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 model railway system with improved banking characteristics 10 comprising a series of track sections 16, 18 joined end-to-end to form a continuous track assembly 12 and a modular trestle assembly 32 to elevate the track assembly 12. The trestle assembly 32 includes a biaxially inclined coupling module 28 that allows the track 12 to be built at a greater incline within a tighter radius than would otherwise be possible. The model railway system 10 includes a battery 114 powered locomotive 110 with a portable hand-held remote control device 84 that uses infrared signals 102 to send commands to the locomotive 110. The locomotive 110 pulls modular train cars 53,54 that have coupling protrusions 30 and beam support brackets 64 to support accesories to build different types of cars.

Abstract: A model railroad track assembly having a substantially rigid, one-piece molded plastic body with an upper surface molded to generally replicate at least a portion of a railroad track bed is provided. The track assembly has depending side walls extending generally downwardly from the upper surface to define a lower side having a hollow cavity. The body has at least two ends, with each end including a male latching member and a matingly complementary female engagement structure. The upper surface includes a molded-in guiding structure to receive and locate a preassembled piece of model railroad track, including at least two metal rails molded in place on a ladder-shaped member simulating a plurality of spaced-apart ties. The ends of the molded body are adapted for mating engagement with the ends of similar track assemblies having a similar piece of preassembled model railroad track with the rails on the engaged track ends being aligned.

Abstract: A toy vehicle track is disclosed for use in guiding and operating a toy vehicle. The toy vehicle track includes several roadway sections of various configurations (e.g., straight, curved, intersecting) having magnetic strips running along each lateral edge. The roadway sections are coupled to each other using magnetic coupling strips placed underneath the magnetic strips on the roadway sections. The toy vehicle track also includes a guardrail designed to fold down undamaged under the application of a force. The track may also include a bridge connected to the various roadway sections.

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 modular track segment for a model railroad track includes a plurality of conductive strip members secured to the lower surface of the segment and in electrical connection with respective rails on the upper surface of the track segment. Respective forward portions of the conductive strip members are formed to provide accurate leaf springs for mutually-compressive electrical contact with corresponding strip members of an adjacent track segment. Mechanical features of the track segment provide engagement of adjacent track segments and reinforce the compressive contact between adjacent conductive strip members. A breakaway access member is provided along a side wall of the track segment to form an opening for electrical and mechanical connection of an electrical accessory to the track segment.

Abstract: A device for supporting a coupling between at least two toy vehicle track sections. The device includes a retractable connector support and a support housing. The retractable connector support is an extensible body produced from a rigid material. The retractable connector support can be positioned so that it engages the coupling. The support housing is adapted for receiving the retractable connector support and is placed adjacent the coupling.

Abstract: A model train set includes a base member having two base member sections that are connected together in a horizontal arrangement such that an upper surface is formed. The upper surface has a continuous integral trackway disposed thereon. The model train set includes at least one snap-in reversible storyboard, having a first surface and a second surface with unique surface configurations to modify the upper surface. Further included is a plurality of visual elements which are selectively engageable with the upper surface. An array of storage recesses are provided which serve to provide storage for the visual elements. A toy train is also included.

Abstract: A toy bridge comprising a stand and, supported thereby, a bridge road element having a roadway on each of two opposite flat sides. The stand is turnable and can optionally be placed on a base in a first or second position, in which the bridge road element is arranged at a first or a second distance from the base and its one or other flat side faces upwards. A supporting yoke is arranged at each end of the bridge to form a support for a ramp road element connected to the bridge road element. The supporting yoke is pivotable relative to the bridge road element by the force of gravity between a first and a second stop position, in which it forms a subjacent support for the ramp road element when the stand is in its first and its second position, respectively.

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.

Abstract: Track alignment apparatus for supporting and linking sections of model railroad track and/or for receiving a model railroad trestle. Track alignment apparatus may include one or more track alignment members to engage trestles, provide rigidity to curved or straight model railroad track, and/or connect model railroad track to a layout base.

