Abstract: A model train track rail cleaning device includes a base, a cleaning pad mounted to the bottom of the base and a grip body coupled with the top of the base. The cleaning pad has a set of grooves positioned parallel to one another and spaced to receive track rails when the pad is in a first orientation. The cleaning pad also has a second set of grooves positioned parallel to one another and perpendicular to the first set. The second set of grooves is spaced to receive track rails when the pad is in a second orientation. Preferably, the first set of grooves is spaced to receive the rails on model track of a first size and the second set of grooves is spaced to receive the rails on model track of a second size. The cleaning device is pushed and pulled across the rails to clean them.

Abstract: A model train car or engine wheel cleaning device includes a cradle having a base plate and side walls. Cleaning strips are mounted on the side walls and a spring loaded core is located there between. The core is moveable between a neutral position and a compressed position. Conductive strips are positioned on top of the core. Electrical contacts are electrically connected to the conductive strips. During use, the core is in the compressed position and the rail contact surfaces of the wheels contact the cleaning strips. When cleaning a model train engine with motorized wheels, the wheel rims are in contact with the conductive strips and an electric current is supplied to the electrical contacts, causing the wheels to turn and be cleaned. When cleaning a model train car with free-spinning wheels, the car is manually moved back and forth, causing the wheels to turn and be cleaned.

Abstract: A model train car or engine wheel cleaning device includes a cradle having a base plate and side walls. Cleaning strips are mounted on the side walls and a spring loaded core is located there between. The core is moveable between a neutral position and a compressed position. Conductive strips are positioned on top of the core. Electrical contacts are electrically connected to the conductive strips. During use, the core is in the compressed position and the rail contact surfaces of the wheels contact the cleaning strips. When cleaning a model train engine with motorized wheels, the wheel rims are in contact with the conductive strips and an electric current is supplied to the electrical contacts, causing the wheels to turn and be cleaned. When cleaning a model train car with free-spinning wheels, the car is manually moved back and forth, causing the wheels to turn and be cleaned.

Abstract: A model train track rail cleaning device includes a base, a cleaning pad mounted to the bottom of the base and a grip body coupled with the top of the base. The cleaning pad has a set of grooves positioned parallel to one another and spaced to receive track rails when the pad is in a first orientation. The cleaning pad also has a second set of grooves positioned parallel to one another and perpendicular to the first set. The second set of grooves is spaced to receive track rails when the pad is in a second orientation. Preferably, the first set of grooves is spaced to receive the rails on model track of a first size and the second set of grooves is spaced to receive the rails on model track of a second size. The cleaning device is pushed and pulled across the rails to clean them.

Abstract: An adjustable weight system and method for adjusting the center of gravity and front and rear axle weights of a model race car. The adjustable weight system includes a cylinder having screw threads that are configured to form complemental threads in a surface surrounding a bore of an object that the cylinder is placed within. The cylinder is configured to engage a tool for adjustably positioning the cylinder within the bore and forming the complemental threads. The methods for adjusting the center of gravity and front and rear axle weights each include selecting a desired center of gravity location, front axle weight, or rear axle weight, placing at least a front or rear wheel of the car on a scale, and moving an adjustable weight on the car's chassis until the desired and actual center of gravity, front axle weight, or rear axle weight are approximately equal.

Abstract: A mat for simulating natural terrain for use in an indoors display is the subject of this invention. The mat comprises a sheet of water impervious resinous material, a water base latex emulsion coating applied to the resinous material and a quantity of terrain simulating particles which are adhered to the sheet by the dried coating. The particles are fixed to the sheet by a sealant which is sprayed on the particles after the coating has dried. The particles may comprise flocking, ground foam rubber or rigid solid pieces. The invention also encompasses a method of preparing a simulated natural terrain utilizing the mat as afore described. This method includes outlining desired terrain features, applying water to the outlined area, scraping the substrate to remove particles from the outlined area and then coloring the area.

