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Toot toot! All aboard the CONNETIX express!
It’s time to elevate your train track play. It doesn’t matter if your child loves wooden train tracks or you’ve got a set gathering dust, this blog is for you! Combining CONNETIX with wooden train tracks opens up a whole new world of creativity, learning and open-ended fun. Read on to discover how you can build quick setups or epic creations with this awesome combo. Let’s get started!
Most wooden train tracks fit nicely into the CONNETIX ‘H’ tiles (also called ‘fence’ tiles), making them perfect for elevating the train tracks off the ground. Some train sets come with wooden blocks to raise train tracks, but I find the ‘H’ tiles provide better stability. The ‘H’ tile works best when it’s placed right at the junction where the two train tracks meet. If the train track falls easily with one ‘H’ piece, just double up for a sturdier build. Our train set comes with a red bridge which is slightly lower than the height of an ‘H’ tile. I was able to bring it up to the same height by adding ‘H’ pieces at each connecting site to elevate the entire bridge.
Many train track sets allow you to build at ground level and one level up. However, with CONNETIX, you can go even higher! You’ll need at least two long-curved tracks to connect multiple levels. To build a third level, form a triangle with three square tiles and place one ‘H’ tile on top. Add two right-angled triangles for extra support. Got more long curved tracks? Try building a fourth level! The CONNETIX rectangular tiles (2×1) will help with stability of the fourth level, but you can build it without them by using the same technique explained to make the third level.
You can skip using ‘H’ pieces all together and use square tiles or rectangles instead. It’s a great alternative if you find your wooden tracks too snug in the ‘H’ tiles. Unlike the ‘H’ tile method, this way gives you a solid surface, perfect for building creative structures on top such as tunnels and arches. This style works especially well if you want the entire train track elevated with no level changes. However, if you want two or more levels it’s a bit trickier to connect them. With this method, the levels sit slightly higher. This makes connecting the long-curved tracks to the flat pieces harder. In this picture you’ll notice I added a few extra tiles where the levels meet to smooth the transition.
Think train tracks are just for towns and cities? Think again! You can turn them into exciting marble runs with a little help from CONNETIX. I built this one with my son when he was only three. It was a bit of trial and error to get it right, but the excitement when it finally worked was priceless. To create this marble run, I created a gradual incline by placing square tiles at incremental heights under ‘H’ tiles and wooden blocks. You’ll need to experiment with curves and inclines to keep the marble from flying off sharp corners or stopping midway. Don’t forget to add something fun at the end to catch the marble.
Toot toot! It’s time to get off this train and continue your creative journey at home. Will you create a simple track, a big city, a ball run or something else? Whether you’re building a simple setup before dinner or creating a masterpiece with the kids, this combo is sure to be a hit. Grab your CONNETIX and wooden train tracks and start a new play adventure now!
Happy Building!
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Katie is a pharmacist who found a passion for play when she became a mum of 2 boys. She enjoys inspiring creativity and learning through play. Katie especially loves experimenting and creating with CONNETIX. You can find more of her play ideas on her Instagram account @dudekidz.
Adding arches and tunnels to your train track creates an extra element of fun. There are many ways you can use CONNETIX to make an archway or tunnel. Here are 3 different ways to try:
1. Use square tiles and equilateral triangles to make an arch
2. Use rectangles and equilateral triangles to make a triangular shaped tunnel
3. Use large square tiles to make a tunnel with right-angled tiles for extra support
Try all three to discover a favourite, or experiment using other ways to build an arch or tunnel.
Don’t just stop at arches and tunnels. There are many more things you can make with CONNETIX to complete your small-world city. Consider making buildings such as houses, apartments, shops, schools etc. You can also make trees, boat ramps, wharfs, pedestrian bridges, boats, playgrounds and more! Don’t forget to add in other toys such as figurines, wooden blocks and play silks to complete the look and expand the play.
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