Abstract: A system and method is provided for substantially synchronizing sound and smoke in a model train or other model vehicle. In one embodiment of the present invention, a sensor is configured to send a signal periodically to a smoke generating device and a controller, wherein the signal is used by the smoke generating device to produce a particular quantity of smoke. The controller is then configured to receive a signal from a motor, wherein the signal includes information that can be used to identify a rotational position of the motor, or a rotational position of an axle in communication with the motor. The controller then uses the signal from the sensor and the signal from the motor to estimate a transmission lime of a next signal from the sensor, wherein the next signal is used by the smoke generating device to produce a next production of smoke.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for substantially synchronizing sound and smoke, or the like, in a model train or other model vehicle. In one embodiment of the present invention, a sensor is configured to send a signal periodically to a smoke generating device and a controller, wherein the signal is used by the smoke generating device to produce a particular quantity of smoke. The controller is then configured to receive a signal from a motor, wherein the signal includes information (e.g., a count) that can be used to identify a rotational position of the motor, or a rotational position of an axle in communication with the motor. The controller then uses the signal from the sensor and the signal from the motor to estimate (or predict) a transmission time of a next (or second) signal from the sensor, wherein the next (or second) signal is used by the smoke generating device to produce a next (or second) production of smoke.