I wanted to invite everyone to our Division meeting which will be held at the McWane Science Center. We will meet in Lunchroom B on the lower level this Saturday, September 27 at 10:00 AM.
InvisaTracks™ is an animated scenery system for model trains and dioramas that uses a hidden chain and magnets to move objects. It is not a train system itself, but an accessory that adds animated features like moving vehicles, bicycles, boats, and figures to a model railroad layout.
How it works
Invisible mechanism: A motorized, flexible chain with embedded magnets runs in a channel underneath the scenery.
Object movement: A small, inconspicuous magnet is placed inside or underneath the moving object (like a car or figure). The magnets on the chain pull the object along, making it appear to move on its own.
Versatility: Since the drive mechanism is concealed, the system can be used to animate objects on roads, waterways, or even snowy landscapes.
Key features
Creates a realistic, dynamic scene: It adds a sense of life to a static layout by animating objects in addition to the trains.
Multi-scale compatibility: The system is "agnostic" to the object on the surface, making it usable for multiple scales, including HO, OO, TT, N, and Z, by simply adapting the magnets.
Wide range of applications: Enthusiasts have used the system to create moving cyclists that "pedal," boats that skim across water, and cars that appear to roll along a road unaided.
The below is a cut and paste from their website:
InvisaTrax® Transport System by CatzPaw Innovations, LLC
CatzPaw Innovations, LLC introduces our brand-new, American-made, InvisaTrax® Transport System. Using the components included in the set, the modeler can bring to life all manner of animation. The modeler can hide the system under a scenery base, and using magnets, can make it appear that vehicles, bicycle riders, people, animals, boats, airplanes (anything you can imagine!) is animated on your layout, module, or diorama. The "Basic Set" includes everything to get you started on building a up-to-4-1/2-foot animation loop. The "Expanded Set" offers twice the length, or 9 feet of animation loop. The system is powered by a 6-volt motor that runs on 4 AA batteries (the modeler could, optionally, wire it to an appropriate power supply). The battery feature allows for stand-alone operation, should that be desired. In addition to the two starter sets, there are individual components for sale, so that you can expand your animation loop at any time, including having it make turns in more than just a simple loop. There is a dedicated YouTube channel for the system, which shows example implementations as well as behind-the-scenes and early-concept videos.
The InvisaTracks™ system is akin to the Magnorail system
https://www.magnorail.com/en/ in the respect that both use the chain drive system and magnets to move items around. There are numerous videos available on Youtube for both manufacturers.
The Wrecking Crew Model Railroad Club inc. has purchased a system from InvisaTracks™. The owners Sherrie and Yolanda will be bringing the system to The Wrecking Crew and giving a presentation on the product to the club. We, the Wrecking Crew and Steel City Division invite everyone to attend the presentation. The event is FREE ! Also, we will provide everyone who attends the presentation, a parking token good for use in the McWane Center parking deck. The event is free, however, if you and your family wish to visit the McWane Center exhibits or see an IMAX Dome Theater movie, you will need to purchase the admission ticket from the McWane ticket counter.
When you arrive at the McWane Science Center, please park on level "B" or above. Take the elevator to the ground floor and when you get off the elevator, you will see a set of stairs and a ramp. To your left before you round the corner, you will see an information booth. We ask that you meet one of the Wrecking Crew members at the information desk, sign in and we will escort you to our humble abode in the basement or more commonly known as the "Lower Level"! You can see what the Wrecking Crew is working on while you are there. We will be meeting in lunchroom B adjacent to the Wrecking Crew work room. The Wrecking Crew will also provide a variety of drinks free of charge. There are bathrooms as well as snack and drink vending machines on the floor.
Please review some of the videos and feel free to ask questions. See Y-O-U this Saturday! Whit
Also check out other Meetups in Birmingham, Arts events in Birmingham, Theatre events in Birmingham.
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