Abstract: This toy operates on continuous-belt treads that cooperate with other "climbing toy" features to provide extremely exaggerated ability to negotiate steep and/or rough surfaces. The car selectably operates: (1) as a conventional electrically powered toy, at at least one speed, on a flat surface; (2) as an electrically powered "climbing toy" with particularly advantageous weight distribution, at at least one reduced speed with greater torque, on a steep and/or irregular surface; or (3) as an unpowered free-rolling toy vehicle. Major weight components, particularly the battery and motor, are in a symmetrical, compact, balanced and relatively low arrangement--at about the same height as the tread drivers. Together with a speed-reduction mechanism they fill the toy's housing.

Abstract: This toy car has a selector on its sides for use, without picking the vehicle up, in selecting operation:(1) as a conventional electrically powered toy vehicle, at at least one speed, on a flat surface;(2) as an electrically powered climbing toy with particularly advantageous weight distribution, at at least one reduced speed with greater torque, on a steep and/or irregular surface; or(3) as an unpowered free-rolling toy vehicle.For climbing operation the car's battery, motor, etc. are in a symmetrical, compact, balanced, low geometry--about level with the wheels. With speed-reduction and selector parts they fill the toy's housing. The reduction mechanism has front-and-rear duplicate gearing: at each end, two worms that are both powered from the motor but through different reductions, and a worm gear shiftable between engagement with either worm by sliding on a square axle. Wheels are mounted to and driven by the axle ends.