Abstract: A kit useful by hobbyist and students in constructing displays and dioramas. The kit comprises a base formed from integral sidewalls and a top which presents a planar surface. A channel is formed around the periphery of the planar surface. The kit further includes a backboard which is foldable into a generally planar configuration and has a width greater than the width of the channel. The backboard is wedged into the channel and will remain in place without the use of external fasteners. The backboard is received in the channel on at least three sides of the base. The backboard is formed from a material so that it can be cut to present a desired configuration. A method of constructing a display kit comprises placing the base on a flat surface, at least partially unfolding the backboard to conform on the configuration of the base on at least three sides and then securing the backboard to the base without the use of external fasteners.

Abstract: A weight and method of providing mass for a model racing car is the subject of the present application. The weight is comprised of two portions. The first portion simulates the undercarriage of an automobile and the second portion comprises multiple components joined by lines of weakness. The multiple components of the second portion can be broken away to vary the total mass of the weight. The method comprises forming a weight having a first component of the configuration of an automobile undercarriage and a second component comprised of a plurality of sections joined by lines of weakness and the step of attaching the weight to the bottom of a model racing car. Portions of one of the components may be removed to vary the total mass.

Abstract: A race track assembly that can be assembled from a flat folded configuration for use and disassembled to a flat folded configuration for storage. The race track assembly includes a plurality of track sections that can be positioned end-to-end to form a race track. Each track section consists of a main track and two sides that are foldable relative to the main track. A plurality of couplers are also included for coupling the track section together. The race track assembly also includes a plurality of cross braces positioned at spaced intervals along the length of the race track. Each of the cross braces is coupled to a track section in a manner to maintain the sides of the track section in a folded configuration. A plurality of risers are also included for supporting the race track in an inclined position. Each of the risers can be unfolded to a track supporting configuration and folded to a flat storage configuration.

Abstract: A method for constructing model vegetation utilizing natural foliage and the products resulting therefrom are described. The method includes the steps of providing a segment of natural foliage, immersing the natural foliage into a liquid colorant, and applying leaf simulating material to the natural foliage. For larger model vegetation or for model vegetation requiring a base, a tree armature is utilized with additional steps including removing the branches from the natural foliage and affixing those branches to the tree armature.

Abstract: A method for constructing model vegetation utilizing natural foliage and the products resulting therefrom are described. The method includes the steps of providing a segment of natural foliage, immersing the natural foliage into a liquid colorant, and applying leaf simulating material to the natural foliage. For larger model vegetation or for model vegetation requiring a base, a tree armature is utilized with additional steps including removing the branches from the natural foliage and affixing those branches to the tree armature.

Abstract: A structure is provided for creating an elevated subroadbed for an artificial landscape. The structure includes a flexible riser section of a given length that has a generally planar bottom. The riser section also has a generally planar top extending and supported parallel to the bottom so that the height of the section is consistent along its entire length. The riser is provided with first and second side walls, which each have a series of channels that extend into the riser in spaced apart relation. The channels allow the riser to be positioned in a radius. The top forms an elevated surface that enables low-lying areas to be more easily created on the artificial landscape below the elevated surface.

Abstract: A structure is provided for creating a roadbed for a model railroad. The structure includes an elongated and flexible section which has a top surface, a bottom surface and a pair of inwardly angled side surfaces. The side surfaces are angled such that the bottom surface is wider that the top surface. The section is made from a foam material which deadens the sound of model trains passing thereover and which cushions vibrations of model trains passing thereover. The top surface is a closed cell surface that allows model train track to be adhesively secured thereto and the bottom surface is a closed cell surface that allows the roadbed to be adhesively secured to a supporting surface.

Abstract: A method is provided for creating an incline for a roadbed on an artificial landscape that involves coupling a flexible section to a base in a desired location. The section has a top that extends at an angle relative to its bottom so that it increases in elevation from one end to the other. The section has a series of channels formed therein which allows the section to flex so that it can conform to a curve. The method further involves placing a second section in abutting relationship with the first section to form a roadbed with a continuously increasing or decreasing grade. In one embodiment, the method further includes placing a number of flexible sections in abutting relationship to form an incline that rises from a base to a desired elevation. The present invention also provides a flexible section for creating a roadbed for an artificial landscape. The section has a top that extends at an angle relative to its bottom so that the section increases in elevation from one end to the other.