By: Todd Wheatley
(c) IQ-2k   10-29-22

As a visual accompaniment to my last blog post, (Hot Wheels - FAILURE), I posted a TikTok video of my grandson playing with a figure-8 Hot Wheels track. The blog post lamented my grandson's hyperactivity during our playtime. Which I associated with him driving the remote control Hot Wheels car and getting over stimulated. As noted in my previous post the car was an impulse purchase since my original intent was to add more high speed curves and another booster to "our" growing collection. In other words purchase a second oval track set to add complexity where none currently exists. It's a sad testament to the lack of vision given the 60 odd years of Hot Wheels legacy.

So again, in case you haven't been following this series, I'm adding my voice and information specialty to help others use this incredible "toy" as a means for cognitive developmental of children and grandchildren.

The newest feature to mine and little Remy's collection is the "Figure-8" TRACK SET which has a BOOSTER and elevated track components. There are two 90-degree curves with 2-in. "stands" snapped into the center that allow cars to pass underneath to complete the "Figure-8". Like other BOOSTERs supplied with other sets, the battery cover also has connections to create elevated track. Given its location I've yet to find a track configuration to utilize that feature. Hence the trouble I'm going through so you don't have to. Hopefully PINTEREST will prove resourceful in finding interesting track set ups. After all, children are just as likely to be frustrated with poorly conceived track layouts.

Nevertheless given the remote-control car "failure" I researched elevated track options and found the F-Trick Brick. I was so excited about the possibilities I purchased four of them to get a bulk discount. Once again a Hot Wheels product brought a level of disappointment. It didn't "stack" as I imagine lacking the "holes" in the base. The "bumos" and "holes" are part of the unique feature of the F-Trick Brick which provide LEGO connection. Unfortunately the F-Trick Brick only allows for "vertical stacking". This is not only too high to be practical, but structurally unstable.

Fortunately there's a quick fix .... HOT GLUE some LEGOs to the base for easy "horizontal stacking". More details will be added in my upcoming Hot Wheels Tik-Tok video. It's just one more example of the need for GUIDED PLAY with this "toy" and the ability to have QUALITY TIME for adults and children.


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