Patent Publication Number: US-7591705-B2

Title: Miniature expandable toy train system

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Toy trains and toy train sets are popular toys for children, and also for adult collectors. Toy trains come in various sizes (gauges), and various track configurations. One key to a successful and fun toy train set system is increased play value. Play value can be derived from, for example, toy trains that can be assembled and disassembled, train sets depicting real life scenery and environments, moving train set accessories, and control of toy train movement. 
     One drawback of toy trains sets is that there are various parts, including the toy trains, toy train tracks, and any accessories for the toy train tracks, that can be lost, misplaced, or broken if not stored properly. This typically takes a great deal of time to set up, often requiring that the tracks be fastened to a permanent platform, requiring a dedicated space. There is currently no simple, space-saving and efficient way to disassemble a toy train set after use in a manner where the parts of the toy train set are stored conveniently, and in such a way as to keep the various parts together. 
     Toy train sets often consist of toy train set tracks. However, on the known low-cost sets that provide powered vehicles which look like locomotive engines, the tracks do not resemble “real” or life-size raised elevated rails, and instead have a slot running down the center of the tracks. The tracks are usually substantially flat. A toy train for use with such tracks includes a pin on its bottom for insertion into the slot. Such toy train sets lack play value in that the toy trains do not operate in a realistic manner, and do not actually ride on the rails of the train tracks. 
     Some toy train sets feature various lengths of track that must be joined together to complete the toy train set. These types of toy train sets take time to assemble before play can even begin, and aligning different lengths of toy train set tracks is not always easy. Play is thus delayed until the track is assembled. 
     Other toy train sets have a power source such as a battery-operated motor, or a wind-up spring powered motor. These motors are permanently fixed within the toy trains, and cannot be removed. Thus, disassembly and storage of such toy trains is impractical, since the permanent power source will limit whether the toy train can be disassembled and stored in a space-saving manner. 
     Accordingly, there exists the need for a toy train that can be easily assembled and disassembled. 
     There is further the need for a toy train that has various components that can be disassembled and stored in a convenient and space-saving manner. 
     There is further the need for a toy train set that has a power source that is removable from the toy train. 
     There is yet further the need for a toy train track set that can be conveniently assembled to create various themed environments. 
     SUMMARY 
     Briefly stated, the present invention provides a toy train system which provides simple storage, simple assembly, themed scenarios, and increased play value. 
     A toy train according to the present invention comprises a base portion including wheels for engaging a toy train track. Removably attached to the base is a folding body comprising at least two adjacent body segments connected by a hinge. When the base and body are assembled, a toy train is formed. When disassembled, the body may be unfolded into a generally flattened arrangement for storage. 
     A drive assembly may be provided that engages the base and provides motive power to turn at least one of the wheels and drive the toy train. The toy train has one or more folding segments connected by a hinge, and may have folding segments that are connected by a hinge to a main or central body portion. In addition, the drive assembly may be adapted to power, for example, an accessory for a toy train having a moving part. 
     In another aspect of the present invention, a toy train storage kit is provided comprising a storage case for storing a toy train. A toy train having a foldable body that can be stored in a generally flattened arrangement is storable in the storage case. In addition, a drive assembly having a base with wheels and an optional tool may be stored in the storage case. The storage case has recesses for receiving the generally flattened body of the toy train, the base, the drive assembly, and/or the tool, or other components of the toy train storage kit. 
     In yet another aspect of the present invention, an expandable toy train set is provided. The expandable toy train set has a first tile having a first configuration that may be joined to a second tile having a second configuration. Each tile has raised toy train tracks for guiding a toy train. The tiles are connected with connectors that align the respective tracks on each tile to provide a smooth transition. In addition, the tiles may comprise themed tiles, having themed scenery details. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings embodiments which are presently preferred. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangement shown. 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the folding body of a toy train according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a front plan view of the embodiment of the toy train of the present invention shown in  FIG. 1 , with the folding body unfolded. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the folding body of a toy train according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a top plan view of the folding body of a toy train shown in  FIG. 3 , with the folding body shown in the unfolded state. 
