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How to Attach the Wooden Track to a Thomas the Train Table

Wooden train tracks, a staple of Thomas the Tank Engine play, are made to attach and reattach according to child preferences. Problems arise when the wooden tracks become separated from their original pathway and may cause a child to become frustrated. Take steps to adhere the track to a train table to put your child's mind at ease and allow stress-free play with the Thomas track.

Things You'll Need

Plywood
Tape measure
Pencil
Safety glasses
Circular or hand saw
Sandpaper
1 pair of hook-and-loop fastener sheets, cut to size
Scissors
Craft glue

Instructions

- 1
  
  Choose a thin, yet durable plywood for your train table insert.
  
  Measure the length and width of the inside of the train table (approximately 49 inches by 32 1/2 inches). Mark and cut a section of thin, yet durable plywood to fit snugly within its borders using a circular or hand saw. Sand the outer edges of the plywood to safeguard it for play. Wear safety glasses while using power tools and while sanding. Test the size of the plywood to ensure a proper fit. Additional sanding may be needed on potential warping of the plywood or train table base.
- 2
  Attach the sheet of loop portion (the softer, fuzzier sheet) of the hook-and-loop fastener, if it isn't self-adhesive, to cover the plywood using craft glue. Starting at the center of the board, smooth the loop sheet toward the outer edges, getting rid of any air bubbles between the wood and the loop sheet. Trim the fabric to the sanded edges of the plywood.
- 3
  Cut the hook portion (the scratchy sheet) into 3-inch by 1 1/2-inch strips and adhere to one side of each piece of wooden train track with craft glue.
- 4
  Lay the plywood and track pieces in a child-free zone of your home allowing them to dry completely. Allowing the wood to rest according to package directions helps the hook-and-loop sheeting to adhere.
- 5
  Stick the train track pieces onto the sheet of loop fabric in a path to your liking. Due to the nature of hook-and-loop sheeting, track parts may be easily repositioned according to your child's preferences but will stay put during play.

Wooden Toys