Tracing The History Of The Wooden Train Track

Posted on August 25, 2010 @ 10:16 pm

In the first years, from the wide choice of toys, the strong positive emotion of wooden train track has been seen and noticed. This all began with a plain activity of train wooden carvings by the creative Marshall H. Larrabee of Skaneateles in 1930’s. The Marshall Field Company adored the masterpiece of Marshall Larrabee and picked up his artworks and the industry Skaneateles Handcrafters was brought into existence.

Since then, the popular and respected Skaneateles Handcrafters had influence on other countries like Sweden and China to produce their own best and superb wooden train tracks. The wooden train track industry spread overseas and colored the world of fun. In 1958 in California, USA the new company Jack-Built Snap Trains was given birth. Their infamous snap connector mounted track flexibility and bind together really smoothly.

But, the Jack-Built Snap Trains begun to shed their fame in the toy making industry in the mid 60’s. Years passed by, the Thomas track makers in the United States has brought the wooden train track in fame again with their new innovation in 1993. The wooden train tracks in early years are equpped with grooves that produce clack sounds. Jon W. Lee uncovered the new innovation.

Their pieces had grooves no more. In their place, they had a built-in tie graphics for the railway, plus a high waffle design along the railway track that aids the operated engines to grip. This environmentally friendly toy has been for decades and still provides entertainment for young child and for those young at heart.

Wooden train tracks are known for its premium durability. Mostly it is made from hardwoods like maple, white birch, and European beech that gives a fine furnish. It is embellish with colors that are safe for humans. The colorful sets are 100% non-toxic paints, stains and lacquers.

Some manufacturers introduced the so called “starter set” that is made especially for little ones, ranges from 18 months to three years of age. During this stage, the child’s growth and development is critical. Provision of positive stimuli helps the child to develop their imagination, motor skills and social skills.

There are many benefits when owning a wooden train track. Since it is made from a fine hardwood, heavy duty is expected. It is made from non hazardous ingredients. For your little one’s development, the wooden train track allows and encourages your child creative imagination by merely manipulating the wooden train where to start and where to put it. This will also aid in enhancing your child’s fine and gross motor skills by picking, joining and laying hands on the wooden train. It allows eye to hand coordination that stimulates your child’s ingenuity.

As time passes, you might be able to see that your little one will be able to use the spoon and fork properly, holds crayon smoothly, and allows manual skills work easily for them. This playtime will take measures in preparing your child’s social skills since they can learn making friends and enjoy each others company. Some creators also made pieces that are big enough to keep your child from choking.

A reminder for those who will purchase wooden train track please be guided with instructions and what it is made from. Keep it sure that is made from 100% non-toxic materials, from wood to its dyes. Make an act of doing something that will keep your little ones from harm.







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