Abstract: A toy vehicle track includes a riding surface that has one or more intersections. The direction the vehicle travels through an intersection is controlled by recessed channels and raised guideways. The track includes hinged portions that enable the track to be folded and carried.

Abstract: A track connector for connecting two adjoining pieces of a toy railroad track set. The track connector has arms which extend to accommodate tracks of differing size.

Abstract: A model railroad track assembly having a substantially rigid, one-piece molded plastic body with an upper surface molded to generally replicate at least a portion of a railroad track bed is provided. The track assembly has depending side walls extending generally downwardly from the upper surface to define a lower side having a hollow cavity. The body has at least two ends, with each end including a male latching member and a matingly complementary female engagement structure. The upper surface includes a molded-in guiding structure to receive and locate a preassembled piece of model railroad track, including at least two metal rails molded in place on a ladder-shaped member simulating a plurality of spaced-apart ties. The ends of the molded body are adapted for mating engagement with the ends of similar track assemblies having a similar piece of preassembled model railroad track with the rails on the engaged track ends being aligned.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to track locking systems for model railroads of the type in which separate sections of track are removably connected to form a desired closed pattern over which a model train will travel. The track sections include electrically conductive rails for supporting and guiding the model train thereon, and for providing electrical energy from a source for driving the train. Individual track bed sections connected to each other are joined at two laterally offset positions to enhance the stability of the sections removably locked together. The locking elements on the respective track sections joined together are oriented at substantially right angles to the direction of the rails to further enhance the stability and integrity of the joined track sections. A secure connection between locked track sections assures a positive engagement between electrical connectors to provide a completed electrical circuit when the track sections are joined in the desired closed pattern.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electrically-operated ornament travelling on a rail capable of explaining the free quadrants described in the Mobius Theorem. The ornament mainly includes a three-dimensional endless rail supported on a set of supports. The rail includes at least a twisted and turned part and a non-twisted part. Two parallel metal wires extend through a full length of the rail on both surfaces thereof. A controller is used to supply current to the metal wires and to control the magnitude and flowing direction of the supplied current. A moving body having rollers made of permanent magnetic material is magnetically attached to the metal wires. A transmission mechanism in the moving body is powered through the controller to drive the moving body to travel, back, or stop on the endless rail.

Abstract: A track for electric cars with a novel mechanism to connect successive track segments. On one side of each connecting edge and centered on the corresponding guideway is a male attachment element formed by two rectangular projections ending in a small ramp, located on either side of the guideway. There is a rectangular recess with a centering rib on each sidewall between the ramp and the connecting edge. The opposite connecting edge of each track segment contains a female attachment mechanism designed to accept the male attachment mechanism.

Abstract: A track section for pivotally interconnecting sections of toy vehicle track comprising at least two pivotally attached segments, each segment having a top surface, a bottom surface, and spaced apart ends. The track section further comprises cooperating rails that form a substantially continuous path for guiding the movement of a toy vehicle when one segment is positioned at an angle relative to another of the at least two segments. The rails partially define a pair of spaced apart parallel channels along with a median on the top surfaces of the segments. The track section includes a coupling device comprising a prong protruding from one end of one of the segments along a central longitudinal axis, and a socket formed in one end of the other segment along a central longitudinal. The other ends of the segments include a connecting device comprising a cooperating flange and recess for pivotally connecting the segments wherein the flange of each segment is received within the recess of the other segment.

Abstract: An improved rail and crosstie trackage assembly for toy trains that includes three rails slidingly fastened to a series of ties the underside of which have slots to receive two elongated reinforcing rods which are fastened thereto by bonding first one rod thereto, bending the assembly to a desired curvature and then bonding the other rod thereto in the slots.

Abstract: Model railroad track assemblies are formed from preassembled track sections, each including a pair of spaced-apart parallel metal rails molded in place in a one-piece ladder-like body, and a track accessory in the form of a one-piece molded plastic body having no undercuts to permit fabrication of the body by simple two-piece open and close molds. Male latching members and female engagement structures are integrally molded at each end of each track body, side-by-side for releasible latching engagement with like structures on the ends of like bodies. Each molded body including its latching members and engagement structures is adapted by the provision of suitable openings, spaces and recesses to permit top to bottom nesting engagement of identical track assemblies with one another for protection and reduced storage size.

