The GeoTrax Train Blog

GeoTrax Track Layout Ideas - Danger Drop Criss-Cross

2012-12-26T10:57:00.001-08:00

This is GeoTrax Track Layout Quick Tip #6

The week in between Christmas and New Year's is a great time for building new track layouts with your GeoTrax. I wanted to give everyone some simple ideas that might help to improve the creative quality of their layouts.

This is one I got from watching YouTube videos of other layouts people have created.

Click picture to see a larger view of this layout

When running multiple trains or cars, the anticipation of whether their trains would crash into each other at the bottom of the loop made for lots of fun for my kids. This simple layout alone kept them busy for a couple hours.

You can expand on this idea and add this to your larger layout by simply replacing one or more of the corner track pieces with a switch layout piece. If you need help figuring out how to have an elevated switch piece in your layout see my earlier post titled Elevated Switch.

You can also see videos of simple track layouts by checking out iluv geotrax YouTube channel.

Fan Video: GeoTrax Train Layout with Monorail Set

2012-12-08T14:30:00.001-08:00

Here is a great user-created video featuring a GeoTrax train layout coupled with a fun toy monorail system. The video is set to the music from Toy Story and features some fun train sounds. The conclusion of the video features some fun outtakes from the recording.

I think your kids will really enjoy watching this.

In case you are looking for any of these sets, I am including the names with links here:

GeoTrax Knight and Sir John Remote Control Set
GeoTrax Grand Central Station Set
GeoTrax Fly-By Bridge
Multiple GeoTrax Track Packs

I have also searched for a monorail set and I believe I have found one similar to the one featured in the feature (Note: the monorail is not an official GeoTrax set, but I seriously think Fisher-Price should consider creating one). Here is what I found:

Walt Disney World Deluxe Monorail Train Playset Toy

Enjoy the video!

GeoTrax Super Friends Sets - Batman, Joker & Green Lantern

2012-11-30T16:18:00.001-08:00

Super Heroes continue to be extremely popular with kids. GeoTrax are getting harder to find in retail stores so I wanted to post some information on where you can find these newer Super Friends sets if you are looking.

First, here is a complete list of all the GeoTrax Super Friends sets I am aware of:

Remote Controls Sets
* The Joker's Engine - Turbo RC Set
* Batman's Engine - Turbo RC Set
* Green Lantern Engine - Turbo RC Set
* Batmobile - Turbo RC Set

Track Packs
* Batman Track Pack
* Joker Track Pack

Other Super Friends Sets
* Batman Batcave Remote Control Set
* Batman Gotham City Set
* Jokers Lair

Super Low Prices on GeoTrax Track, Cars 2 sets and Remotes

2011-12-16T21:14:00.000-08:00

Christmas is almost here but you still have a chance to get some great, last-minute deals on several GeoTrax Cars 2 sets. I am not sure how long these will last...all prices are as of the time I am writing this post.

Track Packs

Cars 2 Cross Over Track Pack (Only $9.99)

Cars 2 Dirt Race Track Pack (Only $7.99)

Cars 2 Road Race Track Pack (Only $9.99)

Cars 2 Tower Sets

Cars 2 Escape from Big Bentley (Only $12.99)

Cars 2 Eiffel Tire Crash (Only $9.99)

Remote Control Cars

Cars 2 RC Francesco (Only $16.19)

Cars 2 RC Grem (Only $9.99)

Cars 2 RC Spy Mater (Only $12.99)

Need a Toy Train for under your Christmas Tree?

2011-12-10T09:38:00.000-08:00

Fisher-Price GeoTrax makes a great toy train that will look perfect under your tree. Take a look for yourself, watch the video:

Where to buy:

* Amazon (with FREE shipping)
* Toys R' Us

Related Items - GeoTrax Christmas Sets:

* GeoTrax North Pole Express Christmas Train Set
* GeoTrax Holiday Express Remote Train with Santa Figure
* Geotrax Holiday Express Push Train Gift Set w/ Santa (Green Track w/ Snow
* Geotrax Holiday Express Push Train Gift Set w/ Holiday Lumberjack (Tan Track w/Snow)

Here is a Testimonial from someone who bought this set:

Our Favorite Train!

