Patent ID: 6308920
Filing Date: 2001-10-30
Classification: A63H

Abstract:
A switching apparatus for a model railroad track having a track switch, comprising:(a) a longitudinal housing with an opening;(b) an electric motor mounted to the housing and having a longitudinal output shaft;(c) a pinion attached to the output shaft;(d) a face gear engaging the pinion and being rotatable about a generally vertical axis;(e) a cam connected to the face gear;(f) an elongate lever, one end of which protrudes outside the housing through the opening and is operably connected with the track switch, the lever having a cam-following surface engaging the cam in a relationship which permits the cam to drive the lever so that the track switch is moved laterally, but precludes the cam moving in response to a force on the lever; and(g) a cut-out switch which is actuated when the apparatus, in response to a current driving the motor, reaches one of the selected positions, causing the drive current to be interrupted.