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How to Choose a Toy Train Track

A toy train set, which includes a track, a locomotive with cars (carriages), and replicas of mountains, trees, waterways and train stations, is a great gift for almost any child. Essentially, there are two types of toy train sets and tracks--one indented for small children (mainly preschool kids and toddlers) and the other good for older children. The elements of the train set designed for small children are sturdy, typically don't have sharp edges and are not electrified, as opposed to toy train sets for older children, which are much more sophisticated and may feature electric trains with remote control.

Things You'll Need

Measuring tape

Instructions

- 1
  Identify the age range for which the toy train track should be designed. Manufacturers clearly label on the packaging the age group of the children for whom they make their toy train sets.
- 2
  Measure the table or the area on the floor where you want to position your train track.
- 3
  Go to a hobby shop or website to find toy train sets with tracks that fit the measurements of the area where you intend to assemble the track.
- 4
  Decide whether you want a plastic or a wooden train track. Toy train tracks made from plastic are generally more expensive than those made from wood. Lego is one manufacturer that makes plastic trains. Wooden tracks are made by Brio and IKEA, among others.
- 5
  Select a track that has a tunnel, round track and a bridge. In addition to making the train track more versatile, these elements help children learn how to put the train through the tunnel, how to make it turn around corners and how to maneuver the train over the bridge.

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