Luna Park Melbourne's Historic Ghost Train Gets a 3D Printed Makeover

Luna Park Melbourne's historic Ghost Train ride has undergone a remarkable transformation. Edward Felix and his creative team leveraged 3D printing technology to restore and reimagine the 90-year-old attraction while working within strict budget constraints. 

“We wanted to stay true to the ride’s roots while ensuring it remains an exciting experience for guests of all ages. Thanks to Bambu Lab’s 3D printing technology, we were able to achieve a level of detail and customisation that would have been unimaginable when the ride first opened.” - Edward Felix.

There was just one catch: budget constraints. Like many amusement parks, Luna Park Melbourne had to be mindful of costs, especially when it came to renovating a ride as old and unique as the Ghost Train. This is where Edward's innovative approach truly shined.

By leveraging 3D printing technology, Edward and his team were able to create custom parts, intricate decorations, and even entire set pieces at a fraction of the cost of traditional methods. This not only allowed them to stay within budget but also gave them the freedom to iterate and experiment without overspending.

The restoration process was a fascinating blend of old-school craftsmanship and modern innovation. It all started with a 3D scan of the entire ride, allowing Edward to create a virtual version for testing new designs. This digital playground became the canvas for their creativity, letting them experiment with layouts and effects without touching the physical ride - a cost-effective way to test ideas before committing resources.

But the real magic happened when the virtual became reality. 3D printers worked tirelessly, churning out everything from intricate candelabras to an entire library of faux books. Four Bambu Lab X1C 3D printers with AMS became the workhorses of the project, running 24/7 to bring Edward's vision to life. 3D printing enabled the creation of intricate props like candelabras and gas lamp sconces. 3D printed casings housed both traditional spooky LED lights and powerful custom-built blacklights, enhancing the ride's atmosphere. The team developed a new ride control system, featuring custom-designed micro scene controllers for improved timing and effects.

Yet, amidst all this technology, the human touch wasn't forgotten. Hand-painted murals, portraits, and wallpapers complement the 3D printed elements, creating a seamless blend of old and new.

As Edward puts it, "What you see in the train is hand made. There aren't any printed wallpapers, or murals, or pictures in the Ghost Train. There's a 30 meter long black light mural, hand painted by some of the most talented artists around."

The Ghost Train at Luna Park Melbourne stands as a shining example of how we can preserve the magic of classic amusements for generations to come, even in the face of financial constraints. It's a reminder that with a little creativity, a lot of hard work, and the right technology, we can breathe new life into the treasures of our past.

The rethemed Ghost Train is now open to the public, offering a mix of nostalgia and innovation that Luna Park visitors won’t want to miss.

DIY Haunted Attractions: Edward's Gift to the Community 🙏

In the spirit of innovation and community, Edward has generously shared 3D printable files and tutorials for some of the key elements used in the Ghost Train restoration. This allows enthusiasts and other amusement parks to create their own haunted attractions or enhance existing ones.

Want to create your own spooky candelabra? Edward's got you covered:

Or perhaps you're interested in making 3D printed sconces for your haunted house?

Whether you're a maker, an electronics hobbyist, or just love haunted house builds, this low-cost, customizable LED system is perfect for creating eerie, focused lighting. This video has everything you need to bring your creepy lighting visions to life!

As we look to the future of amusement parks and haunted attractions, let Edward's work inspire you. The tools and knowledge are now at your fingertips.

What ghostly wonders will you create?

The only limit is your imagination.