Hi
There is a techie described in AE 7 total training, in witch you have to use hold and rowing key frames to create a very similar effect.
If you have the total training DVD check the lesson were you have to animate a fly and some lights turning on in a line.
I can give you more info as soon as I get to my workstation to see my DVD (next week)
Regards
Gyorfi-www.bluefx.net