Ideas for model railroad track plans
When you start to build model railway track plans you need to think about your ultimate goal. You can design and build so many track layouts but it’s important to understand where you are headed. If you don’t have a clear idea in mind then your plan will fail and you will not have a workable railroad.
Many people think that building a model railway track is very easy, but this is not the case. Of course, following a workable plan is relatively easy, but creating your own requires a lot more thought and effort. It also requires a large amount of skill to know all the obstacles that need to be overcome.
For example, you need to know that you have enough track, enough length, corners, bends, scenery, buildings and so on. There are also other considerations to make should you have a certain theme in mind.
One of the most challenging model railway track plans is to create everything based around a theme. You can choose from a large number of different themes to follow and create from. You can recreate a certain time period from history. Some of the most popular to create are the gold era of the eighteen hundreds, which usually have the train running through a small rural town.
You may also want to create a scene from the English countryside during the age of steam. This is also a very popular time period to re-create. Generally, you will create a steam train running on a track through the rolling hills and farmland. You can really let your imagination run wild with specific scenes.
Using a scene is different from what most people think about creating with railway track. This is a good idea if you are experienced and have been creating different layouts for some time. You can research the time period and then create it as accurately as possible. These are often some of the most exiting times as model train enthusiasts are very interested in history and details.
When you start to build your own model railway track layout, decide on the appropriate layout for yourself first. You might be more interested in a plain layout to begin with, instead of something more elaborate. You might have your own personal style when it comes to rail track layout.
Some people only like to create elaborate setups that take time and a lot of effort. Everyone is different, so it comes down to your own ideas and tastes. Always plan things out as much as possible before you go to buy more track. If you don’t do this, then you might find yourself with a very expensive shopping list.
This is the reason to start out small. If you try to make it too big to begin with, you will get frustrated and lose interest in the project. Build certain sections at time and ensure they work before making the track any larger. This let’s you know the plan is working and you can also enjoy playing with the trains as you build.
About the Author
Philip Redfearn is an avid model train enthusiast. For more great information on model trains, and to sign up for a free Ultimate Model Railway Secrets 11 lesson mini-course, visit http://www.ultimatemodelrailway.com
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iPlay Build-A-Road $26.99 3 years & up. Children will enjoy constructing the easy clic-lock track as they build roads of adventures Includes over 15 feet of interchangeable, flexible track that can be constructed an infinite number of ways. Includes ramps, bridge, bumps and directional connectors along with 2 cars for racing fun…. |
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Bachmann Trains E-Z Model Railroads Track Planning Book $14.01 With E-Z Model Railroads, beginning and advanced modelers can learn how to set up and run a railroad using Bachmann’s snap-fit E-Z Track system. From choosing a layout style to wiring and track planning techniques, readers are walked through virtually every step of the design and construction process.Features include: •Six in-depth layouts, plus 20 additional layout designs•Tips for begi… |
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iPlay Deluxe Build A Road $49.99 Over 400 pieces and over 20 feet of interchangeable, flexible track is included in this awesome Deluxe Build A Road set from iPlay! Also includes 2 battery operated cars, 2 multi-directional connectors, 2 tunnels, a turn around and a ramp to create cool jumps! Easy to build–no tools required! Combine with original Build A Road for an extra long adventure…. |
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Train Engineer Deluxe Control weather, time of day, terrain andmore. Use the schedule clipboard to plan pickups and deliveries. Race to deliver cargoes to their destination on time. Plan carefully to avoid collisions. A must have for any train hobbyist or enthusiast! By Abracadata… |