Abstract: A toy track section comprises a body having an upper face, a pair of spaced, parallel rail members formed in the upper face, and a plurality of spaced discontinuities formed in at least one of the rail members, and preferably both. The rails and discontinuities are of a size and shape to permit wheels of a toy train to roll and be guided by the rail members while causing a repeating "clacking" sound to be emitted by the wheels rolling on the rail members, in a manner reminiscent of a full-sized, moving train.

Abstract: This invention is a model racetrack that simulates in an authentic manner motor vehicle races including causing the models to crisscross on the straightaway to simulate realistic race conditions. The third and fourth turns have a plurality of lanes which causes some cars to accelerate more than other so that the inside lane tends to go to the outside on the straightaway and the outside lane tends to go to the inside of the straightaway. Also speed controls are provided on a lift conveyor so that the race can be slowed down during "caution flags" and sped back up to race conditions during "green flag" conditions. The models used are authentic reproductions of racing motor vehicles. Different portions of the present invention have different declines for better race simulation of the free wheeling models.

Abstract: A tie plate with posts is designed for easy insertion of the foot of the rail cooperates with pins through the posts to rigidly affix the rail to the tie plate and to railroad ties or roadbed. The posts may be made of flexible material in which case the rails are snapped into the tie plate. Alternatively the posts may be fabricated from hard plastics, ceramics, or metals, in which case the rails slide into the tie plates. The posts restrain the rail from lifting out of the tie plate or shifting laterally in the tie plate. Pins with fluted, or otherwise textured, surfaces are driven through guiding holes in the posts of the tie plate past the edge of the foot of the rail. The fluted edges of the pin serve to grip the rail. The pins are made of rigid or hard materials so that the pin will provide rigidity to the posts and also slightly deform the edge of the foot of the rail and thereby grip or engage the foot.

Abstract: A track set as set forth for use with a toy train or the like includes a pair of mirror image C-shaped track portions coupled to a circular base. A circular platform is rotatably supported upon the base and includes a plurality of track segments supported thereon. The track segments include orthogonally intersecting straight track portions as well as offset arcuate curved portions symmetrically arranged upon the platform. The base further defines an upwardly extending annular rim which defines a plurality of notches equally spaced thereupon. A platform lock includes a pivotable handle receivable within the notches to securely position the platform at a selected rotational position and thereby align selected track segments of the platform with the C-shaped track portions. The travel path of the track set may be configured to provide a figure-eight, a peanut-shape, and a pair of separate distinct circular travel paths.

Abstract: A modular model railway support system is designed either for overhead installation or above ground support of conventional model railway tracks. The system includes a plurality of side rail members and cross ties having opposite ends designed for interlocking, snap engagement with the side rail members to secure two parallel lengths of successive side rail members together to form a selected pathway for supporting track with side rail members extending along opposite sides of a single or double track and the cross ties forming supports for the track. The side rail members on each side of the track are secured together end-to-end by the cross ties.

Abstract: A modular support structure for scale-model railroad tracks utilizes a plurality of planks, a plurality of suspension members for suspending at least some of said planks from an architectural structure, and a plurality of rails interconnecting said planks. The rails and planks define a modular support structure suitable for supporting a scale-model railroad track. The modular support structure is easily installed with a minimum of labor. The modular support structure optionally utilizes a plurality of support members for supporting at least some of said planks above a surface, such as soil, stone, concrete, floors, etc.

Abstract: The present invention shows a system for providing a track-bed with a real-life appearance in a model railroad. The system is comprised of three separate components which may be assembled in combination to meet the needs of various track formations. A first component is intended to fit between the track bases of a model railroad track, and both curved and straight variations of the first component are provided. A second component is intended to fit between the track bases of adjoining sections of track, and both curved and straight-sided variations of the second component may be provided, or a single version which may be trimmed to fit either a straight or curved application might be provided. The third component is triangular in cross-section and closes the open sides of the first and second components at the side of the track. The third component is preferably flexible in nature and may be provided in any suitable length.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a guidance track for an electric vehicle. The guidance track preferably includes one or more grooves formed within a dielectric material. The wheels of the vehicle fit, at least in part, in the grooves which are configured to accept the wheels of both powered and unpowered cars in the vehicle. The grooves guide and direct the vehicle as the wheels travel through the grooves.

