Model electric car system - uses four collector shoes and diode pairs and runs on track with multiple rails alternately positive and negative

摘要

The track for electric model cars has longitudinal conductor rails, 10mm wide and spaced apart 10mm, across the whole width of the track and flush with its surface. Odd numbered rails are connected to one DC supply terminal, even numbered rails to the other. A car has four collector shoes, 8mm wide and spaced laterally so that at least one contacts an odd rail, and at least one an even rail. Each shoe is connected via a diode to one terminal, and via an opposite diode to the other terminal of the car's motor control circuit. Thus the car receives the same supply polarity whatever its position on the track, provided it does not depart too far from the right direction.