Abstract: A model electric train car possessing various movable parts which allow the train car's pivotally-mounted truck and coupler assembly to maneuver around tight curves without interference from model train steps, skirts or other train car parts in close proximity to the train coupler, thereby, avoiding derailment of the toy train. The steps, skirts or other train parts to swing, slide, rotate, or otherwise move away from the truck and coupler assembly, being attached to the train car by pins, hinges, slides, snap connectors or the like to allow the free movement of the train parts.

Abstract: A model train freight car and a method of manufacturing the same. An aluminum model freight train car body is extruded through a die. At least one accessory is attached to the freight car body. The model train freight car weight ranges from about 1.0 lbs. to about 1.75 lbs.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing a function on a model train car on a track includes an electrically operated mechanism mounted on the car for performing a function on the car. A reed switch is operatively connected to the mechanism for activating the mechanism. The reed switch has contacts movable from a first position, in which the contacts are out of contact with one another, to a second position, in which the contacts are in contact with one another. A magnet associated with the track moves the contacts of the reed switch from the first position to the second position to activate the mechanism.

Abstract: A model electric train car possessing various movable parts which allow the train car's pivotally-mounted truck and coupler assembly to maneuver around tight curves without interference from model train steps, skirts or other train car parts in close proximity to the train coupler, thereby, avoiding derailment of the toy train. The steps, skirts or other train parts to swing, slide, rotate, or otherwise move away from the truck and coupler assembly, being attached to the train car by pins, hinges, slides, snap connectors or the like to allow the free movement of the train parts.

Abstract: A model train freight car and a method of manufacturing the same. An aluminum model freight train car body is extruded through a die. At least one accessory is attached to the freight car body. The model train freight car weight ranges from about 1.0 lbs. to about 1.75 lbs.

Abstract: A switching apparatus for a toy railroad is provided. A housing has a drive compartment and a motor positioned in the drive compartment in the housing. A movable actuating element is positioned entirely within the housing. A drive connection between the motor and the movable actuating element moves the movable actuating element between a first position and a second position. At least a portion of the movable actuating element is positioned in a protective compartment adjacent to said drive compartment to protect the movable actuating element from outside forces. A track switch directs toy trains to a selected one of a plurality of tracks. A connector between the movable actuating element and the track switch moves the movable actuating element between its first and second positions causes movement of the track switch between a first position and a second position.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing a function on a model train car on a track includes an electrically operated mechanism mounted on the car for performing a function on the car. A reed switch is operatively connected to the mechanism for activating the mechanism. The reed switch has contacts movable from a first position, in which the contacts are out of contact with one another, to a second position, in which the contacts are in contact with one another. A magnet associated with the track moves the contacts of the reed switch from the first position to the second position to activate the mechanism.

Abstract: A low-power lighting system for illuminating the interior of scale models such as model railroad cars is disclosed. The lighting system includes a plurality of miniature bulbs in the 2.5 to 3.0 Volt range operating at 100 milliamps that are soldered directly to a printed circuit board in lieu of socket mounting to provide a low-profile configuration to the assembled lighting system which can be installed within the interior roof structure of a scale model so as to be hidden from exterior view. The printed circuit board which carries the miniature bulbs is configured to fit various standard classes of model railroad cars and scale model buildings to permit interior details thereof to be displayed. The lighting system dissipates the heat intensity of the miniature bulbs over the entire surface area of the printed circuit board to eliminate hot spots and warpage of plastic model structures.

Abstract: A connector socket may receive either a plain old telephone service (POTS) connector plug or an Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) Basic Rate connector plug. The connector socket comprises a body having a plug-receiving chamber for receiving either a POTS or an ISDN connector plug. The chamber has eight contact terminals are disposed along a top side for providing connectivity to the corresponding eight contact terminals of the ISDN connector plug when inserted within the chamber. Likewise, six contact terminals are disposed along a bottom side of the chamber for providing connectivity to the corresponding two, four or six contact terminals of the POTS connector plug when inserted within the chamber. The chamber further has a POTS plug guide for guiding and locking the POTS plug in the chamber and an ISDN plug guide for guiding and locking the ISDN plug in the chamber.