Abstract: A selective voltage multiplier for a toy model train with an audio system that is activated by an input voltage, the selective voltage multiplier including either a voltage doubler or tripler multiplier circuit; a DC voltage source and a voltage divider circuit together establishing a reference voltage; an operational amplifier comparator for comparing the input voltage with the reference voltage, the comparator producing an output signal depending on whether the reference voltage exceeds the input voltage; an opto-isolator for selectively enabling the voltage multiplier circuit depending on the output signal of the comparator; and a speaker system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a drive assembly for a model toy train which connects a single drive shaft from an electric motor to a pair of discrete truck assemblies. The drive shaft drives a plurality of pinions which in turn drive a pair of worm shafts which extend toward the truck assemblies. A pair of worm wheel shafts are driven by the worm shafts to drive the wheels on the truck assemblies. A saddle and bearing combination rotationally connects the model toy train to the truck assemblies allowing the truck assemblies to freely rotate.

Abstract: A modular toy train truck assembly includes a frame having an integrally casted center plate and bolster plate connected to a pair of ornamental side frames that may be easily modified during the casting process to replicate various truck styles. Connected to the frame is a universal chassis comprised of a pair of wheel assemblies and a pair of bearing inserts whereby the wheel assemblies are journalled to the bearing inserts. Depending upon the style of truck, the side frames are provided with coils that are held in place by a flange integral with each insert. This unique design allows a modular truck frame to be easily retrofitted with a variety of accessories that may be attached to the truck frame by the customer.

Abstract: The invention comprises a toy vehicle such as a train, for moving about a track and which includes an optical sensing apparatus. The vehicle includes a charge coupled device to sense radiant energy external of the vehicle. The vehicle includes sensing circuitry to convert the image into a video signal. The video signal is FM modulated and supplied to the track by a transmitter on the vehicle for transmission to a receiver. The receiver receives the FM signal and demodulates same to produce a video signal adapted to be received by a monitor for viewing by the user of the toy vehicle as the vehicle moves along the track.

Abstract: The toy combination includes a toy vehicle having one or more pairs of spaced apart shoulders on exterior sides of the vehicle body and one or more toy attachments releasably secured on the pairs of shoulders by snap-fitting a respective pair of rails on the toy attachment against a respective pair of shoulders. The toy attachment includes resilient extensions on which the rails are carried. The extensions are flexed to snap-fit the rails on the shoulders. The toy attachment can include first and second pairs of extensions adjacent opposite ends with a receptacle intermediate the extensions for releasably receiving a toy figure.

Abstract: The toy combination includes a self-powered toy vehicle with driven wheels adjacent the front thereof and a toy trailer with non-driven wheels and with a receptacle on the trailer in front of its wheels releasably receiving the rear of the toy vehicle. The toy vehicle and trailer include cooperative details for locating and interlocking them together when the rear of the vehicle is received in the receptacle. The toy vehicle and trailer are configured such that the toy combination formed thereby resembles a tractor-trailer type truck whose front wheels comprise the driven wheels of the toy vehicle and whose rear wheels comprise the wheels of the trailer.

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.