Control, sound, and operating system for model trains

A model train system comprising:

• a remote control unit that outputs commands;
• a track interface unit that receives the commands;
• and
• a train track layout coupled to the track interface unit;
• wherein the track interface unit converts the commands into a modulated signal and outputs the modulated signal to the train track layout, wherein the modulated signal is a spread spectrum signal.

A model train control system for controlling model trains on a train track layout, comprising:

• a track interface unit coupled to said train track layout;
• a remote control unit for communicating with the track interface unit;
• and
• a model train comprising:
• a processor;
• a speed control circuit;
• a sound system circuit;
• and
• a smoke unit;
• wherein a speed command entered on the remote control unit is communicated to the track interface unit, which passes the command to the model train via rails on the train track layout, the processor in the model train receiving the command and in turn commanding the speed control circuit to drive the model train to a speed indicated in the speed command, the processor further (1) controlling the sound system circuit to play sounds corresponding to the model train speed, and (2) controlling the smoke unit to produce smoke corresponding to the model train speed.

A model train system comprising:

• a remote control unit for outputting commands;
• a track interface unit that receives the commands;
• and
• a train track layout coupled to said track interface unit;
• whereby (1) the track interface unit processes said commands and outputs the commands to the train track layout, said track interface unit being configured to receive and process data corresponding to at least one of operating and diagnostic information of a model train located on said train track layout.

A model train system comprising:

• a train track layout;
• a track interface unit coupled to said train track layout;
• and
• a model train operating on said train track layout, the model train including a circuit configured to provide at least one of diagnostic and operating information to said track interface unit through said train track layout.

A model train system comprising:

• a remote control unit;
• a track interface unit that receives commands from said remote control unit;
• a train track layout coupled to said track interface unit;
• and
• a model train operating on said train track layout, the model train capable of performing the commands from the remote control unit;
• whereby the track interface unit saves a series of commands entered on the remote control unit such that the series of commands may be repeated at a later time.