My 5 year old daughter and 2 year old son LOVE trains. We bought this train last year for Christmas 2010 and they both loved it! The colors are great, the music and automatic lights are just wonderful. I love how you can decorate the scene. My daughter has been begging to have the train to play with all year and was so excited to see me bring up the box this weekend. They have both been playing with it non-stop for the last few days. The train even gets played with all over the house. I wish we had another train and remote so they could both play with it because the only problem I have is getting them to take their turn! I recommend this product!

----Deena, from Chicago, IL

Great User Created Video Showing you what GeoTrax are All About

2011-12-10T09:20:00.000-08:00

Not sure if GeoTrax are right for your kids? The following is a great video created by a GeoTrax fan. Fun to watch plus it gives you a good idea what GeoTrax are all about.

(Thanks Adam S. and Family for Sharing)

More about GeoTrax Trains:

1. All sets are durable and Fisher-Price stands behind the product if you have any issues
2. Ground sets are easy to set up and young children can assemble the track pieces
3. There is a good community of sites that provide track layout setup ideas
4. Remote trains are easy to operate
5. Disney Cars sets make these even more appealing to most young kids (boys and girls alike)

Make Your Own GeoTrax Trestle for about $20

2010-04-05T18:40:00.000-07:00

Nearby where I live you will find the Wilburton Trestle - a historic wooden railway trestle that measures over 100 feet high and almost 1,000 feet long. The trestle was originally built in 1904 and has served many purposes during its life. Freight trains carrying Boeing's aircraft fuselages to its assembly plant in Renton used to cross the trestle 6 days a week.

I have always thought the GeoTrax railway system needed a good trestle. Apparently, I am not the only one to think this. In fact, recently a creative GeoTrax enthusiast built a trestle for his son's GeoTrax set.

The video includes some instructions on how he went about building this and at the end offers an email address you can contact for plans. The final result is amazing and it only cost him about $20 to build. Enjoy!!!

GeoTrax Holiday Wish List 2009

2009-12-18T20:09:00.000-08:00

It is getting down to crunch time as we all make final preparations for the Holidays. How did you do in your quest to obtain that perfect GeoTrax set for your little one? I have put together a list of what I think are the hottest GeoTrax sets for this holiday season.

Track Layout Ideas
* Grand Central Station Track Layout Manual (Vol. 6) - NEW!
* Train Table Series Track Layout Manual (Vol. 7) - NEW!
* Creative Layout Manual--Workin' Town Layouts (Vol. 5)
* Creative Layout Manual--Table Top Layouts (Vol. 4)

The Newest Sets from Fisher-Price

(User Created Review Video)

* GeoTrax Timbertown Railway
* GeoTrax Crossing Gate with Lights & Sounds
* GeoTrax RC with Black Phantom & Mr. E.S.—The Most Mysterious Team
* GeoTrax RC with Aero & Eric—The Fastest Team
* GeoTrax Payton, Pumper & Paul - The Track Repair Team

Disney/Pixar CARS come to GeoTown with TURBO RCs
* CARS Radiator Springs Mega Set
* Sally's Track Pack
* Sarge's Track Pack
* Trev's Track Pack
* Flo's V-8 Café
* Ramone's Body Art set
* Sheriff's Lookout Mountain
* Lightning McQueen Turbo RC
* Mater Turbo RC
* Doc Turbo RC

Classic Sets--Reissued
* Mile-High Mountain
* Mt. Blast Construction Set

Starter Sets
* Grand Central Station Award-winning!
* Tracktown Railway
* Workin' Town Railway

Last Minute Holiday GeoTrax

2009-12-17T22:00:00.001-08:00

I was in Target the other night doing some shopping for my wife when I stumbled upon these Holiday GeoTrax sets--not in the Toys section--in the Seasonal items section.

(Click to see an enlarged version)

The sets come with two pieces of jumbo curve track that form a loop, a holiday character, a train, a North Pole sign, a gift package, a crossing gate and a Christmas tree.

Below I am including a close-up of the two sets I found. These don't appear to be available online at Target.com, I think you can only buy them in store. Or, try purchasing them from eBay (Buy It Now).

