Automating a model train

A system and method for operating a model railway train which is fitted with a sensor trigger means, such as a magnet, providing the ability to record a journey and accurately and repeatedly play back that journey. The system comprises: a plurality of sensors which are positioned at locations 19 on a model railway track and a controller 10 which has a memory means 66 for recording a model railway train start position on the track. An energising means for the model railway train which when operated causes the start time to be recorded. A signal is transmitted from a sensor to a remote processor when the sensor detects the sensor trigger means, the sensor is operative to switch an electrical load across rails thereby causing an instantaneous increase, pulse or spike in current drawn from a supply. A detector is operative to detect an increase in current signal; a recorder records the time of detection of the increased current signal; and a processor derives from the time of detection of the increased current signal an indication of the journey time of the model railway train. An advantage of the invention is that control is achieved without complex wiring.