         FIG. 5  is a bottom plan view of the folding body of the toy train shown in  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 6   a  is a side plan view of another embodiment of the folding body of a toy train according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 6   b  is a side plan view of another embodiment of the folding body of a toy train according to the present invention, showing the side opposite the side shown in  FIG. 6   a.    
         FIG. 7  is a top plan view of the embodiment of the folding body of a toy train according to the present invention shown in  FIGS. 6   a  and  6   b , shown with the folding body unfolded. 
         FIG. 8  is a bottom plan view of the embodiment of the folding body of a toy train according to the present invention shown in  FIG. 7 , shown with the folding body unfolded. 
         FIG. 9  is a bottom plan view of an embodiment of a base of a toy train according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 10  is a bottom plan view of another embodiment of a base of a toy train according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a base of a toy train according to the present invention, shown with the wheels installed 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of two assembled toy trains according to the present invention joined together by a coupler. 
         FIG. 13  is a schematically illustrated cross sectional view of the folding body of a toy train according to the present invention showing the folding body transitioning between the unfolded state to a folded state for assembly. 
         FIG. 14  is a front plan view of an embodiment of the folding body of the present invention shown in a generally unfolded or flattened arrangement. 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the folding body of the present invention shown in a generally unfolded or flattened arrangement. 
         FIG. 16  is a side plan view of a drive assembly according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 17  is a bottom perspective view of the drive assembly for use in a toy train according to the present invention shown in  FIG. 16 . 
         FIG. 18   a  is a bottom plan view of a toy train according to the present invention assembled with the drive assembly in the base. 
         FIG. 18   b  is a top perspective view showing assembly of the drive assembly shown in  18   a  with an embodiment of the base of a toy train shown in  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 19   a  is a perspective view of the inner side of the bottom of a toy train according to the present invention with a four wheel drive assembly arrangement. 
         FIG. 19   b  is a perspective view of the bottom of an assembled toy train according to the present invention having a four wheel drive assembly arrangement. 
         FIG. 20   a - e  show various perspective views of a toy train storage kit according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 21   a  shows a perspective view of two tiles of a toy train set according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 21   b  shows an enlarged end view of the track connector of a tile of a toy train track according to the present invention, showing the male connector part. 
         FIG. 21   c  shows an enlarged end view of the track connector of a tile of a toy train track according to the present invention, showing the female connector part. 
         FIG. 22  shows a top plan view of two tiles of a toy train set according to the present invention joined together. 
         FIG. 23  shows a tile of a toy train set according to the present invention having a moveable track section. 
         FIG. 24  shows a perspective view of a tile of a toy train set according to the present invention having various accessories. 
         FIG. 25  shows a perspective view collection of themed tiles of a toy train set according to the present invention having various accessories. 
         FIG. 26  shows a perspective view of a toy train accessory having a moving part. 
         FIG. 27  shows a bottom plan view of the toy train accessory shown in  FIG. 26 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Certain terminology is used in the following detailed description for convenience only and is not considered limiting. The word “upper” and “lower” designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. Additionally, the terms “a” and “one” are defined as including one or more of the referenced item unless specifically noted. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a first embodiment of a toy train  10  according to the present invention is shown. The toy train  10  includes a folding body  12 , and a base portion or base  48  having wheels  50 , discussed in greater detail below.  FIGS. 1 &amp; 2  show the folding body  12 , with the folding body  12  having two adjacent body segments  14   a  &amp;  14   b  connected by a hinge  24 . There is no limit as to the number of folding body segments that may be included in a toy train according to the present invention. Various examples are disclosed herein for illustration. It is appreciated that the various folding body segments described herein may be formed so that the folding body  12  “snaps” together for simple assembly and disassembly, such as by any acceptable arrangement of complementarily located projections, flanges, or slots that can be releasably engaged to one another, such as the projection  36  and slot  40  shown in  FIG. 2 . In a preferred embodiment, the folding body  12  is formed from plastic, and is molded and/or decorated to generally resemble a “real” or full-sized train, locomotive or rolling stock. 
