BLI Lightning and Thunder

[C855B]

... At the height of the storm, have a solenoid pull a pin that causes a bridge wash out, ...

Gomez would be elated.   

[Dave V]

Or you could have a climate simulator that just makes the train room get hotter over time...   

[peteski]

Or you could have a climate simulator that just makes the train room get hotter over time...   

That was a hit below the belt!  I like it! 

[C855B]

Or you could have a climate simulator that just makes the train room get hotter over time...   

Or more humid. What's your take on corn sweat?

[Chris333]

http://www.modeltrainstuff.com/Lionel-O-Operating-Brakeman-Car-Walking-Zombie-p/lio-6-29324.htm

 

[MVW]

But it got 4 out of 5 stars ... even though the poor guy couldn't figure out how to attach the zombie. 

Jim

[chicken45]

You know, there was an April Fools article about this kind of stuff in the April 2011 MR. 

[k27463]

Robbie, there are two that I know of, and they're attached to a club local to us (Gateway). I consider it NOT neat stuff, frankly. Whenever they trot out one of the tornado modules at a show, no more than 10 minutes passes before I want to pick up a baseball bat and put them out of my misery

These days, I'll agree with you -- I consider myself to have become more of a model railroader than somebody who "plays with trains."  But as a kid, it fascinated me.  Each train show, there's a line 5 deep in front of that module.  I feel like we maybe aren't the intended market for this stuff, but there clearly are people who are.

[daniel_leavitt2000]

I REALLY want to simulate fog on my layout but have no idea how that would work. I did since experimenting with dry ice and a photo module and wasn't impressed with the realism... It only goes about 3" before dissipating and the chilled air created strange vortexes or changes in density depending on the material under it.

[coosvalley]

I REALLY want to simulate fog on my layout but have no idea how that would work. I did since experimenting with dry ice and a photo module and wasn't impressed with the realism... It only goes about 3" before dissipating and the chilled air created strange vortexes or changes in density depending on the material under it.

Have you considered an ultrasonic fogger?..I got one during halloween,(for a witches cauldron) it lights up in multiple colors(not needed), but does make fog, they also sell these for iguana tanks(more $, same unit)...I have never tried it, but if I was going to, that's where I'd start..The moisture could cause problems, or maybe not,...Try it and tell us!

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Robbie, there are two that I know of, and they're attached to a club local to us (Gateway). I consider it NOT neat stuff, frankly. Whenever they trot out one of the tornado modules at a show, no more than 10 minutes passes before I want to pick up a baseball bat and put them out of my misery.

Not just that, but I feel that it ALSO contributes to the denigration of the hobby.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

I REALLY want to simulate fog on my layout but have no idea how that would work. I did since experimenting with dry ice and a photo module and wasn't impressed with the realism... It only goes about 3" before dissipating and the chilled air created strange vortexes or changes in density depending on the material under it.

I've actually heard cigarette smoke actually works well. I'm not gonna try to find out though.

Although, I do model PRE Ricky Gates Conrail. Hmm...

[bbussey]

The dry ice is the best option. There must be some articles online that document how to do it.

[strummer]

Interesting thread...kind of.

I remember seeing a video of a rather large layout somewhere in Europe, and one of the things that struck me was the very effective use of recorded bird sounds in the rural areas.

It was not over-used, it was subtle and I thought a very cool effect.

Am not at all a fan of gimmicks, but I did think this was a great idea, used in an "adult" manner...

Mark in Oregon

[coosvalley]

This product seems very gimmicky. For those who want well made sounds, and interactive players, check out this place. I would consider using this type of gimmick for my layout:
http://www.fantasonics.com/