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One Hundred and One Track Plans for Model Railroaders (Model Railroad Handbook, No. 3) $9.97 This is a 72 page guide to 101 Model Railroading Track Plans from Kalmbach Books. Every one of the 101 track plans in this book is an adventure in modelrailroad design. A complete miniature world with a theme, purpose, andatmosphere. The plans range in size from tiny layouts that would fit on a cardtable to a huge estate-size railroad designed for a specifically builtbuilding. The author also exp… |
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Track Planning for Realistic Operation: Prototype Railroad Concepts for Your Model Railroad (Model Railroader)(3rd Edition) $13.87 This book provides step-by-step design techniques and track planning tips to save model railroaders time, money, and headaches. This must-have book also covers aspects of prototype freight and passenger operations, route design, and contemporary railroading…. |
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Shelf Layouts for Model Railroads $12.69 Learn how to build a shelf layout by exploring the possibilities, practicalities, and challenges of linear layout design in a variety of layouts with construction details…. |
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6-inch Straight Track 6 Pack Train Track $8.99 Expand into new territory with a bundle of six 6-inch pieces of straight track to enhance your train layout. Compatible with popular wooden railway systems. |
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2-inch Straight Train Track $3.99 It’s easy to go further with a bundle of six pieces of wooden 2″ straight track to expand and enhance your layout! Compatible with popular wooden railway systems. |
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8 1/2-inch Ascending Track 6 Pack Train Track $13.99 Take train play to new levels! With a bundle of six 8.5-inch wooden ascending/descending track pieces it’s easy to enhance your train layout. Compatible with popular wooden railway systems. |
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8 1/2-inch Straight Track 6 Pack Train Track $11.99 Go West! Go East! With a bundle of six 8.5-inch pieces of straight track, your train layout can grow in every direction! Compatible with popular wooden railway systems. |
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2-inch Straight Track-Female 6 Pack Train Track $5.99 Full speed ahead with a bundle of six pieces of 2-inch straight track with female connections to expand and enhance your train layout! Compatible with popular wooden railway systems. |
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2-inch Straight Track-Male 6 Pack Train Track $5.99 Full speed ahead with a bundle of six pieces of 2-inch straight track with male connections to expand and enhance your train layout! Compatible with popular wooden railway systems. |
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Covey Model Six Stool $420 “When he designed the stool, Jeff Covey, a San Francisco furniture designer, began with the end in mind. The Covey Model Six Stool by Herman Miller is part of the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art’s permanent collection.” |
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Sayl Chair by Herman Miller – Basic Model w/ White Frame and Base $499 “Introducing the remarkable, yet affordable, new Herman Miller SAYL Chair. This “”life unframed”" chair is an amazing mix of sophisticated engineering, design and ergonomics that promotes a real sense of seated freedom. This sleek, revolutionary chair suspends a person like a bridge, it was inspired by the Golden Gate, in which tension is increased for areas that need support and lessened elsewhere. Named “”unique 3D Intelligent™ technology,”" the breakthrough back support on the SAYL chair is continuous and frameless.” |
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Sayl Chair by Herman Miller – Highly Adjustable Model in all Black $599 “Introducing the remarkable, yet affordable, new Herman Miller SAYL Chair. This “”life unframed”" chair is an amazing mix of sophisticated engineering, design and ergonomics that promotes a real sense of seated freedom. This sleek, revolutionary chair suspends a person like a bridge, it was inspired by the Golden Gate, in which tension is increased for areas that need support and lessened elsewhere. Named “”unique 3D Intelligent™ technology,”" the breakthrough back support on the SAYL chair is continuous and frameless.” |
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Sayl Chair by Herman Miller – Highly Adjustable Model White Back and Frame $679 “Introducing the remarkable, yet affordable, new Herman Miller SAYL Chair. This “”life unframed”" chair is an amazing mix of sophisticated engineering, design and ergonomics that promotes a real sense of seated freedom. This sleek, revolutionary chair suspends a person like a bridge, it was inspired by the Golden Gate, in which tension is increased for areas that need support and lessened elsewhere. Named “”unique 3D Intelligent™ technology,”" the breakthrough back support on the SAYL chair is continuous and frameless.” |