(Click to see an enlarged version)

(Click to see an enlarged version)

Good luck finding these and remember to look for them in the Seasonal items section of your local Target.

GeoTrax Track Layout Ideas - Elevated Star Crossing

2009-12-07T22:35:00.000-08:00

This is GeoTrax Track Layout Quick Tip #5

I've had many requests for more track layout quick tips...I will start trying to do a better job of this as I currently have a two-and-a-half year old who is very interested in Choo-choos (read as GeoTrax). We had them out over the weekend and look what we built

I call this the "elevated star crossing" and it seems appropriate just in time for the holidays.

I start with the bottom piece of the GeoTrax High Chimes Clock Tower as the center piece for the crossing. From that I extend straight pieces (half or whole) in all directions. Then I connect each straight track to a curved ramp piece which you can get with sets like the new GeoTrax Timbertown Railway and/or the the GeoTrax Workin' Town Railway.

I finish by adding the top piece of the clock tower to the crossing and it is ready to go. Now, you can continue to build out your entire layout in four different directions.

Enjoy!

GeoTrax Video - No One Makes Videos Like This YouTube User

2009-12-07T22:24:00.000-08:00

It has been a while since I have posted any new GeoTrax videos on the blog. There are plenty of them on YouTube but no one creates great GeoTrax videos quite like YouTube user kmae987. Great story-telling and great music. See for yourself...

Some great GeoTrax sets included in this video (in case you are interested) include the following:

* GeoTrax Grand Central Station
* GeoTrax Bayshore Drawbridge
* GeoTrax Mile-High Mountain
* GeoTrax High Chimes Clock Tower
* GeoTrax Big City Lights Building

I have also flagged a list of my favorite GeoTrax videos on YouTube -- you can view the list here.

Happy viewing...

Long Rumored GeoTrax Sets with Small Play Mats Finally Surface on Kohls.com

2009-11-21T12:46:00.000-08:00

Early in 2009 there were rumors on the web in places like maxgeotrax.com of a few new GeoTrax sets that would feature a small play mat. The play mats are a new concept added to the GeoTrax line that add to your kid's creative experience. Finally, after eight plus months these sets have finally surfaced on Kohls.com.

Other then the play mats their is nothing really 'new' about the sets. They use previously released buildings and vehicles/boats that have been slightly retooled or recolored. However, for newcomers to GeoTrax some of these sets have not been available for a long time and will make a welcome addition to your collection.

The sets available include the following:

* The Lumberyard
* The Gravel Pit
* The Mechanic's Garage
* The Oceanfront Marina.

You may be able to glean a few more details by reading the Instruction Sheets for this sets:

* The Lumberyard Instruction Sheet
* The Gravel Pit Instruction Sheet
* The Mechanic's Garage Instruction Sheet
* The Oceanfront Marina Instruction Sheet

Kohls can also be a great place to find some reissued older sets like the Mt Blast Construction and Mile-High Mountain sets.

GeoTrax & Disney Pixar Cars – Create Your Own Radiator Springs

2009-07-23T17:32:00.000-07:00

By now you have probably heard the news that GeoTrax is welcoming the gang from Disney Pixar CARS complete with a GeoTrax Lightning McQueen TURBO RC to the GeoTrax Transportation System.

Now you can build your own Radiator Springs next to GeoTown. New sets include Turbo Remote Control cars (2x the speed of a regular GeoTrax RC), Locations/Buildings from the CARS movie and new track packs which include a popular CARS vehicle.

(Click for a larger view of this picture)

Let's take a closer look at the new sets available and some of the features new to the GeoTrax collection.

TURBO Remote Control Cars

The following cars are currently available:
* Lightning McQueen Turbo RC
* Mater Turbo RC
* Doc Turbo RC

What's unique about the Turbo RC Cars...

* They are 2 times faster than regular remotes
* They talk – quoting lines from the movie. They also make squealing tire sounds

Track Packs with NEW Black Street Track and Vehicles

The new track packs available inlclude the following:

* Sally's Track Pack
* Sarge's Track Pack
* Trev's Track Pack

Sally's Track Pack includes Sally push vehicle, six additional track pieces, and a Radiator Springs street light. Track pieces include 1 T-track switch, 1 Y-track right switch, 2 Y-track left switches, 1 crossing/intersection piece and 1 straight track piece.

