Comments on: Friday’s From the Historical Archives: Solari Departure Boards, Photos & History

By: Nathan

Nathan — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 16:32:42 +0000

I noticed your post whilst researching Solari boards. I’ve recently made one that works on the web for a slightly retro style airport departure board themed website. I thought you might like to see a ‘modern’ Solari board in action! This is a fully dynamic flap board and not an animation as such. Oddly enough, it took a fair bit of research into ‘real’ Solari boards and their mechanisms and this online one actual works in much the same way as the physical ones.

http://www.charlyinc.com/

Love your blog, BTW.

By: Emily

Emily — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 16:58:51 +0000

In reply to carla. I think some lower-tech solutions were used, like chalkboards that had to be changed manually. There is an example of such here, which is still on display in Grand Central Terminal.

By: carla

carla — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 16:53:23 +0000

Hi !
I’m doing a design project on the solari flap board, and your article had really helped me, thanks !
I was just wondering if that someone knows what was used before the solari boards ? How do they display information ?

Thanks

By: niki

niki — Sat, 29 May 2010 14:09:31 +0000

Philly’s 30th St. Station still has the flaps. Wouldn’t be the same without them.

By: Starbyte

Starbyte — Tue, 18 May 2010 16:43:18 +0000

In reading your story I could hear the sound of the flap boards changing. I traveled extensively by train about thirty years ago and that sound is ingrained in my brain. It’s iconic and brings back memories of the arched iron work, sculpted brick work, worn stairs and the scent of trains. Ahhh! Travel!

By: Suldog

Suldog — Mon, 17 May 2010 18:58:29 +0000

As a kid, I used to love being someplace like Boston’s old South Station and seeing the board flip. Thanks for the background!