Patent ID: 8869708
Filing Date: 2014-10-28
Classification: A63H

Abstract:
1. A method of operating an N-scale or Z-scale model railroad truck assembly, said truck assembly comprising: a truck body comprising an integral coupler box and coupler; a front metal wheel assembly and a rear metal wheel assembly, each comprising an axle and two electrically-isolated wheels; each of said wheels comprising a perimeter surface configured to contact the rails of a model railroad track, and an outer face disposed perpendicular to said perimeter surface and facing away from said axle; a first wiper and a second wiper, each comprising a thin, flat strip of electrically conductive material; said first wiper being mounted solely on said truck body and being disposed to contact the outer faces of two adjacent wheels, one from each wheel assembly, disposed on a first side of said truck body; said second wiper being mounted solely on said truck body and being disposed to contact the outer faces of two adjacent wheels, one from each wheel assembly, disposed on a second side of said truck body opposite said first side; a flashing rear end device being mounted solely on said truck body and comprising a flashing LED arrangement operatively connected to said wipers; said flashing LED arrangement comprising an LED and a control device being configured to control flashing of said LED; and each of said wipers being configured to conduct electric current traveling through model railroad tracks and said wheels to said LED arrangement to operate said flashing rear end device, and being configured to minimize the effect of dirt on said wheels and/or loss of contact with the powered rails by contacting a portion of the outer faces of said wheels with a flat surface portion of each of said wipers; said method comprising the steps of: placing said wheels on a model railroad track; supplying power to said model railroad track; conducting power from said model railroad track through said wheels, to said wipers in contact with the outer faces of said wheels, and then to said LED arrangement to light said LED; flashing said LED; and minimizing the effect of dirt on said wheels and/or loss of contact with the powered rails by contacting a portion of the outer faces of said wheels with a flat surface portion of each of said wipers.