Sarge's Track Pack includes a Sarge push vehicle, five 3" straight pieces, five 6" straight pieces, six curved pieces, and a Route 66 sign.

Trev's Track pack includes a Trev push train, two road straight tracks, two road curve tracks, four rail straight packs, two rail half tracks, two rail curve tracks, one crossing piece, two guardrails, and two railroad crossing signs.

Buildings/Places from the CARS Movie

* Flo's V-8 Café
* Ramone's Body Art set
* Sheriff's Lookout Mountain

Flo's V-8 Cafe features a cool roundabout allowing your kids to change direction of their vehicles as they travel around Radiator Springs. The set comes with the Cafe and a Flo vehicle. Flo speaks fun phrases from the movie.

Ramone's body shop is the place to come and have your body art applied. Push down on the Ramone vehicle and he pops back up. Ramone also speaks fun phrases from the movie.

Sheriff can chase speeders around radiator springs. He talks and says fun phrases from the movie. The set comes with 1 Sheriff vehicle, the mountain site with curved track, 1 billboard sign that Sheriff can hide behind, 2 small off-ramp track pieces and 2 pieces of ramp track.

All sets are available online. Click the links above to purchase now and get started recreating your own Radiator Springs in your living room.

GeoTrax Timbertown Railway with Steamer & Samuel

2009-05-20T19:20:00.000-07:00

May is usually the month new GeoTrax sets are released by Fisher-Price and this year appears to be no exception. Starting today you can buy the new GeoTrax TimberTown Railway and we want you to be the first to know about it.

The TimberTown Railway appears to be the new starter set replacing the Grand Central Station.

Here are a couple of cool things that come with the set:

1. The Mountain Tunnel
2. Steamer the RC Train
3. The Easy Rail Station

The Mountain Tunnel
Tunnels are always cool for kids. The more tunnels the better and a little variety certainly doesn't hurt

Steamer the RC Train
'Steamer' the RC Train appears similar to the Big Rob & Hauler RC Truck that was released the end of 2007. The steam engine is actually not the part of the train that is remote controlled. The first car the engine is pulling is actually an RC car. There are many fans--myself included--that would like to attach other push engines to an RC car like this, making it possible for other push trains to be able to operate like an RC engine...is the wait over? I can't tell from the picture. What do you think?

The Easy Rail Station
Fisher-Price has realized young GeoTrax fans can find it a challenge to place the train on the track correctly to start playing. The Easy Rail Station provides an easy way to get the track aligned on the track.

Instruction Sheet
Here's a link to the GeoTrax Timbertown Railway instruction sheet. The instruction sheet includes a complete parts list, setup instructions and 4 alternative layouts for the new set.

Pictures
There are lots of pictures available online if you want to see more.

* Complete set with RC Train and Remote Wand
* Easy Rail Station in Color
* Timber Crane on top of the Mountain
* Alternative Track Layout for the Timbertown Set
* Another Alternative Track Layout
* One More Track Layout
* Close up of Remote Train with Remote Controller

New GeoTrax Video: Steamer & Samuel Save the Day

2009-03-28T09:48:00.000-07:00

Good news! Fisher-Price continues to add to their series of GeoTrax videos with the release of "Steamer and Samuel Save the Day." What happens when Opie and Woohoo, the most confused team in GeoTown, try to help out with the building of a new Timbertown station? Tune in to find out...

The video hints at new possible GeoTrax sets soon to be released.

Steamer and Samuel - The Hardest Working Team

Pumper, Payton and Paul - The Track Repair Team

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Ironface and Irving - The Stubborn Team

The video also makes reference to "GeoPeak" and "Timbertown Station". I think the idea of GeoPeak is a great one. I see this being similar to the Mile High Mountain set but I think it would be really cool to have the mountain wrapped with a gradual, circular track. At the top of the mountain the track could then connect with other elevation track or elevation sets.

