THIS DEVICE MAKES TRAIN SOUND EFFECTS

AIR POWERED LOCOMOTIVE  

Ben Herrington

This device reflects a lineage of train sound effects dating back to Dumbo and Casey Jr. Cartoon whimsy paired with organic physicality and intuitive playability made it a good fit for a cartoon themed, family E-Ticket attraction.

Compressed air powers the device and feeds a staging reservoir designed by Roy. Roy repaired three seized-up valves (a 4-way and two punch valves). These valves release the air in bursts through a large reflex horn, which gives us our size and resonance characteristics. Playing the device like a musical instrument is intuitive. By performing the device, the train became an extension of Christopher Willis’ excellent attraction score and a character in itself.