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| Last updated on May 27, 2022
In the April 2016 Model Railroader, author Bruce Kingsley shows how to add sound and animation to a structure model using Arduino circuit boards. Watch the video clip to see the finished results of Bruce’s project.
In addition to watching the video, you can also download Bruce’s sound file.
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I’m seeing this a little late, from the digital download of “Four Arduino…” The Arduino source code pdf seems to have been removed from the Trains.com site. (I get a really nice 404 error!)
I’d really like to pursue this for my new layout. Please share the code. Thanks!
this is either a great April fools joke, or my next project!
I'd like my wife to like my railroad. She would LOVE a talking house! Is it for sale?
The Waltons! Love it. All that was missing was John boy's narration at the end. 🙂
Very cool. Really brings a static scene to life. I have several sound boards for various scenes. Animation and sound are absolutely pushing the edges of the ho scale envelope !! I built my 2nd soundtraxx sound car last night.
Great article. It's amazing what technology can do for the hobby. No fooling…
This is awesome.Very impressed by Bruce's work. Just finished building this Branchline Kit #625 but without the lights,sound and animation. However,did something similar with the Atlas #608 Church Kit. No animation, minister or parishioners either but with lights and sound. Added simulated stained glass windows, 18V bulbs and sound using "Invite by Voice". Downloaded sound editing software to as to create a music clip from a hymn. Sound can be edited….maybe I can substitute a sermon! Animation would be a challenge.
Blubryxpress
outstanding. very innovative. BTW, Bruce has replicated and F7 control stand with a scaled down cab video and audio display that is a dead ringer for the real thing. This house is fantastic but yet his locomotive project is even more spectacular. I have seen all his youtube videos. I was awestruck. Certainly worthy of a feature article or MRVP visit. Thanks Bruce.
@DALE HALLETT – Try March 2011 page 64. I think that may be what you are looking for.
I'm not sue what I've just seen? but: wow is it cool ! for a moment I could hear 'family life' oh threre. i
That was an AWSOME clip! Just like the real thing.Felt like walking home after dad whistled for you to get home,what a great idea,thanks for sharing!
I do quite a bit of Arduino stuff and am going to do an entire town with an Arduino Mega. I am going to model it after Fairport Harbor, Ohio in the 1920's and am currently prototyping a lighthouse with working lantern using a servo motor. The servo has 180 degree sweep, with an ultra-bright white LED for the actual lantern. I have concerns about the servo's durability, as it is a small cheapie. A photo cell turns everything on at sunset an off at dawn. I also am going to try to simulate arc welding with ultra-bright blue.
Marvelous article. I'm not sure I'm up to the task of programming the Arduino but this definately opened my eyes yet again as to what's possible. I can envision this applied to a passenger depot where arrivals and departures are announced or any number of other applications. Yep pretty neat.
Extremely cool! I was convinced the TV is a black and white. I know if I peaked through the window I would surely see Timmy and Lassie on the screen while the intro music to the series show was playing. Don't leave the porch light on for too long. It attracts bugs. Maybe add some cricket sounds in Version 2.0.
The story about how to do it is on the April issue of Model Railroader.
Pretty cool, but a little creepy
Outstanding patient craftsmanship throughout!
A few years back, You showed in M.R. mag how to make oversize loads for the flat cars and gondolas, Could you give me a hint what year and month that might have been. As I have kept most of them.
Thank you.
Having the script file available for download would have been nice…rather than a very small intro to programming arduino
Guys, read the text above. If you want to learn how Bruce completed this project, check out the April 2016 issue of Model Railroader.
Thanks for watching,
Dana Kawala
Senior editor
Model Railroader magazine
Hahahahaha! Goodnight Jim Bob! Loved it…..
I feel like a peeping Tom!
That's cool! How do we do it?
Great idea, no instructions. What's the point? Many of us are not as technologically advanced as you guys.