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Sayl Chair by Herman Miller – Basic Model in all Black $399 “Introducing the remarkable, yet affordable, new Herman Miller SAYL Chair. This “”life unframed”" chair is an amazing mix of sophisticated engineering, design and ergonomics that promotes a real sense of seated freedom. This sleek, revolutionary chair suspends a person like a bridge, it was inspired by the Golden Gate, in which tension is increased for areas that need support and lessened elsewhere. Named “”unique 3D Intelligent™ technology,”" the breakthrough back support on the SAYL chair is continuous and frameless.” |
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Sayl Chair by Herman Miller – Highly Adjustable Model Blue Back with White Frame $659 “Introducing the remarkable, yet affordable, new Herman Miller SAYL Chair. This “”life unframed”" chair is an amazing mix of sophisticated engineering, design and ergonomics that promotes a real sense of seated freedom. This sleek, revolutionary chair suspends a person like a bridge, it was inspired by the Golden Gate, in which tension is increased for areas that need support and lessened elsewhere. Named “”unique 3D Intelligent™ technology,”" the breakthrough back support on the SAYL chair is continuous and frameless.” |
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Sayl Chair by Herman Miller – Highly Adjustable Model Green Back and White Base $679 “Introducing the remarkable, yet affordable, new Herman Miller SAYL Chair. This “”life unframed”" chair is an amazing mix of sophisticated engineering, design and ergonomics that promotes a real sense of seated freedom. This sleek, revolutionary chair suspends a person like a bridge, it was inspired by the Golden Gate, in which tension is increased for areas that need support and lessened elsewhere. Named “”unique 3D Intelligent™ technology,”" the breakthrough back support on the SAYL chair is continuous and frameless.” |
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Sayl Chair by Herman Miller – Highly Adjustable Model w/ Java BackBlack Frame and Base $599 “Introducing the remarkable, yet affordable, new Herman Miller SAYL Chair. This “”life unframed”" chair is an amazing mix of sophisticated engineering, design and ergonomics that promotes a real sense of seated freedom. This sleek, revolutionary chair suspends a person like a bridge, it was inspired by the Golden Gate, in which tension is increased for areas that need support and lessened elsewhere. Named “”unique 3D Intelligent™ technology,”" the breakthrough back support on the SAYL chair is continuous and frameless.” |
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Sayl Chair by Herman Miller – Highly Adjustable Model w/ Red Seat and Back White Frame $659 “Introducing the remarkable, yet affordable, new Herman Miller SAYL Chair. This “”life unframed”" chair is an amazing mix of sophisticated engineering, design and ergonomics that promotes a real sense of seated freedom. This sleek, revolutionary chair suspends a person like a bridge, it was inspired by the Golden Gate, in which tension is increased for areas that need support and lessened elsewhere. Named “”unique 3D Intelligent™ technology,”" the breakthrough back support on the SAYL chair is continuous and frameless.” |
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Sayl Chair by Herman Miller – Highly Adjustable Model with Slate Back and Graphite Base $599 “Introducing the remarkable, yet affordable, new Herman Miller SAYL Chair. This “”life unframed”" chair is an amazing mix of sophisticated engineering, design and ergonomics that promotes a real sense of seated freedom. This sleek, revolutionary chair suspends a person like a bridge, it was inspired by the Golden Gate, in which tension is increased for areas that need support and lessened elsewhere. Named “”unique 3D Intelligent™ technology,”" the breakthrough back support on the SAYL chair is continuous and frameless.” |
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Sayl Chair by Herman Miller – All Black Adjustable Model with Fwd Tilt and Lumbar $699 “Introducing the remarkable, yet affordable, new Herman Miller SAYL Chair. This “”life unframed”" chair is an amazing mix of sophisticated engineering, design and ergonomics that promotes a real sense of seated freedom. This sleek, revolutionary chair suspends a person like a bridge, it was inspired by the Golden Gate, in which tension is increased for areas that need support and lessened elsewhere. Named “”unique 3D Intelligent™ technology,”" the breakthrough back support on the SAYL chair is continuous and frameless.” |
