Using something like the vibration feature, found in cell phones; would an O scale engine, equipped with a vibration producing mechanism, be of interest to you?
Having the long hood prime mover bay doors open, exposing a vibrating O scale prime mover, with vibration, rev and smoke... all working in sync. The vibrating prime mover could be mounted on some type of cushioning, to limit the area of vibration.
Rick
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Nice idea, but just more things to go wrong. I think the big issue would be the lack of space under the body shell. That space now is getting pretty well packed with circuit boards, sound, and smoke.
Might make for an interesting "Dummy" locomotive. At the least, opening doors and a model of the prime mover inside sounds good.
Just my $0.02
Gilly
Normally this sort of thing just makes me go: meh. But opening a hood and seeing
that would be...fascinating. Better put it in a dummy with appropriate CC and
power. Scale oil leaks, anyone?
BTW, the "mechanism" in a vibrating cell phone - at least the one I saw - is a tiny
motor with a weight mounted eccentrically so that it's off balance when it spins.
I was thinking that with the operating technology getting smaller, i.e. PS 3, there might be room...
I actually think experiencing what I've described above; would be... quite cool.
Rick
Interesting idea. Those vibrators for cell phones are small, so could easily fit. Most of my locos don't have anything loose that would vibrate - have to think on that.
Using that gear from cell phones is is a great idea!
Attach one to the layout board near a passenger station.
When the loco comes around the corner the grandkids leaning on the layout nearby will notice It.
Can't wait...really cool...thanks...now, how to do it?
Does the real thing vibrate and throw open the doors?
Now I have heard everything! I will keep my trains non-vibrating thank you.
Yeah. Yeah! And, in fact, why should we be satisfied with a simulated diesel prime mover? I want to see a real, 1:48 scale diesel V12 under that hood! Making real diesel fumes, of course! And what about sand? Those who don't mind rubber tires on their locomotives should be happy to accept fine-scale sand squirting all over their rails, for starting. Shall we be satisfied with those icky, old-fashioned, toylike train crew figures any longer? No! We need fully animatronic micro-robots, going through all the appropriate motions, on command. Or maybe mini-holograms, recorded from actual crew movements! Sure, vibration is only the beginning! We want REALISM!
Back to Earth: they're just models. They don't need to vibrate.
Not interested for trains. Would be better for a vibratory roller at a construction site. I was having breakfast at a Denny's in Florida while they were rolling new asphalt on the street out front. The whole restaurant was shaking.
.....
Dennis
I don't think the effect would work. You would end up with a buzz noise instead of a thump-thump-thump of a slow running diesel engine.
It could be an attraction in at least two ways:
- locomotive stopped, but prime mover running - with doors open and maintenance issues being looked into...
- locomotive's powering a loaded freight train, from a dead stop; you, the operator, are running up the prime mover revs etc., before your heavy freight starts to move: the prime mover is howling and shaking, with it's exhaust punching high into the air... That works for me!
One of my huge MAC's, probably, could be fitted with a "shaker".
Rick
I would be concerned that the constant vibration would cause issues such as sound chips becoming dislodged or electrical connections being shaken loose. Could be a total nightmare for customer service folks at MTH or Lionel! 
Lyle,
limit the vibration to the engine compartment, using some type of cushioning. I think that has been done, in the real world. Interrupt the vibration with shock absorbing bushings..., before it transfers into the locomotive platform(frame).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vibration_isolation
Rick
What in the wide wide world of sports makes you think that a diesel engine vibrates enough that you would actually see it happen in a model?
Sometimes you guys are too much!!!
I'd add a shut off switch; no need for at-speed quaking.
BTW, cell phones contain electronics and don't fall apart... due to vibration.
Picture seeing a nice looking O scale FDL, GEVO or 710, in action; doesn't get any better than that does it?
It might be nice if a manufacturer offered a maintenance/manufacturing facility line; including, a large shop/manufacturing building and various locomotive components...
and, an option to buy a locomotive wearing just it's primer coat.
You could have a small GE or EMD operation, on your layout.
Rick
I've seen car and truck engines moving/shaking... vibrating.
Besides, were playing...
Remember, the vibration would increase and decrease, according to engine revs. Two vibrators, in one prime mover, might be fun.
Rick
I think very few people, who are into trains, would yawn; it would be the star attraction.