Follow the GeoTrax Blog on Twitter

2009-03-04T17:48:00.000-08:00

Do you use Twitter? Did you know that I have set up a geotraxblog account on Twitter.com and would love to meet up with other fans of GeoTrax. Start following me today using the following link...

http://twitter.com/geotraxblog/

For those of you who don't know what Twitter is, let me see if I can explain. Twitter is a form of 'micro-blogging' that allows you to post short messages (140 characters or less) to the web. People who are interested can choose to 'follow' you and be better informed about some of the day-to-day things you are doing.

What does this have to do with my GeoTrax blog and why should you care? On my blog I try to narrate the worldwide community's passion for GeoTrax--a pretty lofty goal. This includes shopping deals, layout ideas, videos and more. There is far more going on then I will ever have time to create proper blog posts for.

Twitter gives me a way to capture little pieces of GeoTrax news and info as I encounter it and immediately publish it to the web so other GeoTrax fans like you can be informed in a more timely fashion.

The following video does a great job describing Twitter in plain English.

I hope to see you on Twitter so you can get the full story of my GeoTrax blog and see what goes on between blog posts.

http://twitter.com/geotraxblog/

GeoTrax On-the-Go Zoo - with Zoo Keeper, Animals and Push Train

2009-02-09T16:00:00.000-08:00

You may already have take-and-go train sets if you collect Thomas or other popular train toys. Fisher-Price has now entered this market with the release of the GeoTrax On-the-Go Zoo.

The new GeoTrax On-The-Go Zoo comes with a figure 8 track layout that makes it way around a zoo setting playmat. The set folds in half and has a handle for easy carrying. It is the easiest setup yet...just pull it out, unfold it and your ready to start playing.

The set comes with the 'Wildest' team made up of Tafari the train and Terry the zookeeper. You also get a lion and elephant animal figure and a bundle of hay to feed to the animals. Tafari and Terry can drive around the loop track and dump hay from the train car into the animals' pens.

The fold an go system is pretty cool as it comes with the attached play mat with pictures of hippos and crocodiles and a wooden walkway. There is a special compartment where you store away your play pieces and prevent them from getting lost while you are on the go.

The switch track prices at the top of the loop allow you to also connect this with the rest of your track and incorporate the zoo as a part of a larger GeoTrax town.

Here are some pictures available on the Fisher-Price website...

* Zoo keeper and train
* Train delivering food to the animals
* Zoo keeper rides along inside the train
* Complete set of everything that's included
* Set folds in half with room to store accessories
* Comes with a convienent, built-in handle

Buy it today: The GeoTrax On-the-Go Zoo.

Here are some pictures of the actual packaging

(front of the box)

(back of the box)

Become a Follower of the GeoTrax Blog

2009-01-31T10:24:00.000-08:00

In 2009 I plan to do more to establish a community feel on the GeoTrax Train Blog. More details and tips will be coming on this subject. You may have noticed in the side navigation menu that I have added a place where you, the reader, can make it known to everyone that you are a reader of the GeoTrax Blog.

If you haven't done so you can get started by clicking here. Becoming a follower will help you stay in touch and know when new content is published. It will also help you to build relationships with other members of the GeoTrax community.

Reminder: This blog is NOT owned or managed by Fisher-Price. It is an Unofficial Blog maintained by a GeoTrax fan.

My Mistake Could be Your Gain...but Hurry....

2009-01-18T15:19:00.000-08:00

Check out the auction now.

I have a GeoTrax Track Pack auction running on eBay that ends in about 2 hours. I noticed I made a huge error and forgot a space between one of the major keywords in the title when listing it. So what this means is when people search on the term 'track' this auction can't be found. I have hid this auctions from 100s of eBay users.

Just thought I would point this out for my loyal readers of the blog so if anyone wants a good deal on some GeoTrax Track and a DVD (this picture shows all the things included in this auction. This auction would usually close with the winning bid between $18 and $25 dollars and right now it is at $6.49.

Check out the auction now.

Auction ends at 5:37 PST.

Look What I Found in my Closet...GeoTrax Fans

2009-01-08T20:57:00.000-08:00

Here is a link to my special Deluxe Elevation Chrome Train auction.

It is the new year and we are trying to clean some things up around our place and get the house in order. As I result I have been cleaning out my GeoTrax closet. While doing so I found I have a new, unused RC Train from the GeoTrax Deluxe Elevation set released back in 2004.

