It’s coming up on a year since our last FCTT club show. One of the things I enjoy running at shows is what I call ‘gadget’ cars that allow the public to get drawn into. I was recently rotating some rolling stock onto my layout and pulled out my Swift hot box reefer. I think Lionel did a great job with these with the exception that it just keeps repeating unless you flip a manual switch to disable features. However, for a reasonable amount of money ERR sold a kit to allow you to power it on/off with your TMCC remote which I ordered and installed in short order so to not drive the family, and me nuts. The fun begins with some general “All clear “ announcements. This is followed by some screeching, increasingly tense announcements, flashing orange LED’s underneath one truck, and wisps of smoke. As time goes on, the screeching and panic increases, the LED’s flash more, and the smoke billows out. When stopped, the smoke and lights continue while the crew douses the flames. Once the fire is out the request is made to “move out”! Anyway, when you set the timing up so it passes by a few families with young kids it’s fun watching the reaction to all the action going on. We’ve had people run to get a club member because a train is on fire! Even spooked a few club members at times. Just curious who’s got one of these and sharing some of the fun you can have. It’s a great hobby!