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Sayl Chair by Herman Miller – Basic Model w/ Adj Arms in All Black $499 “Introducing the remarkable, yet affordable, new Herman Miller SAYL Chair. This “”life unframed”" chair is an amazing mix of sophisticated engineering, design and ergonomics that promotes a real sense of seated freedom. This sleek, revolutionary chair suspends a person like a bridge, it was inspired by the Golden Gate, in which tension is increased for areas that need support and lessened elsewhere. Named “”unique 3D Intelligent™ technology,”" the breakthrough back support on the SAYL chair is continuous and frameless.” |
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Sayl Chair by Herman Miller – Basic Model w/ White Back and Tomato Seat $499 “Introducing the remarkable, yet affordable, new Herman Miller SAYL Chair. This “”life unframed”" chair is an amazing mix of sophisticated engineering, design and ergonomics that promotes a real sense of seated freedom. This sleek, revolutionary chair suspends a person like a bridge, it was inspired by the Golden Gate, in which tension is increased for areas that need support and lessened elsewhere. Named “”unique 3D Intelligent™ technology,”" the breakthrough back support on the SAYL chair is continuous and frameless.” |
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National Products Talking Train with Track in Blue and Red $134.99 National Products LTD – Ride On Toys – 0236 – The smashing designs of National Products motorcycle Ride-on have made a big statement in the market. Not just children have fun with National Products Ride-on products; parents also appreciate the detailed life-like quality and safety of the innovative designs. Let your childs imagination develop by enjoying a ride on this 6V rechargeble battery operated ride-on train with forward motion. It comes with 19′ long tracks. Switch the activity and ride off track as a foot-to-floor . Enjoy. 6V rechargeble battery operated ride-on train in blue and red Forward motion 19′ long tracks Ride off track as a foot-to-floor (free wheels) Electronic sounds Auto brake system 6V rechargeable battery Charger Specifications: Dimensions: 16.75 H x 12 W x 34 D Weight: 29.1 lbs |
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National Products Additional Figure 8 Track for Talking Train $69.99 National Products LTD – Ride On Toys – 0258 – The smashing designs of National Products motorcycle Ride-on have made a big statement in the market. Not just children have fun with National Products Ride-on products; parents also appreciate the detailed life-like quality and safety of the innovative designs. Supplement track set for Talking Train with Track in Blue and Red . This includes 8 pieces of Curve Track and 2 piecs of V Track . To form a complete Figure 8 track, please combine all tracks in this expansion set with those from the original train set Talking Train with Track in Blue and Red . Additional Figure 8 Track for Talking Train 8 pieces of Curve Track 2 piecs of V Track Specifications: Dimensions: 0.5 H x 29.50 W x 59 D Weight: 9 lbs |
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Leap Chair in Mesh ON SALE $772.65 “The Leap Drafting Chair by Steelcase features a unique Live Back™ and Natural Glide System™. It has the same wealth of personal adjustments as the fully featured model, plus a tall, stable central cylinder and height-adjustable foot ring.” |
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Security CPU-500 $93.5 “Security for your most valuable asset! Humanscale’s new CPU Secure is the ideal solution for protecting your valuable CPUs from theft, tampering, dirt, dust, bumps and accidental spills. The security feature locks CPUs in place and prevents access to the valuable internal components. In addition, the 16 track and 360° rotation offer easy access to the drives and ports while allowing the CPU to be stored out of sight-and harm’s way-when not in use.” |
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Modu-Licious #2 Drawer Lateral File by BlueDot -Maple $899 “Modu-licious 2 drawer Lateral File. Choose from white, grey blue, FLW red, ivory, slate, off-white, and robin’s egg blue to create your own look. This model comes in graphite on oak, maple, and walnut with powder-coated steel drawers and doors.” |
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Modu-Licious #4 by BlueDot-Graphite $889 “Modu-licious 4. Choose from white, grey blue, FLW red, ivory, slate, and robin’s egg blue to create your own look. This model comes in graphite on oak, maple, and walnut with powder-coated steel drawers and doors.” |
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Human Touch Perfect Chair Zero Gravity Recliner $729 “This Perfect Chair model features more color options, ability to mix and match frames and upholstery, and an additional cervical pillow for extra support where it’s needed. Combining all the comfort of a zero-gravity recliner and the exclusive style of first-class furniture, the Perfect Chair by Human Touch is the perfect solution for an ergonomically sound living space. Come home and relax in the Perfect Chair, or create a home theater with multiple chairs and interlocking spanner tables.” |
