Thread: Are there relativeley simple props that run up and down a long track?

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I have a driveway approach to my front door that has narrow garden strips along each side. It would be fairly easy to conceal a low track or taut wire on either or both sides. I'm imagining some kind of critter rustling through the plantings scurrying up and back, either at random or motion activated. Does anyone know of something like this?

yes and no. I seen the same concept on the cake competition on the food network. I thought to myself "hey, that would work outside". never really seen it done, but I would imagine that it would be similar to a FGC (Flying Crank Ghost). How about a kids train set? Place the animal over the engine, then it would just run the course over and over.
Well, just a thought.

I am messing with some test projects using Garage Door Openers.I bet it would work in that situation.

Garage door opener is an interesting approach. Might be a little slower than I'm thinking. I'm imagining something like a motorized clothes line pulley. Not sure if it would be easier to have it reverse or run in a loop. This is probably a project for next year, but I'll keep thinking about it...

I've heard of an axeworthy ghost being used for this except the line moves along the ground rather than up in the air. I've heard of it, but never tried it. Try doing a search here on the Forum.

Maybe you can borrow a remote control car/truck and place a small body or animal on it. Many of them have quite a bit of power and a long range for the remote control.

Thanks for all the suggestions. I'm thinking some variation on the Axeworthy might be the way to go.

what about one of those cheap flying ghosts?($10-20) It's a motor that travels down a shoe lace.


I put a clown costume on mine. (sorry can't find a picture) and theres currently a thread for a cheap flying candle stick (with vid) using the same flying ghost as a base.
It spins, it travels back and forth. the arms move and the ghost moo's (hence the loving nick name this forum has given the prop- mooing ghost)