With Toy2 track connectors, kids get even more use out of an already meaningful toy
24.2.2023
Translation: Katherine Martin
The best gift my wife and I have ever given our sons is a wooden train set from Brio. Duplo, on the other hand, was a flop. However, thanks to Toy2, which brings Duplo and Brio together, the blocks have finally become cool again.
Brio here, Brio there, Brio everywhere. I’ve spent countless hours building wooden railways with my eldest son. And my youngest, now following in his brother’s footsteps, is just as crazy about them. Duplo blocks, on the other hand, have been relegated to a shadowy existence in our home – spending most of their time lying in a drawer. That is, until recently. Since getting a set of Toy2 track connectors, the Duplo bricks have been turned into support pillars for high-level trains.
You’ll find our complete range of Toy2 track connectors here.
This is Toy2
The idea behind Toy2 is simple, but ingenious. The track connectors are compatible with both Brio railway tracks and Duplo bricks. While the underside can be slotted onto a Duplo brick, the top serves as a track connector. Instead of typically wobbly wooden bridge piers, Red Lola and the rest of the fleet now travel over piers made of ABS plastic.
Source: Kevin Hofer
There are various Toy2 sets differing in scope and track connector type. The basis connector is used to connect one piece of rail to another. As is the case with Brio, there are also direction changers with a female-female or male-male connector instead of a male-female one. Intersection, curved anchor and support connectors complete the package.
Source: Kevin Hofer
It takes every last Duplo block
Over the years, non-Brio tracks from Ikea and Eichhorn have been creeping into our railways. The Toy2 track connectors are compatible with them. Manufactured in Europe using recycled plastic, these little bridge builders are well made. They can be slotted seamlessly onto Duplo bricks or even petrol pumps.
Source: Kevin Hofer
These builds are extremely stable. Even when my kids are only using 2×2 bricks, the high-level rails hold out in the face of my youngest’s tantrums over something not working out. For extra stabilisation, they can use platforms, larger blocks or even entire buildings.
Source: Kevin Hofer
As is typically the case, tramp racks allow for high-level trains. In addition, you’ll need three Duplo blocks of standard height with track connectors. When the kids build on two or even three levels, a good deal of material comes together. If it’s a really extensive railway, I need to cobble together the last few blocks for them.
All in all, although Brio wooden railways are good anyway, Toy2 track connectors make them even better. The idea of making two incompatible toys compatible is brilliant. As a Brio fan, I’m undeterred by the high price tag, and the connectors are definitely worth the money.
Kevin Hofer
Senior Editor
kevin.hofer@digitecgalaxus.chFrom big data to big brother, Cyborgs to Sci-Fi. All aspects of technology and society fascinate me.
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