This train engine is made our of the same mold as the Pacific Chief. It has a great chrome paint job with the flashy, red and yellow z-stripe down the side of it. If comes with the same train cars as the Tracktown Railway remote.

The remote wand is also very flashy.

After quite a bit of thought I have decided to put it up for auction. Keep checking back for details. The auction will most likely start this Sunday (1/11) and run for 7 days.

Here is a link to my special Deluxe Elevation Chrome Train auction.

GeoTrax Track Layout Ideas - Elevated Switch

2009-01-02T21:24:00.000-08:00

This is GeoTrax Track Layout Idea--Quick Tip #4.

When designing new track layouts you may have discovered it can be a bit tricky to use your switch tracks with the stanchions (supports) as the track doesn't have the right groves cut on the under side. I have been playing around with a few ideas--why don't you give these a try.

The first idea uses a T-track piece with three bridges...I just eliminate the stanchion altogether and the T-track connects nicely to the elevated bridges.

The second idea uses a right or left Y-switch track and connects again to other elevated structures--completely removing the stanchion from the mix. I have tried to give you an idea of other elevated structures you might use in case you don't have three bridges. In my example below you will see I use a bridge, a curved ramp piece and the high chimes clock tower.

The other trick to note is that you will need to use a straight half piece of track to connect the switch to whatever elevated structure you use.

If you are looking to buy some of these pieces here are a few recommendations:

* The T-track switch comes with the GeoTrax City Track Pack

Merry GeoTrax - Enjoy the Movie!

2008-12-25T14:40:00.000-08:00

For many of you kids and parents today has been filled the joy and thrill of new GeoTrax. Christmas is also a day when many new movies debut in the theater. Thus, I thought it would be appropriate to show a GeoTrax Double feature here on the blog.

Matthew, Chad & Eric have been hard at work again producing what is sure to be their second GeoTrax blockbuster short film -- "The Great Train Robbery". So grab the popcorn and enjoy...

If you are new to GeoTrax, you may have missed their original smash hit "GeoTown" set to some upbeat Zydeco music. This is my kids favorite GeoTrax video yet...

Merry Christmas everyone and enjoy your new GeoTrax.

GeoTrax Holiday Wish List 2008

2008-12-01T15:55:00.000-08:00

Happy Cyber Monday! Are you looking for the perfect GeoTrax set for the train fan in your life? I have put together for you a list of the hottest GeoTrax sets for this holiday season.

Only on eBay
* Grand Central Station Track Layout Manual (Vol. 6) - NEW!
* Train Table Series Track Layout Manual (Vol. 7) - NEW!
* Creative Layout Manual--Workin' Town Layouts (Vol. 5)
* Creative Layout Manual--Table Top Layouts (Vol. 4)

Brand Spankin' New from Fisher-Price
* GeoTrax Take-and-Go Zoo

New GeoAir sets from Fisher Price
(be sure and check the "More Buying Choices" on the right-hand side of the resulting page for best prices)

* GeoAir High-Flyin' Airport In Stock with FREE shipping
* GeoAir Blast-Through Barn
* GeoAir Fly-By Bridge
* GeoTrax GeoAir Mega Set
* GeoTrax GeoAir Loopy Loco Bi-Plane (Remote Control Airplane)
* GeoTrax GeoAir Blue Flash Jet Plane (Remote Control Airplane)

Classic Sets--Reissued
* Mile-High Mountain
* Mt. Blast Construction Set

Starter Sets
* Grand Central Station Award-winning!
* Tracktown Railway
* Workin' Town Railway

GeoTrax Track Layout...New GeoAir Layouts Now Available

2008-11-12T21:24:00.000-08:00

Fisher-Price has added some new content to the GeoTrax website. There is now a whole new area dedicated to the new GeoAir sets. In this post I wanted to highlight the new GeoTrax layouts that incorporate the GeoAir sets.

* Layout #1: All 3 GeoAir sets
* Layout #2: The GeoAir Fly-by Bridge
* Layout #3: The Airport and Blast-through Barn

These are a great starting point for creating new layouts that will keep your child engaged and entertained. Enjoy!