Well I've missed the deadline for the $29 challenge (the loco was going to be 'it'

) so I think I'd better get a move on with the layout or I'll miss that one too
Several updates, hope not too boring but I wanted to get the photos off the camera
The 'animation' looks like it will now consist solely of the grinder. No time! For anyone interested, I took the idea from the knife grinder linked by Jon. I have some fibre optic threads I bought 30 years ago 'just in case'
A bunch were passed through some Plastruct tubing, then the tubing cut and attached at an angle so the fibres bent as above. This tube then goes through the baseboard. After I measured the height of the figure, the tube was glued and the fibres cut to length 'in situ'. The ends under the base were fanned out and held with sticky tape.
I then used a cheap motor and gearbox with pulleys to reduce the ratio and cut a circle of card to go on the shaft. A slot was cut near the edge (leaving several tabs to hold it) and a sheet of clear acetate glued over it
I then used a thick marker to make crosses on the acetate so the 'sparks' would flash. A 12v bulb in a holder sits below the card circle under the optics
By the way, my wiring has been (kindly!) described as Heath Robinson
The loco is getting there

Started life as a Model Power Porter Hustler as in the early video. However, it looked too long in the wheelbase, so I took the weight off and sliced a section out of the middle.
Plasticard for the superstructure using the photo as a guide. I had no pic of the front (though I'm sure there will be SOMEONE out there with some!) so I made it up and covered in the sides to hide the motor. As the front light is still working, I made an oversized one as I remember reading in some thread

It's one of those screw covers for kitchen cabinets with the cap bit cut off, some acetate glued to the front and a thin slice off anothe screw cover over THAT as a bevel (?)
(sorry, a bit out of focus!)
Needs exhaust and suspension - interior going in now!
Lastly I have made a 'softbox' lighting rig (well AM making

)
Card cut to a curved shape to cover the layout, slot left in the top for 12V flouorescent tube
Still trying for that 'overcast look'. I will cover the bottom of the box with tracing paper to diffuse the light more but here are a couple of test shots.
Unfortunately the camera just adjusts the lighting
Well that's it for now ('thank goodness' they cry!), although the scenery has moved on

Andrew Milner, still trying to figure it out....