The present invention relates to a system for constructing miniature locomotives with a motor, which includes noteworthy innovations and advantages.

Up until now, miniature locomotives have tended to be supplied at the point of sale in pre-assembled form due to the complex system for assembling them, since they are basically made up of a large number of iron parts that require joining processes that involve the use of specific tools that the general public do not have available and do not have the skill to use, which makes it impossible for consumers to assemble them manually. This can be seen in the closest prior art document DE 485 417.

Thus, model assembly and miniature train enthusiasts cannot combine both passions for the aforementioned reasons, and on the other hand, the applicant is unaware of a construction system that has the features set out in the description below.

This invention has been developed in order to provide a construction system that solves the aforementioned disadvantages, also providing other additional advantages, which will be evident from the description below.

Therefore, it is an object of this invention to provide a construction system for miniature locomotives with a motor, characterized in that the locomotive's main body is made up of a plurality of previously shaped parts made of wood or the like to be manually snap fitted, which define a specific configuration and a plurality of metal sheets previously folded with a mould or template, which are to be applied to the outside of these parts made of wood, having provided joining means between the wooden parts and metal sheets in order to keep fixedly both components. The configuration of the main body is such that the inside of it is substantially hollow.

Thanks to these features, enthusiasts of model assembly and miniature trains can combine both passions. The assembly of the locomotive is relatively straightforward for the general public with a low cost of manufacture and purchase for the consumer, and there is no need to use specialised tools that require technical knowledge.

According to another aspect of the invention, the aforementioned joining means the parts consist of a plurality of holes made in the metal sheets through which rivets, screws or nails are penetrated, which pass through the wooden part. Preferably, the holes made in the metal sheets are located near the edges of each of their sides.

Other features and advantages of the construction system this invention concerns will be evident from the description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment, which is illustrated, by way of example and not limited thereto, in the attached drawings, wherein:

• Figure 1. This is a perspective view of the body of a locomotive partially assembled according to the system of this invention;
• Figure 2. This is a perspective view of a portion of the locomotive's body, specifically the front of thereof.

In order to carry out the invention's system of construction for miniature locomotives with an electric motor, the main body of the locomotive, which is a close likeness of a classic steam locomotive, constitutes a plurality of parts (1a-1i) made of wood, conglomerate or the like, previously shaped and punched, and with sizes appropriate to a small scale, so that they can be snap fitted, which define a specific configuration, corresponding to the locomotive's skeleton, as clearly shown in figure 1; and a plurality of metal sheets (2) previously folded by means of a mould or template, which are to be applied manually to the outside of these wooden parts (1a-1i), as can be seen in figure 2, having provided joining means between the wooden parts and metal sheets (2) in order to keep fixedly both components, and being the configuration of the main body such that the inside thereof is substantiality hollow.

The metal sheets (2) may have decoration or graphical printing on the outer side.

Joining means mentioned above consist of a plurality of aligned holes (3) made in the metal sheets 2, through which small rivets, screws or nails 4 are inserted, which pass through the wooden part.

We will not go into greater detail regarding the electric motor used to drive the locomotive constructed using the system described herein, since any conventional electric motor known in the state of the art that includes the moving parts of the locomotive and the system for rolling along the rails can be used.

The details, shapes, sizes and other accessory elements, as well as the materials used to manufacture the invention's system of construction, may be conveniently substituted with others that are technically equivalent and do not stray from the essential feature of the invention or the extent defined by the claims stated below.