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Big & Tall S-Series $1049 “The Big & Tall Series is BodyBilt’s unique solution for the seated problems facing workers above the 85th percentile. The only fully-adjustable line of Big & Tall chairs on the market, the Big & Tall Series offers unprecedented comfort and adjustability to larger workers. Like all BodyBilt chairs, each Big & Tall model features ten standard adjustments and BodyBilt’s unique, pressure-reducing seat contour. Available with or without an adjustable headrest.” |
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Human Touch Perfect Chair $1595 “This Perfect Chair model features more color options, ability to mix and match frames and upholstery, and an additional cervical pillow for extra support where it’s needed. Combining all the comfort of a zero-gravity recliner and the exclusive style of first-class furniture, the Perfect Chair by Human Touch is the perfect solution for an ergonomically sound living space. Come home and relax in the Perfect Chair, or create a home theater with multiple chairs and interlocking spanner tables.” |
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EP3222 Real Pro Elite Massage Chair $3899 “The Real Pro™ Elite Massage Lounger takes the first “thinking” massage chair to the next level. While retaining the unique computer body scan and cutting-edge technology of its predecessor, Panasonic upgraded this new model in important ways. They’ve added: internal airbags to cover the largest area of the body with personalized contoured massage, power, memory (for more custom massages) and a new combination massage mode, the Swede-Atsu.” |
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Covey Stool $420 “When he designed the Covey Model Six stool, Jeff Covey, a San Francisco furniture designer, began with the end in mind. This project was conceived as a study of the production process and its integration with the consumer, he explains. This goal opened him to inspiration from some surprising quarters, including an old ironing board. They are very economical in terms of form, he says. They have wire legs, like Eames wire-base side chairs. And like many of Charles and Ray Eameses’ creations, the stool is recognized as an important design. In fact, it’s part of the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art’s permanent collection.” |
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Zoo Animal Train Set $16.99 Now your young train engineer can take an elephant and a tiger to the zoo or the circus, with a kid-powered, wooden engine and 2 animal carrier cars. Eight pieces of circular track are a great way to start a wooden railway set or perfect to add to an existing Melissa & Doug train layout. Also compatible with other popular wooden railway sets. Ages 3 and up. |
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Train Track Birth Announcement $145 • Set Includes: White Envelopes with card order • Flat Card • Design: Train Track • Font style as shown • Available in Black ink only • Size: 5.5” x 4.125” The Train Track Birth Announcement features a colorful train scene on a blue background. Featured in the center of the train scene is text for you to customized however you like. If you don?t need one of the lines offered, just leave it blank. The text is available in black ink only and font appears as shown in sample. Be sure to add all personalization exactly as you would like it to appear on your card. White envelopes are included with all birth announcement orders. |
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Track Support 6 Pack Train Track $8.99 Don’t leave your track hanging! A bundle of six wooden track supports for your train bridges and overpasses. Compatible with popular wooden railway systems. |
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Train Track Thank You Note $145 • Set Includes: White Envelopes with card order • Flat Card • Design: Train Track • Font style as shown • Available in White ink only • Size: 5.5” x 4.125” The Train Track Thank You Note features a colorful train scene on a blue background at the bottom of the card. Featured at the top of the card is text for you to customized however you like. If you don?t need one of the lines offered, just leave it blank. The text is available in white ink only and font appears as shown in sample. Be sure to add all personalization exactly as you would like it to appear on your card. White envelopes are included with all orders. |
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6-inch Curved Track 6 Pack Train Track $11.99 Curve to the left or right or form an ‘S’ with this bundle of six, double-sided 6-inch curved track pieces. Compatible with popular wooden railway systems. |