Abstract: A composite continuous surface rail is constructed by combining a load-bearing support rail divided into segments to allow for thermal expansion with a continuous surface rail that slideably engages the support rail and spans any number of support rail segments. The continuous top or surface rail includes a running rail and an expansion rail. The expansion rail is provided to absorb thermal expansion of the running rail while continuing to provide a continuous composite rail surface. The surface rail and/or support rail may be electrified. An electrified running rail and expansion rail will provide an electrified composite rail with electrical continuity.

Abstract: A composite continuous surface rail is constructed by combining a load-bearing support rail divided into segments to allow for thermal expansion with a continuous surface rail that slideably engages the support rail and spans any number of support rail segments. The continuous top or surface rail includes a running rail and an expansion rail. The expansion rail is provided to absorb thermal expansion of the running rail while continuing to provide a continuous composite rail surface. The surface rail and/or support rail may be electrified. An electrified running rail and expansion rail will provide an electrified composite rail with electrical continuity.

Abstract: A composite continuous surface rail is constructed by combining a load-bearing support rail divided into segments to allow for thermal expansion with a continuous surface rail that slideably engages the support rail and spans any number of support rail segments. The continuous top or surface rail includes a running rail and an expansion rail. The expansion rail is provided to absorb thermal expansion of the running rail while continuing to provide a continuous composite rail surface. The surface rail and/or support rail may be electrified. An electrified running rail and expansion rail will provide an electrified composite rail with electrical continuity.

Abstract: A toy vehicle track with toy vehicles having an electric drive motor disposed in the chassis thereof. The track is formed of segments which are connected by plugging together. The electric drive motor in the vehicles is supplied with electricity via collectors and conductors placed in the track for uninterrupted operation over a period of time. When electrical connection with a net fails or is terminated, the vehicles can be operated over a further preset length of time. The segments are removably or fixedly connected with conductors along the entire track. The vehicles have collectors in contact with the conductors and a chargeable power source serving as an electric buffer. The power source and the collectors are simultaneously in permanent connection with the drive motor. If the power supply is cut off from the electric net, the internal power source is automatically activated, and permits further operation until discharged.

Abstract: A composite minimum-joint electrified rail is constructed by combining a non-conductive support rail divided into easily installed segments with a continuous conductive rail that mounts on the support rail and spans any number of support rail segments. The conductive rail may be attached to the non-conductive rail by a tongue and groove arrangement. Multiple conductive rails or strips may be attached to different portions of the same support rail. In addition spring clips are shown for attaching the support rail to railroad ties or roadbed, and fish plates are shown for attaching abutted support rails.

Abstract: Tracks for electric model railways have a track body provided with ties and metal rails secured to its upper surface. The electrical and mechanical connections between adjacent track bodies occur in two end-face connection zones. In order to obtain improved electrical and mechanical connections, a recess is formed in the track body at the connection zones of each track. The recess is open toward a bottom and toward a connection plane, and is not visible from above. A separate connecting element has two identical heads symmetric about a central axis. The heads are snapped into the recesses of two adjoining tracks to provide a secure and invisible connection.

Abstract: A composite minimum-joint electrified rail is constructed by combining a non-conductive support rail divided into easily installed segments with a continuous conductive rail that mounts on the support rail and spans any number of support rail segments. The conductive rail may be attached to the non-conductive rail by a tongue and groove arrangement. Multiple conductive rails or strips may be attached to different portions of the same support rail. In addition spring clips are shown for attaching the support rail to railroad ties or roadbed, and fish plates are shown for attaching abutted support rails.

Abstract: Trackway segment connectable, with dual-lobes connectors, in end-to-end relationship with similar trackway segments to provide a trackway-system for toy vehicles.

