Patent ID: 7766248

Claim:
A track segment for a model toy train comprising: a roadbed having first and second ends; first and second outer rail segments connected to the roadbed, each outer rail segment having a hollow cross section, a first end proximate the first roadbed end, and a second end proximate the second roadbed end; an intermediate rail segment interposed between the first and second outer rail segments and connected to the roadbed, the intermediate rail segment having a hollow cross section, a first end proximate the first roadbed end, and a second end proximate the second roadbed end; a first outer pin engaged with the first end of the first outer rail, the second end of the first outer rail being adapted to receive an outer pin preassembled in an adjacent outer rail segment positioned on a first adjacent track segment; a second outer pin engaged with the second end of the second outer rail, the first end of the second outer rail being adapted to receive an outer pin preassembled in an adjacent outer rail segment positioned on a second adjacent track segment; an intermediate pin engaged with the second end of the intermediate rail, the first end of the intermediate rail being adapted to receive an intermediate pin preassembled in an adjacent intermediate rail segment positioned on the second adjacent track segment; and a first connector on the first roadbed end, the first connector having a male element and being adapted for connection with a second connector on the second adjacent track segment, the second connector having a female element that is complementary to the male element of the first connector; wherein the first outer pin extends past the first connector on the first roadbed end, thereby allowing the first end of the second outer rail to receive the outer pin preassembled in the adjacent outer rail segment on the second adjacent track segment prior to the second connector on the second adjacent track segment receiving the first connector on the first roadbed end.