     In one embodiment, the folding body  12  comprises two adjacent body segments  14   a  &amp;  14   b  connected by a hinge  24 . The hinge may take any form whereby the body segments  14   a  &amp;  14   b  can move relative to each other. In a preferred embodiment, a living hinge is used. Hinge  24  may be a living hinge made of a resilient material, and preferably made of a resilient plastic. The hinge  24  can be formed as an integral part of the folding body  12 , or may be a separate piece attached to any of the segments of the folding body  12 . Alternately, the hinge  24  could be formed as a hinge that includes a hinge pin that allows two hinge segments to rotate thereabout. 
     The toy train is shown assembled in  FIG. 1 , and in a state of disassembly in  FIG. 2 , with the folding body  12  unfolding. As shown in  FIG. 2 , at least one of the folding body segments, for example body segment  14   a , has a connection portion for engaging or aligning with an adjacent body segment  14   b . The connection portion comprises a means for aligning the body segments  14   a  &amp;  14   b , such as a projection  36  extending from a side of the body segment  14   b  by way of example. The connection portion  36  may act to align and/or removably connect the adjacent body segments  14   a  &amp;  14   b.    
     In addition, one of the adjacent body segments, for example body segment  14   a , may be formed with a receiving portion such as a slot  40  for removably engaging and/or aligning the projection  36  of an adjacent body segment  14   b . In this manner, the body segments  14   a  &amp;  14   b  will be aligned properly, and preferably also removably connected, allowing the toy train to be assembled. It is appreciated that the projection  36  and/or slot  40  may be formed on either of the body segments, and that a plurality of projections and slots may be used. Projection  36  and slot  40  form complementary connection portions. 
     Another embodiment of the toy train according to the present invention is shown in  FIG. 3-5 , comprising a folding body  12  that includes a central body portion  16 , two side body segments  18   a  &amp;  18   b , and a rear body segment  20 .  FIG. 3  shows the folding body  12  in an assembled position. In this example, the toy train  10  is formed to resemble a freight train locomotive. It is appreciated that the folding body  12  can be formed to resemble any type of train locomotive or rolling stock. By way of illustration, these may include, but are not limited, passenger trains, bullet trains, freight trains, locomotives, high speed rail trains, subway trains, elevated trains, different types of rolling stock, or others. 
     The side body segments  18   a  &amp;  18   b  are connected to the central body segment  16  by hinges  26 ,  32  as shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 . The rear body segment  20  is connected to the central body segment  16  by hinge  28 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , in a preferred embodiment, rear body segment  20  has projections  36   a  &amp;  36   b  which extend from opposite sides of the rear body segment  20  adjacent the side body segments  18   a  &amp;  18   b . As shown in  FIG. 5 , side body segments  18   a  &amp;  18   b  preferably have slots  40   a  &amp;  40   b , respectfully, for removably engaging the projections  36   a  &amp;  36   b . In addition, side body segments  18   a  &amp;  18   b  may have stops  38   a  &amp;  38   b  to assist in aligning the folding body  12  when the toy train is assembled. A portion of the rear body segment  20  rests against stops  38   a  &amp;  38   b  when the toy train is assembled. One of the body segments  18   a  may be provided with a flange  52  having a lip  54  for engaging the base of a toy train, as discussed in further detail below. In addition, side body segments  18   a  &amp;  18   b  may have stops  38   a  &amp;  38   b  to assist in aligning the folding body  12  when the toy train is assembled. The rear body segment  20  rests against stops  38   a  &amp;  38   b  when the toy train is assembled. 
     Another embodiment of the toy train according to the present invention is shown in  FIGS. 6   a ,  6   b ,  7 , and  8 , comprising a folding body  12  that includes a central body portion  16 , two side body segments  18   a  &amp;  18   b , a rear body segment  20 , and a front body segment  22 . The example of the folding body  12  of the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 6-8  represents a passenger or subway-type train, although any other train types may be utilized, as discussed above. 