Many scoffed at sound, when it was first introduced.
Rick
That's right, Ricardo... Good, Good...GOOD, VIBRATIONS.
There ya go... the Good Vibrations line. Maybe, get a freak "death-metal" cover version, for the jingle.
Rick
I think that those who are interested in a "vibrating" diesel engine should just buy another cell phone......
This is not at all realistic (although not "unheard of"), and I put them in the same category as those who want a mega base sound from their steam locomotives....whether the sound package mimics the real engine or not is evidently not important. Same thing with steam leaks.....
A step back to the 1963, as Aroura Model Motoring used vibrating A.C. powered motors for their first race car set in H.O. scale. Those(the vibrating A.C. motors) were turtles in speed comparison to the Thunderjet 500's that were D.C. operated race cars.
Personally I don't want to see that ever happen.
Lee Fritz
Maybe, I could interest the nay sayer's in a portable Mickey Mouse paint shaker hat.
Rick
quote:Does the real thing vibrate and throw open the doors?
On an Alco: Yup... right before the piston goes out the side of the crankcase! 
I frankly think that the cost added to the loco wouldn't be worth the minimum "WOW" factor involved. It certainly wouldn't be something that would perk my interest. But, whatever "floats your boat" I always say.
I think very few people, who are into trains, would yawn; it would be the star attraction.
Many scoffed at sound, when it was first introduced.
Rick
Get a 2343. You'll have all the sound and vibrations you'll ever need, and it will be the real thing! Plus ozone.
Rusty
I like real trains; but, I'm not going to be bringing any into my house.
I like O gauge trains, too; and I know they do and always will have their limitations...
Besides, speed control(using my command systems) I've enjoyed using the labor/rev up feature; especially, with a nice power set(MU consist, lash-up...).
Throw in some smoke(something I don't often do) and you've got yourself quite a nice little show. Not real, but nice! Seeing a scale prime mover - a wee bit animated, could make things even better?
I'm curious why some of the genuine articles(real railroaders) participate here; and, in this less-than hobby? What are you after?
Rick
quote:I'm curious why some of the genuine articles(real railroaders) participate here; and, in this less-than hobby? What are you after?
Just trying to educate the masses.
Look guys, this visual vibration stuff just does not happen! So, why ask a manufacturer for something that does not exist? They do enough of that already!
quote:I think that those who are interested in a "vibrating" diesel engine should just buy another cell phone......
Hudson,
They could save themselves a ton of money if they went shopping at the local Adult store or even more money if they just went to Dollar General.
The best part of this topic is the link to the old Beach Boys video.
Thanks RickO
Rod
The best part of this topic is the link to the old Beach Boys video.
Thanks RickO
Rod
The best song ever!!!
My original thought (somehow with the original author's idea) was to try to duplicate for the grandkids on the layout that experience at the outset of the Polar Express's movie of the loco pulling through the middle of the street ...
Beach boys, my favorite group and best song. But vibrations in my model engine---give me a break!!
No thanks. Vibration in small motors...not a good idea. It's bound to shorten their lifespan. I am amazed at the smooth and quiet operation of modern can motors. Why go backwards?
Those electronic toothbrushes have a tiny motor with a weight on the end that vibrates/spins to make the bristles move. Maybe you could take one out of a toothbrush and install it in your engine. Seems like there were two 1.5 volt batteries in the last one I took apart.
Myself, I like those old vibrating tabletop football games but that's about it.
Next thing you guys will be saying - that the first stage Saturn 5(with all five of it's F1 rockets lit) was as solid as a rock.
Real Power Shakes!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLQCzfzKsYs
Rick
Rick B
To answer your original question, of 12 hours ago, no interest in such a feature.
George
Using something like the vibration feature, found in cell phones; would an O scale engine, equipped with a vibration producing mechanism, be of interest to you?
Having the long hood prime mover bay doors open, exposing a vibrating O scale prime mover, with vibration, rev and smoke... all working in sync. The vibrating prime mover could be mounted on some type of cushioning, to limit the area of vibration.
Rick
No
My original thought (somehow with the original author's idea) was to try to duplicate for the grandkids on the layout that experience at the outset of the Polar Express's movie of the loco pulling through the middle of the street ...
Again, the answer is a 2343. I remember it rumbling my childhood train table like it was yesterday.
Rusty
My opinion of the idea in less than a word: 
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