Newbie asking for help with electronics advice and help

[carlosinseattle]

My first time posting after discovering the site a couple years ago.

I'd like some advice and help with understanding a how a component works, possible reverse engineering it, and then trying to adapt it for a related use.  It's for toy slot cars and this is way out of the area of expertise for slot car enthusiast.  I'll list what I'm trying to do and I'm open to aan and all suggestions.  And if this post needs to be moved to a different area feel free to do so.

I want to know how this box works, it converts DC to 50hz "pulsed" DC power
The box was used on German slot car sets from the early 80's to late 90's only.

Can that same system be used for HO slot cars?
Why can't a regular dc motor "see/recognize" a 50hz pulsed dc signal? 
Since the boxes are in short supply I'd like help to recreate it, the cheaper the better:)

I'd love for somebody to hold my hand through this and if I'm trying to do something stupid or impossible i'd love to know sooner than later, before i wast too much time.  I can provide more details and pictures if somebody is willing to help, I just didn't want to post a bunch of information only to be told this isn't the correct place on the forum.

That's it in a nutshell