Exhibition layout - going interactive?

[Bealman]

I'm a huge fan of gimmicks on layouts, as is well documented on this forum. I do like the idea of exhibition visitors being able to operate them with their phones!

Minatur Wunderland watch out!

[Chris Morris]

The thunderstorm on my last layout was operated by a push button on the visitor side. It had a sign saying "Danger, do not press". What surprised me most was that youngster would not press it because it said do not press so we had to encourage them. The thunder used to rattle round exhibition halls very well. It created a lot of smiles for all ages and we only had a couple of young ones run off in tears because it scared them.

No thunder on my new layout. Not so much fun for visitors but less annoying for fellow exhibitors. I've still got the storm maker so it might make a comeback sometime.

[Bealman]

Excellent! 

[njee20]

Good luck with it Richard, but it's a lot of work, which you are obviously capable of handling. 

Question here: Is it really required? 

The answer there is, of course, no it isn't. But it adds an extra dimension which some would appreciate. Much like DCC, or sound, or well weathered stock or prototypical signalling or literally anything!

I've definitely seen QR codes linking to a website about the layout. I've seen physical pamphlets being handed out too. I'd have thought BYO device for control would be very difficult, and if you're simply handling over the controller (be it an iPad Pro or an H&M Duette) it's not actually a technological solution in any way! No issue with that of course.

An ability to somehow request a certain train would be superb. I love ogling fiddle yards, and there's nothing worse than seeing some really interesting stock, whilst the same stuff trundles around as the operator resolutely sticks to 'the timetable'.

[LASteve]

The BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) is actually quite do-able with advance prep to download the appropriate app. I've got a few different throttles on my phone from experimentation on my own layout.

You would have to do some work to restrict what can be done on a mobile device, you don't want folk resetting routes and trying to race each other around the layout and what-have-you.

I think the QR Code link to a website with all the info a visitor could want is an excellent idea. Not an insignificant amount of work for you to set it up though - it's not so much the website design as that's pretty simple nowadays, more the content creation and curating the site to keep it fresh.

Obviously you're going to be at the mercy of the WiFi provision in the venue. Even if you've got a reliable hotspot you probably don't want to be passing out the credentials to all and sundry; if the venue's WiFi is sketchy you'll be overwhelmed.

[belstone]

You would have to do some work to restrict what can be done on a mobile device, you don't want folk resetting routes and trying to race each other around the layout and what-have-you.

One of my other ideas for an exhibition is Thomas the Tank Engine racing.  Double track figure of eight with a flat crossing in the middle for maximum carnage, bring your own loco. Anything to get visitors engaged.

Richard

[Chris Morris]

This is my brother running trains at Swindon Museum exhibition a few years back. Not interactive but the youngsters loved it. The young at heart adults also loved. Thomas and the wagon are mine. After a two day exhibition I can reassemble that wagon in my sleep.

[njee20]

The BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) is actually quite do-able with advance prep to download the appropriate app. I've got a few different throttles on my phone from experimentation on my own layout.

You would have to do some work to restrict what can be done on a mobile device, you don't want folk resetting routes and trying to race each other around the layout and what-have-you.

Everything after "do-able" sounds like the reason it isn't doable (in practical terms).

Yes, if you have installed the relevant app (or stand there installing it), sync with the exhibitors' layouts, access their roster, and somehow have the relevant limitations to ensure you don't do anything untoward, it's really easy...

[LASteve]

One of my other ideas for an exhibition is Thomas the Tank Engine racing.  Double track figure of eight with a flat crossing in the middle for maximum carnage, bring your own loco. Anything to get visitors engaged.

Richard

Now that's a cracking idea. Get the steampunk crowd to bring their own "Mad Max" creations and have at it.

The kids can go Thomas racing between the "Thunderdome" sessions.

I'd pay good money to see that!

[RBTKraisee]

ROBOT WARS : THE TRAINS GENERATION!



What did that poor scenery do to deserve that, eh?

Ross.