A track device includes a switching section configured to switch a running path for guiding a wheel of a running body to running paths in multiple directions, and a traveling path guide portion disposed along the running path which follows a different direction from an inertial direction of the running body.

A track device includes a switching section configured to switch a running path for guiding a wheel of a running body to running paths in multiple directions, and a traveling path guide portion disposed along the running path which follows a different direction from an inertial direction of the running body.

An LED scene controller for a model train system includes a printed circuit board (PCB) having a decoder and a plurality of light emitting diode (LED) ports mounted thereon, and a plurality of special effects components with each coupled to a respective LED port. The decoder includes a processor and a memory coupled to the processor, where the processor is coupled to the plurality of LED ports. The decoder is configured to receive a digital command control (DCC) signal comprising a plurality of configuration variables from a DCC hand controller and to store the plurality of configuration variables in the memory. The processor is configured to read the plurality of configuration variables to control the plurality of special effects components coupled to the plurality of LED ports. The decoder is configured to automatically switch to an animation mode when no DCC signal is detected.

An LED scene controller for a model train system includes a printed circuit board (PCB) having a decoder and a plurality of light emitting diode (LED) ports mounted thereon, and a plurality of special effects components with each coupled to a respective LED port. The decoder includes a processor and a memory coupled to the processor, where the processor is coupled to the plurality of LED ports. The decoder is configured to receive a digital command control (DCC) signal comprising a plurality of configuration variables from a DCC hand controller and to store the plurality of configuration variables in the memory. The processor is configured to read the plurality of configuration variables to control the plurality of special effects components coupled to the plurality of LED ports. The decoder is configured to automatically switch to an animation mode when no DCC signal is detected.

An LED light board for a model train system includes a printed circuit board (PCB) having a decoder and a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) mounted thereon. The decoder includes a processor and a memory coupled to the processor, where the processor is coupled to the plurality of LEDs and is configured to control the plurality of LEDs. The decoder is configured to receive a a digital command control (DCC) signal comprising a plurality of configuration variables from a DCC hand controller via a model train track and to store the plurality of configuration variables in the memory. The processor is configured to read the plurality of configuration variables stored in the memory to control the plurality of LEDs. The LED light board also includes an accelerometer coupled to the decoder and is configured to turn the plurality of LEDs on and off in response to sensing movement.

An LED light board for a model train system includes a printed circuit board (PCB) having a decoder and a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) mounted thereon. The decoder includes a processor and a memory coupled to the processor, where the processor is coupled to the plurality of LEDs and is configured to control the plurality of LEDs. The decoder is configured to receive a a digital command control (DCC) signal comprising a plurality of configuration variables from a DCC hand controller via a model train track and to store the plurality of configuration variables in the memory. The processor is configured to read the plurality of configuration variables stored in the memory to control the plurality of LEDs. The LED light board also includes an accelerometer coupled to the decoder and is configured to turn the plurality of LEDs on and off in response to sensing movement.

The present invention is an electric toy vehicular track system that can be used with electric toy trains or race cars. The tracks comprise flexible, electrically conductive toy vehicular rails, which can be conductive wires or strips. The rails are embedded in the upper surface of a flexible mat, which can be disposed in a rolled-out configuration, when the track system is in use, or in a rolled-up cylindrical configuration, for compact storage when not in use. In the rolled-out configuration, the flexible mat lies flat upon a horizontal supporting surface, such as a floor or a tabletop. Upon being rolled out, the track system can be connected to its electric power source, such as a household AC circuit, through one or more power control units.

Methods and related apparatus embodiments are disclosed that allow combinations of legacy devices and new higher capability devices to be compatibly integrated on a model railroad control system to provide; higher system speed, new control capabilities and lowered control latency delays.

Methods and related apparatus embodiments are disclosed that allow combinations of legacy devices and new higher capability devices to be compatibly integrated on a model railroad control system to provide; higher system speed, new control capabilities and lowered control latency delays.

A model train track is provided that includes a plurality of track segments. Each track segment may include a roadbed, a plurality of rails, and a plurality of magnetic devices that are used to physically connect a track segment with an adjacent track segment. In other words, as two track segments move close to one another, the attraction between the magnetic devices on the two segments will not only pull the segments together, but, once connected, will maintain a physical connection therebetween until sufficient force is applied to overcome the magnetic attraction. Each track segment may also include at least one alignment portion, for aligning adjacent track segments during user assembly, and a plurality of contacts (e.g., biased or spring-loaded contacts) providing electrical continuity between adjacent track segments and components thereof (e.g., rails).