Animatible Figures

[rlplionel]

Hey Joe, I really like your layout animations. They add interest to an otherwise static pike when the trains aren't on the move. This is the kind of project that should be featured in the major toy train magazines.

[FJ and G]

Tom,

Those 4-7 rpm "turntables" are a real bargain.

BTW, the circus train (RBBBCircus) is still parked on CSX tracks in south Alexandria. Still no sign of pachyderms, however.

[jprampolla]

Hi Folks,

Glad that the animation is well received and I hope that everyone will try the technique. I think the turntable idea is so simple that it is quickly dismissed on paper or in theory, however it is obvious in my little net cam clips that the action is quite convincing. It is an old Baltimore tradition to include animation on the layout, and hope the fascination catches on. Lionel makes some very nice items, like their Playtime Playground, so there must be an appreciation and market nationwide. I love the Lionel playground and hope they also make one in HO scale someday.

The other day on the Travel Channel they had a program about Disney ‘Imagineering’ with a brief piece on the original “Pirates of the Caribbean” attraction where there was a pirate chasing a woman, and to my eye it was done on a large approximately 10 ft. diameter turntable. These 2 figures themselves weren't animated; it appeared that they were static manequins on the turntable unlike the other Disney animatronic figures in the scene. So even today the turntable has its place in high end theme park animation where high tech computer driven animatronics are also options. Won’t argue with Walt!
Take care, Joe.

[jprampolla]

Hi Folks,

I just completed this animation project. This project uses a K-Line O scale figure of a little girl jumping rope. I use a solenoid to provide the up and down motion. The page has all the info: http://yourpage.blazenet.net/jprampolla/jump.html It will complete my 1950s suburban lane with the 3 Plasticville houses.

Take care, Joe.

[FJ and G]

Joe,

That is very inventive. I've book-marked your website for future ideas.

dav

[jprampolla]

Hi Dave and Everyone,

There might be a flashing circuit that could be used to pulse the solenoid rather than the flasher bulb, or perhaps just a flashing LED. I once used a flashing LED with a transistor to make a crossing bell from a regular door bell, but that circuit is now on an old large floppy and I would have to fire up the old DOS machine to get at it. There are circuits that can be fine tuned for the rate of flashing, so that might be useful for those who want more control. And there are solenoids that already have springs which would make this type of project very easy. Having to make my own spring was the most difficult part, but the solenoid was about a buck when I bough it several years ago. I might do a similar animation with a jumping dog in the near future. I really like dogs but don't have many on the layout.

Take care, Joe.