Experimenting with Different Geotrax Track Layouts
September 2, 2010
Okay, so I don’t have pictures of these to show you. Blame it my little builder, who is as quick to tear down as he is to build up. But I’ve been playing with some new layouts and wanted to post a few ideas here.
A Twist on Traditional Switches
Try this on: on either side of a railroad crossing line, create alternate routes with switches. You’ll need a lot of Geotrax track to do this, but the end result is that you can use the switches to avoid Geotrax train collisions right before the railroad crossings. It really adds a fun twist to gameplay. Even better, add some elevation changes near those switches to loop around to the other side of the switch.
Figure Eight Intersection Squared (Almost)
We set up a figure eight intersection that used the GeoAir Barn as its centerpiece. We then added some elevation packs to circle round the top of the GeoAir barn. The end result is that every so often, we would have a train hitting the 8, a plane screaming through the barn, and another train coming down the hill just outside the barn. And we crashed and burned 50 percent of the time, but that’s half the fun.
Jumbo Curves
You can make use of jumbo curves and a parallel switch to create a passing siding for the trains. Not a stellar combination, but interesting nonetheless.
Geotrax Rail and Road Layout Options
August 25, 2010
One of the neatest things about the Geotrax Rail system is the fact that it’s modular, interchangeable, and supports multiple layouts. Each add-on playset usually contains several options depicting how the set can be integrated with the rest of your Geotrax toys.
If a particular set doesn’t have any layout options, Fisher Price does a great job of providing manuals and instructions via their web site. There are also enthusiast groups who share innovative designs for layouts and record them in manuals. I’m working on getting some up on this blog myself.
Every layout allows your child (or husband!) access to interesting activity stations in order to keep it entertaining. Good layouts take considerations like the following into account:
- Makes sure that the layout can be traversed in either direction
- Makes sure that the train doesn’t derail at attachment points or after hills
- Permits the easy addition of many optional kits
- Is extremely simple and easy to assemble
- Periodically allows the train to change speed and levels
- Includes play stations that allows your child to gain access to play for some time.
- Makes use of fun kits
- Includes multiple routes by employing switches
- Introduces new assembly techniques that the customer would not have thought of
The best part about a good layout is this: it holds your child’s interest! That means spare, peaceful time for Mom and Dad.
