There’s no arguing that wooden train sets are an amazing toy. They teach children both Fine and Gross motor skills, problem-solving, logical thinking, creativity, vocabulary and more.
The more track pieces and accessories you have the bigger the train set you can build. The more thought children have to put into figuring out where each piece should go and how to join up the elements the better their learning experience. However, the more track, trains and buildings you have the more space you need to store them.
Train tables
If you have space a train table can be good. Both because you can have a track set out and ready to play with at all times, and because you can use the space underneath for storing extra track and accessories.
Some train tables come with a large drawer on wheels that sits underneath which is particularly handy for storage.
Train tables can also be used in loads of other ways. The Bigjigs train table is perfect for farm play (or other animals), playing with cars or as a base for building with blocks (and bigjigs trains are compatible with Brio). And if you cover the surface it’s perfect for arts and crafts, puzzles, games and more.
Organising wooden trains and tracks
For the track and the trains using draws or storage tubs with dividers work really well. Separating track by shape and size not only allows for neat and tidy storage but makes it easy for children to see the track they have to work with and decide which piece to use next.
If you keep you train set in the bedroom, storage tubs with wheels that can live under the bed are ideal, and many of these will also fit under a sofa if you’re living room is also the playroom.
When it comes to the accessories, some, such as signs and trees also work well stored in shallow storage tubs with dividers. However, bigger accessories such as bridges, tunnels, trains, pirate ships and fire stations will not fit so neatly.
For these bulkier items bigger storage boxes or arranging on shelves works best. And having a few items of your train set on display will remind children it’s there and encourage them to play.
Storing wooden trains for future generations
Wooden toys are timeless. The train sets you can buy today are very similar to the ones you would have had as a child, and for many, it is their own train set that’s been bought out of the attic for their children.
When it comes to storing wooden toys long term for future generations there are a few things you should consider.
- Keep toys somewhere they will stay dry. Unlike their plastic counterparts, wooden toys don’t like getting damp so make sure you store them somewhere dry.
- Avoid extremes of temperature. Wood grows and shrinks when it encounters heat and cold so choose an area that doesn’t get too hot or too cold.
- Remove any batteries before storing toys. Even wooden train sets (most brands are compatible) can be made more fun with the addition of a battery-operated train. Just make sure you take the batteries out before you store.
