Large Scale Central

Thunder & Lightning Animation

Electronics
#1

Good day, all - I am currently working on a new train layout at Pittsburgh’s Children’s Hospital. The layout is a professionally produced Harry Potter layout that is really spectacular.

There is a large castle at one end and I thought it would be appropriate for the children to press a button to active a few flashes of lightning and claps of thunder.

I used a small MP3 player and an Arduino to operate the animation and I am very pleased with the effect - I hope to install the unit next week. Even though the layout is in a fairly brightly lighted area I am using three VERY bright LED spotlights to create the flashing lights so I hope the effect will be satisfying.
If you would like to try to roll your own details are on my web page at: http://www.trainelectronics.com/Animation-thunder-lightning/
…and there is a video on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7WtKiwUSyco

dave

#2

Now all you need is a sheet foam disc

covered with cotton balls and some storm cloud gray spray paint then suspend it over over the castle.

A cloud to castle lightning bolt would be nice too

Bill

#3

Not a bad idea, Bill – I have a look when I put it in on Sunday - that might work out!

thanks

dave

#4

Neat effect Dave. Hope you get video of it in place.(http://largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-cool.gif)

#5

I did a quick test at Children’s this morning - the video on YouTube shows the results. Not bad for a brightly lighted area. The spotlight bulbs I used are rated at 6 watts with each housing six LEDs.

dave

https://youtu.be/OFWe2PSftng

#6

Looks really great Dave

Good Job !

Bill

#7

Cool David. Kids should love it.

#8

Wow!!! Now that’s cool!!!

-Kevin.

#9

Love that tunnel portal!

#10

Sean - here are some close-ups of the two portals on the layout.

dave

#11

So Coool!

#12

That is really cool!!!