     The two side body segments  18   a  &amp;  18   b , rear body segment  20 , and front body segment  22  are each joined to the central body portion  16  by hinges  26 ,  28 ,  30 ,  32 , as shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 . The central body portion  16 , two side body segments  18   a  &amp;  18   b , and rear body segment  20  are arranged as described above. As shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the front body segment  22  is formed similarly to the rear body segment  20  as described above, having projections  36   a  &amp;  36   b  which extend from opposite sides of the rear body segment  20  adjacent the side body segments  18   a  &amp;  18   b . The side body segments  18   a  &amp;  18   b  have slots  40   a  &amp;  40   b  for removably engaging the projections  36   a  &amp;  36   b . In addition, side body segments  18   a  &amp;  18   b  may have stops  38   a  &amp;  38   b , shown in  FIG. 8 , to assist in aligning the folding body  12  when the toy train is assembled. The front body segment  22  rests against the front stops  38   a  &amp;  38   b  when the toy train is assembled. As shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the folding body  12  may further include one or more flanges  52  extending from one of the body segments  18   a  &amp;  18   b , having lip  54  for securing the folding body  12  to the base  48 , as described in greater detail below. 
     An assembled toy train  10  according to the present invention further comprises a base  48 , as shown in  FIGS. 9-11 . The base  48  includes wheels  50  for engaging raised toy train tracks  118 , which are described in greater detail below. In a preferred embodiment, the wheels are held on axles  60  connected to the base  48 . The base  48  may include at least one receiving portion  56 , which may take the form of a slot or opening. The receiving portion  56  is adapted to receive the flange  52  extending from a body segment  18   a , to assist in securing the folding body  12  to the base  48 . The lip  54  extends into a complementary receiving portion  56  so that the folding body  12  is removably secured to the base  48 . 
     The embodiment of the base  48  shown in  FIG. 9  is for rolling stock of the toy train set. No gear is present on the axles  60  of the base  48  shown in  FIG. 9 .  FIGS. 10 and 11  shown different embodiments of a base  48  for use with a driver train engine or locomotive. These embodiments include gears  62  which can be driven, as described in detail below. 
     Additional attachments may be used to connect the folding body  12  to the base  48  for assembly. For example, as shown in  FIGS. 4 ,  5 ,  6   a ,  7  and  8 , the folding body  12  may have a securing portion  42  having an opening  44 . A small screw  46  extends through the opening  44 , as can be seen in  FIGS. 6 and 7 . The base  48  has a receiving portion  56  with an opening  58  which is threaded to engage the screw, as shown in  FIGS. 9-11 . Tightening the screw  46  in threaded opening  58  provides an additional connection to securely hold the folding body  12  on the base  48  when the toy train  10  is assembled, using only one separate fastener.  FIG. 12  shows one embodiment of the toy train  10  with the folding body  12  connected to the base  48 . One of the body segments  16 ,  18   a ,  18   b ,  20 ,  22 , may be permanently connected to the base  48  by a living hinge. In that case, the toy train  12  could still be disassembled by disengaging the other of the body segments that are not connected to the base by a hinge. 
     The base  48  of a toy train according to the present invention may further include a coupler  64  for engaging another toy train in the set, as shown in  FIG. 12 . The base  48  of a separate toy train may include a mating coupler  66  for engaging the coupler  64 . Thus, several toy trains in a toy train set can be attached together, with an engine pulling rolling stock. 
     The base  48  is preferably molded from a polymeric material, such as a moldable plastic. Other materials may be used. The wheels  50  and axles  60  can be formed from metallic or polymeric materials. The gear  62  is preferably formed from a polymeric material. 
