and that would look cool behind the buildings.
I had to activate Adobe Flash (which a lot of browsers supress because it is well, (lets assume the moderators have censored the Queens English before I ever wrote it)
Anyway it works fine for me and lis really cool. In the video the light bulb on the right looks too much like a light bulb, but I'm not sure if that's noticeable in real life.
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
Harold,
For me the video box is blank. If I click the arrow buttons though other pictures do appear.
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
I have just finished the scene I have been asking questions about. I need to work on the video some more but you get the idea.
I would love to hear your feedback.