Abstract: A monorail toy train is suspended from an overhead guideway, which guideway is secured to a ceiling or other fixed support structure. The elongated tubular guideway includes a plurality of guideway sections connected together at a joint by a short tubular coupler and a hanger secured to the ceiling. Each guideway section is connected to like length guide rails and rack rails, which, together, define a track for cars of the monorail toy. Trucks of driven and nondriven cars ride on the track defined by the rack rail and guide rail. The driven car includes a drive frame including a motor, drive gear and pinion gear, which pinion gear meshes with the rack rail to provide motive force for the monorail train.

Abstract: A track section for a slot track racing game has a double walled box channels formed by alignment projections and receptacles therefore on each of the opposite sides of a track. A pair of hooks prevent accidental disconnection of the track sections responsive to random movements. The hooks have dependent fins which concentrate bending forces to the root ends thereof to preclude random bending under stress conditions. A lap counter gives a signal after a slot track vehicle has made a predetermined number of laps.

Abstract: Tracks for electric model railways have a track body provided with ties and metal rails secured to its upper surface. The electrical and mechanical connections to an adjacent track occur in two end-face connection zones. In order to obtain improved electrical and mechanical connections, a recess is formed in the track body at the connection zones of each track. The recess is open toward a bottom and toward a connection plane, and is not visible from above. A separate connecting element has two identical heads symmetric about a central axis. The heads are snapped into the recesses of two adjoining tracks to provide a secure and invisible connection.

Abstract: A track for model railroads comprises a track bed (11), which simulates, e.g., a superstructure which is provided with a ballast bed. The track bed consists of a bar-shaped bed section (11), which is made of elastically and/or plastically deformable and preferably elastoplastic material and has a cross-sectional profile which simulates that of a typical superstructure and preferably has the configuration of an isosceles trapezoid without the closing longer side thereof. The side of the profile represents the road surface for receiving the track grate (1, 9, 10), the legs (13, 14) constitute slopes. The top surface of the bed section (11) is provided with recesses (15), which are substantially complementary to the track grate (1) so that the latter can be inserted into said recesses to a depth corresponding to at least part of the height of the sleepers or ties. The bed section is provided with stiffeners (17, 18) on its underside.

Abstract: A track assembly for toy vehicles includes a first track section having an elongated fastening tongue element on one end thereof and a second track section having a receiving slot on one end thereof. The fastening tongue element is receivable in the receiving slot to connect the track sections together in substantially aligned end-to-end relation and it includes an elongated resilient finger which is engageable with a detent in the receiving slot to releasably retain the fastening tongue element in the receiving slot.

Abstract: A track jointer for use in connection with and for connecting together the ends of a track in a model track layout includes track sections for connecting the ends together, the jointer being located between the ends from a position substantially normal to the end, the track jointer and the track ends being connected together through the intermediaries of co-operating clips and plugs, the plugs being formed on or connected to the ends of the track jointer and the clips being carried on the track ends.

Abstract: A model railroad turnout assembly includes a roadbed element having an entry track thereon. The entry track includes a pair of spaced apart entry rails. Plural, branching discharge tracks are mounted on the roadbed element, each discharge track including a pair of spaced apart discharge rails. The adjacent rails of the discharge track terminate with ends intermediate the other rails of the discharge tracks. A switch element is provided and has a pair of blades at one end thereof. A frog extends from the discharge track ends over the switch. The frog is shiftable, with the switch element, such that the frog contacts an element blade to provide a continuous rail segment between a selected entry track rail and a selected discharge track rail.

Abstract: A construction piece usable, in combination with other identical pieces, for forming a toy vehicle track, having interengaging slots and studs whereby a front side of one piece may be connected to the rear side of another, with slight inclination of the pieces being possible to allow for a curved track. On one face of the piece are segments of a road type tract suitable for a toy vehicle, and from the opposite face project rectangular segments which together provide rail tracks for a toy railway vehicle; this allows the track to be used with either of the two track types uppermost. The piece also has studs projecting from its ends which can engage in sockets in like pieces to form various structures. A construction set incorporating such track forming parts may also include toy vehicles having studs or sockets which can co-operate with corresponding track parts so that complex vehicles can be made.

