System and method for substantially synchronizing sound and smoke in a model vehicle

A method for substantially synchronizing sound and smoke in a model vehicle, comprising:

• transmitting at least first and second signals from a sensor in response to movement of a model vehicle;
• producing a first quantity of smoke in response to receiving at least said first signal;
• producing a second quantity of smoke in response to receiving at least said second signal;
• using at least said first signal to identify at least a portion of a third signal, said third signal being receive from a motor configured to move said model vehicle;
• using at least said portion of said third signal to estimate a time of said transmission of said second signal from said sensor;
• transmitting at least a fourth signal to a sound generating device at said time;
• using at least said fourth signal to produce a sound that is substantially synchronized to said second quantity of smoke.

A model train system, comprising:

• a motor for moving a model train car;
• a sensor for transmitting at least a first signal in response to said movement of said model train car, wherein said sensor comprises a cam and a switch, said cam being configured to rotate in response to said movement of said model train car and to activate said switch at least once per revolution of a wheel of said model train car;
• a smoke generating device for producing a billow of smoke;
• a sound generating device for producing a train chuffing sound;
• a controller in communication with said sensor, said sound generating device and said motor, said controller being adapted to:
• receive at least said first signal from said sensor;
• use at least said first signal to identify at least a portion of a second signal received from said motor
• use at least said portion of said second signal to estimate a time of said production of said billow of smoke by said smoke generating device;
• and
• transmit, at least indirectly, a third signal to said sound generating device at said time so as to substantially synchronize said train chuffing sound to said billow of smoke.