     A unique feature of the toy train  10  of the present invention is that the folding body  12  can be generally flattened when disassembled, for convenient storage in, for example, a storage case, as will be described in greater detail below. As used herein, the term “generally flattened” refers to a position where the profile of the folding body  12  is reduced for storage, such as any position wherein the body segments of the toy train according to the present invention are moved from an assembled position away from each other, creating a decreased or flattened, as compared to the assembled arrangement, profile. For example, shown in  FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional view from the front of a toy train according to the present invention, showing a central body segment  16  attached by hinges  24 ,  32  to side body segments  18   a  &amp;  18   b . In one position,  FIG. 13  shows the toy train in an assembled position, with side body segments  18   a  &amp;  18   b  generally vertical, and with the folding body  12  having a height H 1 .  FIG. 13  further shows the range of motion, illustrated by the curved lines L, through which the side body segments  18   a  &amp;  18   b  can move relative to the central body segment  16  during unfolding for disassembly. Similarly, front body segment  22  and rear body segment  20  can be moved away from central body segment  16 , flattening the profile of the folding body  12 . 
     The side body segments  18   a  &amp;  18   b  can be moved away from the central body segment  16  on their respective hinges  24 ,  32 , when the toy train is unfolded for disassembly, such as for storage. In this way, the folding body  12  is generally flattened. This is shown in  FIGS. 14 and 15 , with the folding body  12  in the generally flattened position for two embodiments of the folding body  12 , having a height designated as H 2  in the disassembled position. The height H 2  in the generally flattened position is less than H 1 . In a preferred embodiment, shown in  FIGS. 14 and 15 , the different body segments of a given folding body lie substantially flat when the train is completely disassembled. It is appreciated that the side body segments, or rear body segment, or front body segment, may be angled slightly from the plane of the central body segment, and such an arrangement would still be considered to be a “generally flattened arrangement” as that term is used herein. 
     Where a particular toy train will be used as, for example, an engine or locomotive, the present invention provides a novel drive assembly  70 , as shown in  FIGS. 16-17 . The drive assembly  70  is sized to fit within the folding body  12  of the toy train  10  when the toy train  10  is in an assembled position. The drive assembly  70  comprises a drive mechanism  74  for providing the motive force for driving at least one of the wheels  50  of the toy train according to the present invention. The drive mechanism  74  comprises a motor  76 , which turns a cylindrical worm  78 . The cylindrical worm  78  turns a gear  80  attached to the drive assembly  70 . Although in this example a worm gear is shown, it is appreciated that any mechanical gear may be substituted without departing from the present invention, so long as motor  76  turns a gear such as gear  80 , which has a driving gear  82 . 
     In order to engage the driving gear  82  of the drive assembly  70 , a gear  62  is provided on an axle  60  of one of the sets of wheels  50 , as shown in  FIGS. 10 and 18 . When assembled, the driving gear  82  of the drive mechanism  74  engages the gear  62  on the axle  60 . When the motor  76  of the drive mechanism  74  turns gear  80 , gear  80  will turn gear  62 , thus turning the axle  60  and driving the toy train engine. 
     The drive assembly  70  further comprises a power source  72 , as shown in  FIGS. 16 and 17 . The drive mechanism  74  may be powered mechanically, such as by a wind-up spring (not pictured), or may be powered by a battery  86 . Where a battery  86  is used, the drive assembly  70  further includes a holding portion  84  for receiving the battery  86 . 
     Connection posts  90  are preferably provided on a surface of the drive assembly  70  for engaging the base  48 . The base  48  preferably includes complementary receiving openings  92 , as shown in  FIG. 11 , for frictionally engaging the connection posts  90  when the toy train is assembled. When assembled, the drive assembly  70  sits inside the folding body  12 , and powers the toy train  10  representing the engine. 
     A switch  88  for turning on the power source moveable between an “ON” and “OFF” position may also be provided as part of the drive assembly  70 . The body segments  14  of the folding body  12  are preferably formed to accommodate the switch  88 , so that the switch is accessible when the train is assembled. It is appreciated that the switch  88  can be positioned on any surface of the drive assembly  70 , such as on the side or end of the drive assembly  70 . 
