System and method for directing smoke in a model train system

摘要

A system and method is provided for directing smoke in a model train. In one embodiment of the present invention, the model train includes a smoke chamber physically connected to a smoke unit. The smoke unit functions to produce smoke, which is then provided to at least one smoke chamber. Each smoke chamber includes at least one exhaust opening and a valve for selectively moving smoke out of the exhaust opening(s). For example, the smoke chamber may include an intake opening, at least two exhaust openings, a piston core and a piston driven by a drive rod. By moving the drive rod, the piston can be moved through the piston core, resulting in the movement of smoke out of the exhaust openings. By positioning the exhaust openings near the wheels of the model train, the smoke system can be used to simulate steam escaping from valves or cylinders.

主权项

1. A model train comprising:
a smoke unit configured to produce a quantity of smoke; and a smoke chamber comprising at least one intake opening physically connected to the smoke unit, at least two exhaust openings, a piston, and a drive rod; and a fan configured to move at least a portion of the quantity of smoke to the smoke chamber; wherein the at least one intake opening is configured to receive the at least a portion of the quantity of smoke from the smoke unit, a first end of the drive rod is physically connected to the piston, and the drive rod is configured to move the piston (i) away from a first one of the at least two exhaust openings and over a second one of the at least two exhaust openings to enable a first portion of the quantity of smoke to exit the first one of the at least two exhaust openings and (ii) away from the second one of the at least two exhaust openings and over the first one of the at least two exhaust openings to enable a second portion of the quantity of smoke to exit the second one of the at least two exhaust openings.