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Starbird Embroidery Designs Create-a-Train Design Pack $29.99 Tiny tot train lovers will be so excited when they see your new creation using the Create a Train designs. Please check out the lamp shade project that is also on this CD.rnrnrnPlease click here to view the contents of this CD (.pdf). |
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Kidkraft 17317 Train Track Risers – Box of 12 – Train Depot Refill $8.16 All aboard Let your little one s imagination steam ahead with KidKraft s fun filled Train Depot Accessories Replace pieces that have gotten lost or extend your track for more adventures Create a realistic setting by adding trees passengers and signs |
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38pc Kids Toy – Figure 8 Train Set with Long Track $74.24 ” Dimension: 38 Pieces Finish: Multi Material: Birch, Wood, Plastic 38pc Kids Toy – Figure 8 Train Set with Long Track Our Figure 8 Train Set would make a great starter set for any young boy or girl who has never owned one before. It’s tons of fun pushing the train up and down the long, hilly track! Learning how the different track pieces connect even helps kids improve their fine motor skills. Contains 38 total pieces. Train up and down the long, hilly and winding track. Includes firehouse and gas station with plastic molded roofs. Smiling townspeople, 1 fire truck, 1 bulldozer and other fun accessories. Packaged with detailed, step-by-step assembly instructions. Compatible with Thomas & Friends wooden train sets and Brio wooden train sets. For age 3+. ” |
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3 1/4-inch Curved Track 6 Pack Train Track $8.99 Curve to the left or right or form an ‘S’ with this bundle of six, double-sided 3 1/4-inch curved track pieces. Compatible with popular wooden railway systems. |
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6-inch Curved Switch Track-Male 6 Pack Train Track $12.99 Curve to the left or right or form an ‘S’ with this bundle of six, double-sided 6-inch curved track pieces with male connections. Compatible with popular wooden railway systems. |
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6-inch Curved Switch Track-Female 6 Pack Train Track $14.99 Curve to the left or right or form an ‘S’ with this bundle of six, double-sided 6-inch curved track pieces with female connections. Compatible with popular wooden railway systems. |
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Kidkraft 17316 Train Depot Refill – 8 Ascending Track, Box of 12 $16.16 All aboard Let your little one s imagination steam ahead with KidKraft s fun filled Train Depot Accessories Replace pieces that have gotten lost or extend your track for more adventures Create a realistic setting by adding trees passengers and signs |
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KidKraft 17310 4 Straight Track – Box of 12 – Train Depot Refill $9.76 All aboard Let your little one s imagination steam ahead with KidKraft s fun filled Train Depot Accessories Replace pieces that have gotten lost or extend your track for more adventures Create a realistic setting by adding trees passengers and signs |
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Kidkraft 17311 6 Straight Track – Box of 12 – Train Depot Refill $9.76 All aboard Let your little one s imagination steam ahead with KidKraft s fun filled Train Depot Accessories Replace pieces that have gotten lost or extend your track for more adventures Create a realistic setting by adding trees passengers and signs |
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Kidkraft 17312 8 Straight Track – Train Depot Refill – Box of 12 $9.76 All aboard Let your little one s imagination steam ahead with KidKraft s fun filled Train Depot Accessories Replace pieces that have gotten lost or extend your track for more adventures Create a realistic setting by adding trees passengers and signs |
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Kidkraft 17314 6.5 Curve Track – Train Depot Refill – Box of 12 $9.76 All aboard Let your little one s imagination steam ahead with KidKraft s fun filled Train Depot Accessories Replace pieces that have gotten lost or extend your track for more adventures Create a realistic setting by adding trees passengers and signs |
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KidKraft 17315 Split Track – Train Depot Refill – Box of 12 $16.16 All aboard Let your little one s imagination steam ahead with KidKraft s fun filled Train Depot Accessories Replace pieces that have gotten lost or extend your track for more adventures Create a realistic setting by adding trees passengers and signs |
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Kidkraft 17313 3.5 Curve Track – Box of 12 – Train Depot Refill $9.76 Let your little one s imagination steam ahead with KidKraft s fun filled Train Depot Accessories Replace pieces that have gotten lost or extend your track for more adventures Create a realistic setting by adding trees passengers and signs and watch y |