     A version of the toy train  10  of the present invention where two axles located in the base  48  are operated by the drive assembly is shown in  FIGS. 19   a  and  19   b . The base  48  has a first axle  190  having wheels  192 , and a first gear  194  for engaging the drive gear  82  of the drive mechanism  74  of the drive assembly  70 . A second axle  196  has wheels  198  and a second gear  200 . A drive shaft  202  is provided extending between the first gear  194  and the second gear  200 . The drive shaft  202  has a first end  204  having a first gear  206  for engaging the first gear  194  of the base  48 , and a second end  208  having a second gear  210  for engaging the second gear  200  of the base  48 . In operation, the drive mechanism  74  will turn, for example, the first gear  194  of the first axle  190 . The first gear  194  of the first axle  190  will turn the first gear  206  of the drive shaft  202 , thus turning the post  202  and the second gear  210  of the post. The second gear  210  of the drive shaft  202  will turn the second gear  200  of the second axle  196 , thus providing an “all wheel drive” toy train. The drive shaft  202  is mounted for rotational movement on the base  48 . It is appreciated that other arrangements for translating the movement of the drive mechanism  74  from the first axle  190  to the second axle  196 , such as a rack and pinion gear arrangement, or other known gear arrangements, may be employed to accomplish simultaneously moving all of the wheels of the toy train according to the present invention. 
     The present invention is also directed to a complete toy train storage kit  100 , as shown in  FIGS. 20   a - e . A storage case  102  is provided having several recesses  104  sized to receive the different elements of a toy train discussed herein. When the toy train  10  is disassembled, as shown in  FIGS. 20   b  &amp;  20   c , the base  48  and drive assembly  70  are placed in recesses  104 . The folding body  12  is disassembled to a generally flattened arrangement and placed in one of the recesses  104  sized to accommodate the folding body  12 . 
     Other accessories or items may be included in the kit  100 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 20   b , a tool such as a screwdriver  106  may be included for securing the folding body  12  to the base  48 . A recess  104  is provided for holding the tool  106  in the kit  100 . Battery  86  may also be held within a sized recess  104  in the storage case  102 . An accessory for a toy train may also be provided as part of the kit, such as, for example, scenery details such as signs, plastic pieces formed in the shape of buildings, or any other accessory that may increase the play value of a toy train set. The kit  100  provides a compact way to store the toy train and any tools or accessories, and also provides an incentive to put the toy train away after play. 
     The storage case  102  preferably includes a cover  110  shown in  FIGS. 20   a  and  20   c , but may comprise only the tray  108 , having recesses  104 . Where a cover  110  is provided, the height H 3  of the storage case  102  when closed is sized to accommodate the different parts of the toy train  10  when they are disassembled, and is less than the height H 1  of the folding body  12  when the folding body  12  is in an assembled arrangement. 
     The present invention is also directed to an expandable toy train set  120 , as shown in  FIGS. 21-25 . The expandable toy train set  120  provides for an easy and fin way to build a toy train set without the need for any complicated attachments or tools. In addition, the toy train set  120  is modular, and offers many layouts utilizing different arrangements of the same pieces to increase play value. 
     A first tile  122  is shown in detail in  FIG. 21   a  having a first configuration  136  of toy train tracks  118 . By way of example, different configurations of tracks may include, but are not limited to, straight aways, 4-way intersections, 90 degree turnarounds with 4-way switchers (shown in  FIG. 21   a ), crossovers, and 180 degree turnarounds (also shown in  FIG. 21   a ). 
     The toy train tracks  118  comprise parallel elevated rails  132  integrally molded or otherwise formed on a tile  122 ,  124  resembling “real” train tracks. The wheels  50  of the toy train  10  of the present invention are designed to engage the elevated rails  132 , as shown in  FIG. 18 , with flanges  218  formed on the inner portion  220  of each wheel. When the toy train  10  is aligned with the toy train tracks  118 , the riding portion  222  of the wheels  50  are positioned to ride on the elevated rails  132 , and the flanges  218  are positioned between parallel elevated rails  132 , in order to align, guide and keep the toy train  10  on the tracks during play. In addition, for toy train engines or locomotives that have a drive assembly  70 , as discussed above, the riding portion  222  of the wheels  50  may be formed from or coated with a rubberized or elastic material, forming a gripping tread for at least one of the wheels  50 . 