Abstract: The instant invention includes a track joining element which is operable to join two sections of track and to provide lateral and longitudinal positioning of the track sections relative one another. The joining elements include a tongue and a slot formed on each element. The tongue and slot have a common side which forms a linear guide path for engaging a like joining element on another section of track. The tongue is constructed and arranged to be clearance receivable in the slot on a second joining element. Interlocking means are provided to maintain the two elements in an engaged condition. In the preferred embodiment, interlocking means includes a leafspring mounted on the linear guide path. The spring has a free end which protrudes into the slot and engages a notch formed on the tongue of another joining element.

Abstract: An electric toy train track comprises a metal center rail on the base of which electrical insulating material has been extruded prior to roll-forming of the metal to the transverse shape for the rail. The center rail comprises in transverse cross section a horizontal base, an upright centrally supported on the base and a generally circular annular portion atop the upright that forms the top of the rail. The base has a bottom, sides, and a top. The electrical insulation is disposed in covering relation to the bottom and sides of the base and at least a portion of the top of the base immediately contiguous each side. The insulation is disposed on the base as two separate and discrete zones, one zone to one side of the upright and the other zone to the other side of the upright. The zones of insulation are separated at the bottom of the base by a gap that is disposed directly below the upright.

Abstract: In order to reduce the rail height to proportions corresponding to those of original railways while maintaining enough ground clearance, for wheels provided with European wheel flanges (3), a groove (12) running parallel to the longitudinal axis of the rails andhaving a dove-tailed cross-section is formed in the sole surface of each rail foot (11) of both rail sections (1) mounted on sleepers (2). A projection (20) is formed on the upper side of each sleeper (2), corresponding to both rail sections (1) and having a cross-section profile form-fitting and/or frictionally engaged within the groove (12).

Abstract: A toy monorail set is provided including a building for containing the parts to the set and selectively being a component part of the set. The monorail vehicle, building and monorail tracks are all made of sanded hardwood or other suitable smooth and hard material. The vehicle itself includes a cutout and a pair of extension members extending outward from the bottom of the cutout. The cutout has concave sides and the extension members have a flat surface and slanted sides from the back of the cutout to the flat surface so as to allow the vehicle to traverse a curved monorail track course. A smoothing additive, such as wax or paraffin is applied over the flat surface of the extension member and the top, or riding, surface of the monorail track to allow the vehicle to slide over the monorail track. The monorail tracks have semicircular ends with a circular recessed surface on opposite sides at each end.

Abstract: A train track bed includes an elongated slot therein and a track rail includes a bottom flange that is supported by the track bed. A bendable locking tab is formed on the bottom flange of the rail. The locking tab is bent into the slot in the bed to restrain longitudinal movement of the rail on the bed while the bottom flange of the rail is received between opposing rail-holding flanges on the bed that restrain other movement of the track. Preferably, the track includes oppositely extending bottom flanges formed of sheet metal folded back upon itself with each flange having a depending side wall at the outermost lateral extremity of the flange to form a recess between the side walls. A pair of raised support ribs extends from the track bed into the recess to engage the underside of the flanges to support the rail on the track bed. The side walls hide the raised support ribs from view.

Abstract: A track system for toy vehicles contains straight and curved track pieces at the end of which are reference points that coincide with symmetry points of a track grid having a track module, M, which is a multiple of a building module, m, of a base plate for mounting the track pieces. The length of the straight track pieces which are disposed either parallel to or diagonally with respect to the track grid are a multiple of or .sqroot.2 times a multiple of the track module, M. The curved track pieces are composed of a longer arcuate segment and a shorter straight segment. The center of the arcuate segment is deplaced with respect to the center of an arc, whose center is a symmetry point of the track grid and whose two radii define an angular range of the curved track piece. The center of the arcuate segment is defined by the intersection of an angle bisector of the tangents (T) of the reference points on the ends of the curved track piece and one of the two radii.