you're getting the idea! but i'm very limited in electronics (but not imagination)
how about a pic logic. i could have a ship (i can make "bigger" ones) that's sailing then, all of a sudden, it gets dark and a storm comes (ship sails faster) lightning in the background, led display (sound chip "thunder") or a pirate ship (guns fire) crew "works" "sing sea chanties etc.
but first i have to learn how to build a "simple" timer (i'm a quick study)
hey thanks to your help i have that almost completed and i really appreciate yours and everyone elses help
thank you