Abstract: A self-centering truck assembly is intended for use on model-railroad cars. Model rail cars have some form of truck-mounting structure thereon which provide a way to mount trucks to the car. A truck is provided which includes an elongate bolster extending between its sides. A self-centering cam is provided and is operable to center the trucks such that the bolster axis is oriented normal to a longitudinal axis of the car.

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: 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 improved truck mounting mechanism for a model railroad locomotive includes a gimbal body fixed to a wheel-bearing truck frame. A gimbal mount is provided for receiving the gimbal body. The gimbal mount is flexibly secured to the locomotive chassis and the gimbal mount and gimbal body are constructed and arranged to provide three-axis movement of the truck frame relative to the chassis.

Abstract: In a model railway system it is desirable to include cars which simulate refrigerator cars. Model railway refrigerator cars are not, of course, furnished with ice or other means of actual refrigeration, but they should resemble actual cars which are so furnished, under actual operating conditions. To this end, the roof of each model railway refrigerator car is provided, according to the present invention, with a hatch at each end of the roof, a tiltable cover for each hatch, a retaining means for keeping the cover open, and an alternative retaining means for keeping the cover closed. The present invention has to do with a very simple and economical association of roof and cover and for providing interchangeable latches that hold the cover in open and closed condition, respectively.

Abstract: In the manufacture of model railway boxcars, simulated mounting steps which protrude downward beyond the car body have heretofore been normally composed of the same brittle material as the car body, and have been made integral with the car body, but according to the present invention they are made as parts of highly flexible and resilient, discrete units which are adapted to be fixedly associated with the car floor and body.

Abstract: This invention relates to a model railway system employing a novel uncoupling mechanism for couplers of the type which are coupled by having one coupler cam another upward so that it may then drop into the coupled relationship. Couplers of this type, equipped with suitable magnets, can be uncoupled mechanically or by magnetic repulsion or attraction. In accordance with the present invention a normally inactive uncoupling magnet, located at an uncoupling station, is rendered active, thereby to effect uncoupling by magnetic repulsion of one of the couplers. The couplers, after being thus disconnected, are displaced laterally in opposite directions by magnetic attraction and the raised coupler is then permitted to drop. The altered relationship is such that one coupler may push the other without recoupling. By this means a detached car or train section can be pushed to any desired location and left there.