System and method for providing power to a model vehicle trackside accessory

Abstract

A system and method for providing power to a model vehicle trackside accessory includes an electrically-powered trackside accessory for a model vehicle layout, such as a model train track. The model layout includes a power rail and an a neutral rail connected to a transformer or other power supply. The layout further includes a third rail parallel to the power and neutral rails. An accessory, such as a model crossing gate or the like, is connected to either of the power or neutral rails, and to an electrically isolated section of the third rail. A model vehicle includes conductive wheel pairs connected by an conductive axle. When the model vehicle is present on the isolated rail section, at least one wheel pair completes an electric power circuit, activating the accessory. When the model vehicle departs from isolated rail section, power is cut off and the accessory is inactivated.

1 . A trackside accessory system responsive to a model vehicle, comprising: 
 an accessory comprising an electrical circuit configured to perform an action selected from generating a sound, illuminating a light source, and moving a mechanical member; and    a section of model track comprising a length of electrically isolated rail connected to the electrical circuit of the accessory, wherein the section of model track is configured for connecting the length of electrically isolated rail to a power circuit when a model vehicle is present on the section of model track, thereby activating the accessory.    
   
   
       2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the power circuit comprises a neutral rail substantially parallel to the length of electrically isolated rail and configured for connecting to a neutral terminal of an AC power transformer.  
   
   
       3 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the power circuit further comprises a power rail substantially parallel to the length of electrically isolated rail and configured for connecting to a power terminal of an AC power transformer.  
   
   
       4 . The system of  claim 3 , wherein the power rail is operatively connected to the electrical circuit of the accessory.  
   
   
       5 . The system of  claim 4 , wherein the neutral rail is not operatively connected to the electrically isolated rail unless a model vehicle is present on the section of track.  
   
   
       6 . The system of  claim 5 , wherein the neutral rail is positioned a distance apart from the electrically isolated rail, the distance substantially matching an axle length of at least one model vehicle wheel pair.  
   
   
       7 . The system of  claim 6 , further comprising a model vehicle disposed on the section of model track, the model vehicle comprising at least one conducting wheel pair connecting the neutral rail to the electrically isolated rail via an axle.  
   
   
       8 . The system of  claim 3 , wherein the neutral rail is operatively connected to the electrical circuit of the accessory.  
   
   
       9 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein the power rail is not operatively connected to the electrically isolated rail unless a model vehicle is present on the section of track.  
   
   
       10 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein the power rail is positioned a distance apart from the electrically isolated rail, the distance substantially matching an axle length of at least one model vehicle wheel pair.  
   
   
       11 . The system of  claim 10 , further comprising a model vehicle disposed on the section of model track, the model vehicle comprising at least one conducting wheel pair connecting the power rail to the electrically isolated rail via an axle.  
   
   
       12 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a housing shaped as a track bed supporting the section of model track and the accessory.  
   
   
       13 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising an electrically insulating mechanical connector disposed at each opposing end of the electrically isolated rail.  
   
   
       14 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein the electrically insulating mechanical connector comprises a plastic pin.  
   
   
       15 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the accessory is configured as a model crossing gate.  
   
   
       16 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the accessory is configured as model trackside equipment selected from a crossing signal, a lumber loader, and a freight loader.