     A second tile  124  is provided having a second configuration  138  of toy train tracks  118 , as shown in  FIGS. 21   a  and  22 . The first tile  122  has a first alignable portion  140  that aligns with a second alignable portion  142  of the second tile  124 . In a preferred embodiment, the alignable portions  140 ,  142  comprise corresponding segments of train tracks, whereby when the alignable portions  140 ,  142  are aligned, a continuous train track assembly is formed, as shown in  FIG. 22 . 
     The first tile  122  and second tile  124  are joined by at least one dovetail joint  126 . As shown in  FIGS. 21   a  and  22 , in a preferred embodiment, the first tile  122  has sets of tails  130  and pin  128 , while the second tile  124  has corresponding pins  128  and tails  130 . In a preferred embodiment shown in  FIG. 22 , the pins  130  and tail  128  are adjacent the alignable portions  140 ,  142 . Connection of the first tile  122  and the second tile  124  via the dovetail joints  126  aligns the alignable portions  140 ,  142 , creating a continuous toy train track. 
     In a preferred embodiment, shown in  FIGS. 21   b  and  21   c , a first height alignment portion  232  and a second height alignment portion  233  are included for maintaining the train tracks  118  level and continuous when the tiles  122 ,  124  are assembled. The first alignable portion  140  includes a recessed center portion  224  with upper protruding shoulders  226   a  &amp;  226   b , and a lower center protrusion  228 , as shown in  21   b . A second alignable portion  142 , shown in detail in  FIG. 21   c , includes an intermediate projection  230 , adapted to be received by the recessed center portion  224 , and nested between the upper protruding shoulders  226   a  &amp;  226   b  and the lower center protrusion  228 . This arrangement provides an additional means for aligning the first tile  122  and second tile  124 , and for aligning the height of the elevated rails  132 , so that the toy train track  118  is continuous. 
     The elevated rails  132  of the tiles may be equipped with a moveable section or switch  152 , as shown in  FIG. 23 . In a preferred embodiment, the moveable section  152  comprises a section of elevated rail  166  that can move, preferably by pivoting, from a first position  154 , to a second position  156 . In the first position  154 , a toy train traveling along the elevated rail  132  in the direction of the arrow in  FIG. 23  will continue along path P 1 . In the second position  156 , a toy train traveling along the elevated rail  132  in the direction of the arrow in  FIG. 23  will continue along path P 2 . 
     The moveable section  152  may be moved between the first position  154  and the second position  156  by an actuator  158 . The actuator  158  is formed as a projection attached to the moveable section  152 . In a preferred embodiment shown in  FIG. 23 , moveable section  152  has an actuator  158  in the form of button  160  connected to a section of elevated rail  166  extending from an upper side of the moveable section  152 . Button  160  and section of elevated rail  166  extend through openings  164  in a tile  172 , so that they can be accessed by a user from the upper side of a tile  172 . Moving button  160  from a first position  178  to a second position  180  will in turn move section of elevated rail  166  from a first position  154  to a second position  156 . In this manner, a user may divert the path of a toy train riding on the tracks of the expandable toy train set of the present invention. 
     Additional tiles may be provided, having various train track configurations, as shown in  FIGS. 24 and 25 . Each tile may be formed according to the descriptions of the first tile  122  and second tile  124  described above, having toy train tracks  118  with elevated rails  132 , as well as dovetail joints  126  for adding to the expandable toy train set  120  of the present invention. Tails and pins of dovetail joints may be provided on two or more sides of a given tile  172 , as shown in  FIGS. 24 and 25 , so that additional tiles may be joined on any or all sides, creating a highly variable expandable toy train set. Because the tiles  172  are held together by dovetail joints, there is no need for additional means to maintain the tiles together, so assembly and disassembly of the train set  120  is simple. 
