Mini Split Flap brings the nostalgia of a classic split-flap display right to your browser. Also known as a Solari board, flip-dot display, or mechanical departure board, these iconic displays were once the heartbeat of train stations and airports worldwide, announcing arrivals and departures with their unmistakable cascading clatter.
This interactive simulator recreates that experience with realistic 3D flip animations, authentic mechanical clacking sounds, and pixel-perfect typography. Every letter flips individually through the character drum — just like the real thing.
A split-flap display, sometimes called a Solari board after the Italian manufacturer Solari di Udine, is an electromechanical display that shows text by rotating through a set of flaps, each printed with a different character. The flaps are split in half horizontally — the top half falls forward to reveal the next character while producing a distinctive clicking sound. These displays were widely used from the 1950s through the 2000s in transportation hubs to show departure and arrival information. Though largely replaced by LED and LCD screens, split-flap displays remain beloved for their tactile, mechanical charm and are experiencing a revival in homes, offices, and art installations.