A model train control system providing a more realistic modeling of the movement, sound, smoke, and lighting effects of a model train is disclosed. A number of dynamic inputs are used to control such effects. Novel features include providing a dynamic variable speed compensator, a dynamic engine load calculator, automatic dynamic momentum, an adjustable train brake, spectrum control, a velocity controller, pressure sensitive effects, a voice activated dispatcher system, a train location and information reporter network, two digit addressing, a traffic control system, accessory control, a model train Central Control Module, and removable memory modules.

A throttle emulator system for a model vehicle includes an emulator module and a DCC interface having a connector to permit connection with a DCC command station. The DCC command station is configured to provide digital signals to control the model vehicle. The emulator module is coupled to the DCC interface and configured to transmit command and control signals to the DCC command station, via the DCC interface. The command and control signals are relayed by the DCC command station to control the model vehicle. The emulator module is further configured for wireless communication with a mobile electronic device such that a user can communicate with the emulator module to control the model vehicle through an interface on the mobile electronic device.

A throttle emulator system for a model vehicle includes an emulator module and a DCC interface having a connector to permit connection with a DCC command station. The DCC command station is configured to provide digital signals to control the model vehicle. The emulator module is coupled to the DCC interface and configured to transmit command and control signals to the DCC command station, via the DCC interface. The command and control signals are relayed by the DCC command station to control the model vehicle. The emulator module is further configured for wireless communication with a mobile electronic device such that a user can communicate with the emulator module to control the model vehicle through an interface on the mobile electronic device.

A system for use with an analog DC model train, the system includes a base unit to electronically communicate with a track of the analog DC model train, the base unit having a receiver; one or more microcontrollers; a potentiometer; a digital stepper motor connected to the digital stepper motor and to provide torque to turn the potentiometer; a controller to communicate wirelessly with the receiver, the controller having a control to send a command the base unit to set a first numerical value associated with a position of the digital stepper motor; the first numerical value can be retrieved by the base unit based on commands from the controller to set the position of the digital stepper motor.

A system for use with an analog DC model train, the system includes a base unit to electronically communicate with a track of the analog DC model train, the base unit having a receiver; one or more microcontrollers; a potentiometer; a digital stepper motor connected to the digital stepper motor and to provide torque to turn the potentiometer; a controller to communicate wirelessly with the receiver, the controller having a control to send a command the base unit to set a first numerical value associated with a position of the digital stepper motor; the first numerical value can be retrieved by the base unit based on commands from the controller to set the position of the digital stepper motor.

A system and method is provided for linking at least one model vehicle action to data acquired by a model vehicle while travelling along a route. Preferred embodiments of the present invention operate in conjunction with a model train traveling along a model train track, where at least one barcode is located. When the model train travels over the barcode, the barcode is scanned, and the barcode data is transmitted to a remote control, where a program is running. The remote control then performs at least one action, where the action is based on the barcode data and the program that is currently running. If a new program is ran, the same barcode data will result in the performance of a different action.

A system and method is provided for linking at least one model vehicle action to data acquired by a model vehicle while travelling along a route. Preferred embodiments of the present invention operate in conjunction with a model train traveling along a model train track, where at least one barcode is located. When the model train travels over the barcode, the barcode is scanned, and the barcode data is transmitted to a remote control, where a program is running. The remote control then performs at least one action, where the action is based on the barcode data and the program that is currently running. If a new program is ran, the same barcode data will result in the performance of a different action.

A display control apparatus includes circuitry to acquire a user image including a manually-drawn image, extract a character image corresponding to the manually-drawn image from the user image, generate an image of a first user object that is a three-dimensional object of the character image to be appeared in a display area that is to be displayed as a display image with a display, and cause the image of the first user object to move on a railroad track on the display area. The circuitry couples the image of the first user object to an image of a second user object in response to determination indicating a distance between the images of the first and second user objects on the railroad track satisfies a predetermined condition, and separates the image of the first user object from the second user object at a fork according to a predetermined condition for changing a course.

A display control apparatus includes circuitry to acquire a user image including a manually-drawn image, extract a character image corresponding to the manually-drawn image from the user image, generate an image of a first user object that is a three-dimensional object of the character image to be appeared in a display area that is to be displayed as a display image with a display, and cause the image of the first user object to move on a railroad track on the display area. The circuitry couples the image of the first user object to an image of a second user object in response to determination indicating a distance between the images of the first and second user objects on the railroad track satisfies a predetermined condition, and separates the image of the first user object from the second user object at a fork according to a predetermined condition for changing a course.

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.