Abstract: A method for controlling a model railroad stationary switch machine comprising sensing whether a train occupies a main track section near a track switch that connects between said main track section and at least two diverging track sections. An automatic switch control function for the track switch is inhibited in response to sensing that a train occupies the main track section near the track switch when a train is determined to be approaching the track switch on at least one of the diverging track sections. In addition, a method is provided for controlling a model railroad track switch comprising changing a position of the track switch, and automatically returning the track switch to a home position after expiration of a time interval following the changing of the track switch position.

Abstract: A method for controlling a model railroad stationary switch machine comprising sensing whether a train occupies a main track section near a track switch that connects between said main track section and at least two diverging track sections. An automatic switch control function for the track switch is inhibited in response to sensing that a train occupies the main track section near the track switch when a train is determined to be approaching the track switch on at least one of the diverging track sections. In addition, a method is provided for controlling a model railroad track switch comprising changing a position of the track switch, and automatically returning the track switch to a home position after expiration of a time interval following the changing of the track switch position.

Abstract: An accessory decoder for a stationary switch machine is provided. The decoder comprises a printed circuit board including a plurality of input and output connectors in communication with a microcontroller. The microcontroller includes software that allows a user to designate at least one primary address and multiple route addresses for the decoder. The decoder receives digital control commands and, via the microprocessor, executes the commands to alter the output of the switch machine. In operation, one or more switch machines, each connected to a decoder, are coupled to the tracks of a railway system. A user transmits commands to the decoder, controlling the overall output of the system.

Abstract: A baseball cap or other headwear with a programmable light emitting diode sign affixed to cap. The programmable light emitting diode sign can be made to accommodate the headwear. The light emitting diode can also be programmed to scroll messages programmed by the owner of the headwear.

Abstract: A method for controlling a model railroad stationary switch machine comprising sensing whether a train occupies a main track section near a track switch that connects between said main track section and at least two diverging track sections. An automatic switch control function for the track switch is inhibited in response to sensing that a train occupies the main track section near the track switch when a train is determined to be approaching the track switch on at least one of the diverging track sections. In addition, a method is provided for controlling a model railroad track switch comprising changing a position of the track switch, and automatically returning the track switch to a home position after expiration of a time interval following the changing of the track switch position.

Abstract: An accessory decoder for a stationary switch machine is disclosed. The decoder comprises a printed circuit board including a plurality of input and output connectors in communication with a microcontroller. The microcontroller includes software that allows a user to designate at least one primary address and multiple route addresses for the decoder. The decoder receives digital control commands and, via the microprocessor, executes the commands to alter the output of the switch machine. In operation, one or more switch machines, each connected to a decoder, are coupled to the tracks of a railway system. A user transmits commands to the decoder, controlling the overall output of the system.