     At least one of the tiles  172  of the expandable toy train set  120  of the present invention may have a play accessory  144  for a toy train set, such as a building, tree, vehicle, gate, sign, or other item that may increase the play value of the toy train set, as shown in  FIG. 24 . The play accessory  144  may take several forms. For example, the play accessory  144  may take the form of a plastic insert  182  having at least one peg. The plastic insert  182  may be flat, or may have a three dimensional shape. In a preferred embodiment, a plastic insert  182  is flat, as shown in  FIG. 24 . A portion for engaging the tile  172  is formed on an edge of the plastic insert  182 , that may be inserted into an indentation or opening in the tile  172  in an assembled position. Stickers  186  may be provided for decorating the plastic insert  182 . The stickers  186  may include graphics or other indicia. 
     At least one of the tile  172  may be a themed tile having themed scenery details  150 , as shown in  FIGS. 24 and 25 . As used herein, a “themed tile” is a tile having pre-formed details which create a particular motif. A themed tile has a collection of pre-formed details creating a unitary motif, such as, for example, buildings, landscape details, signage, settings, landmarks, vehicles, roadways, airports, factories, etc., that create the impression of an overall theme for a given tile or series of tiles. In a preferred embodiment, the themed tiles are formed from pre-molded plastic, and are shaped and/or painted to exhibit a selected themed details. In this manner, a given tile  172  having a theme is ready for play immediately. 
     By way of example, as shown in  FIG. 25 , a themed tile may be provided having themed scenery details  150  representing a river canyon  188   a , an airport  188   b , a national park, an army base  188   c , a rock quarry  FIG. 24 , a residential neighborhood  188   d , sports facilities  188   e , a freight yard  188   f , a refinery  188   g , a cityscape  188   h , a rural town, a seaside setting, or other thematic scenes. A themed tile having themed scenery details such as those shown in  FIG. 25  provides a pre-formed, near ready-to-play toy train set environment, requiring only simply assembly which can be accomplished by a child. A toy train set using various themed tiles  188  has an increased play value, as the arrangement of various tiles creates different play environments that can be easily modified due to the quick and easy assembly of the tiles of the present invention. By joining various themed tiles  188   a - h  together, a multi-themed toy train set is created, and a multi-themed play environment provides the option of using additional toys with the themed “world” or playset created by the themed tiles of the present invention. 
     The toy train set of the present invention may also have a train set accessory having at least on moving part, and the drive assembly  70  may be using to operate such moving parts. For example, a toy train set accessory may be a ferris wheel  214 , as shown in  FIGS. 26 and 27 , although many other toy train set accessories having moving parts are within the scope of the present invention, such gates having arms that raise and lower, draw bridges, vehicles that move between positions, representations of people, etc. Shown in  FIG. 27  is the underside of the ferris wheel shown in  FIG. 26 . The ferris wheel  214  has a actuator  216  that includes a gear  214  for engaging the driving gear  82  of the drive mechanism  74  of the drive assembly  70 . Actuator  216  may have gears, not shown, and be connected to a moving part to operate the moving part. The train set accessory  212  has a receiving portion for accepting the drive assembly. The drive assembly  70  can thus be used to operate the moving part of the train set accessory  212 . The storage case  102  may further include a recess for storing the train set accessory  212 . Thus, the drive assembly  70  may be used to operate not just the toy train  10  of the present invention, but toy train accessories as well. 
     In use, the play value of a toy train set according to the present invention can be derived from various aspects of the invention. The toy train  10  can be assembled and disassembled, and can be stored in a generally flattened arrangement in a convenient storage case. The tiles, which are generally flat or can be easily broken down to a flat pack, can easily be arranged as the user wishes. The connection system assures smooth and level transition between elevated rails of adjacent tiles. Where themed tiles are used, themed environments can be created sparking imaginative play. The elevated tracks of the tiles additionally create a realistic setting. 
     While the preferred embodiments of the invention have been described in detail, the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above which should be considered as merely exemplary. Further modification and extensions of the present invention may be developed, and all such modifications are deemed to be within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.