American Flyer Talking Station

This is the American Flyer 755 Mystic Talking Station. As the train approaches the station you push the control button. An automated sequence of events begins with the track current being dropped to slow the train to a stop. Enough current is allowed to pass to prevent tripping the directional e-unit. A recorded train announcement is played followed by a call for boarding. The "All Aboard" message is given and the current is increased causing the train to leave the station. As the train leaves you can hear the whistle blow. All of this is done using 1950's mechanical cams and trips! If you can't hear the messages turn up your volume. The recording is played using a Victrola type needle and a cardboard tube reproducer - there is no electronics so no volume control!

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• American Flyer
• model
• railroad
• S-gauge
• talking
• station

[sm1929]

With the 78 rpm record the needle needs to be changed after each play. The record is abrasive and grinds the needle, playing with a dull needle ruins records. I have never seen one of these records but the principle remains the same. Needles are still made today.

[gwcohn]

Cool! The problem with the talking stations is the player was like a lathe with a steel needle, grinding away the record with each playing.

I designed a circuit using a Winbond "ChipCorder" chip which would allow me to record the announcements to digital and play them back and control the isolated section without destroying the record.

I can also record any announcement I like including the NOMA station announcements. :-)