Control of model vehicles on a track

Claim 1

A control system for transmitting control signals to an alternating current (AC) powered first model vehicle on a track, comprising: a hand-held remote transmitter for transmitting user input signals; input means for receiving said user input signals; first control means, coupled to said input means, for generating direct current (DC) control signals for said first model vehicle; and a transmitter means, coupled to said first control means and to said track, for transmitting said DC control signals such that said DC control signals can be received by circuitry on said first model vehicle; and said control system further controlling at least a second model vehicle, the system comprising: second control means, coupled to said track and responsive to said user input signals from said hand-held remote transmitter, for generating electromagnetic control signals along said track; and receiving means, located on said second model vehicle, for receiving said electromagnetic control signals, and directing the operation of said second model vehicle in response to said electromagnetic control signals.