TDmonthly's ToyFair 2006 Preview--Construction Product Category

Building Bridges Set by K'NEX BRANDS

Now kids can build thirteen different bridges that connect our world! Models include replicas of the Firth of Forth Cantilever Bridge (Scotland), Tower Bascale Bridge (London), Golden Gate Suspension Bridge (San Francisco), Chesapeake Bay Beam Bridge (Virginia Beach), Columbia River - Astoria Truss Bridge (Oregon), Sydney Harbor Arch Bridge (Australia) and the Dames Point Cable-Stayed Bridge (Jacksonville). This set was first introduced in 2004. 4/28/2006 (Price: $29.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Real Bridge Building by K'NEX BRANDS

The Real Bridge Building Set builds seven 5’ long replicas of real world bridges, one per bridge type, two at a time. Models include replicas of the Firth of Forth Cantilever Bridge (Scotland), Tower Bascale Bridge (London), Golden Gate Suspension Bridge (San Francisco), Chesapeake Bay Beam Bridge (Virginia Beach), Columbia River - Astoria Truss Bridge (Oregon), Sydney Harbor Arch Bridge (Australia) and the Dames Point Cable-Stayed Bridge (Jacksonville, Fla.). Curriculum offers key features of each bridge type, statistics on each, and building challenges for each bridge type, written to middle school National Standards in Science and Technology. It supports six to eight students.
— K’NEX is the best-selling transformable toy line at Learning Express in North Hampton, N.H., reported manager Linda Doucette.
— “K'NEX is one of our first toys we started out with, and they've done very well for us,” said Kim Drilling, a three-year employee of the 4-year-old Fat Brain Toys in Elkhorn, Neb.
— Real Bridge Building was the hands-down favorite of both the Moms and kids in TDmonthly's Homeschooling Roundtable for being educational and fun. “They’ve played and played and played with it,”  between May and July 2006 , said mom Susan Ledford.  “I’ve built about four of the bridges and I’ve built different things, too,” 11-year-old Sara Seagle told TDmonthly. 
 (VIEW ARTICLE)
 4/28/2006 (Price: $165.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Spaceframe Sculpture Kit by OFFI & COMPANY

Kids can build a fort, a playhouse, or a grand sculptural monument in the living room. The Spaceframe modular system allows endless possibilities for expression. It is made of a unique polyester material that is completely safe for children, and 100% recyclable. The Spaceframe is a new dimension in building blocks that appeals to children of all ages. It's designed by Scott Klinker. The set includes 20 pieces. It's an award-winner that debuted in 2005. 4/27/2006 (Price: $169.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Safarimorphs by RIVER DOLPHIN TOYS

50 rugged plastic pieces snap together easily to form endless poseable creatures. In this set kids can make a Zebra, Jungle Butterfly, Flying Fox, Lizard and Elephant or morph them to make all sorts of fantasy creatures. Several extra pieces are included so you can create even more poseable creatures. The heads have hinged jaws. All Zoomorphs sets are interchangeable. 4/27/2006 (Price: $20.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

K'NEX Footed Friends Construction Set by K'NEX BRANDS

With the Kid K’NEX Footed Friends building set from K’NEX, large chunky feet, big rabbit ears and huge bug eyes go together easily to create new friends. Kids can build on the storage case too. With 55 easy-snap large pieces it’s an excellent value for young builders. The Knex Footed Friends Construction Set includes 55 pieces and instructions. 4/21/2006 (Price: $12.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Exo-Force by LEGO

Exo-Force is a whole line of men and machines that take building to the Exth degree. ( Watch Video) 4/21/2006

Vertical Vengeance Roller Coaster by K'NEX BRANDS

K'NEX builders and thrill seekers will feel the hair on the back of their necks and goose-bumps on their arms rise high with the newest addition to K'NEX Thrill Ride series - the K'NEX Vertical Vengeance Coaster. The giant coaster features K’NEX’s brand new micro parts for bigger-building fun and measures over 5 feet tall. The building set includes a vertical, motorized chain lift that carries two coaster cars all the way to the top. The cars then race down 33 feet of track through loops, turns and spirals. To make the ride more realistic, the kit comes with coaster sounds and screams. Step-by-step instructions are included, with each broken down to translate the 3D result into a 2D visual that is easy to understand. The set includes a part organizer for easy sorting and storage.The set will be available Fall 2006. Requires two AA batteries for motor and sound effects. ( Watch Video) 4/20/2006 (Price: $59.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Jumbo Cardboard Blocks by MELISSA & DOUG

This 40-piece set encourages creativity and constructive play. Children can create walls, fences, forts, houses or skyscrapers. The bright, colorful blocks are durable to withstand years of rough play. The set includes three different block sizes. 4/14/2006 (Price: $25.00)

Monkeez by TOOBEEZ LLC

Monkeez are an educational climb-on toy. Building with them is easy because all parts are small in diameter and are held together with locking clips. This 336-piece kit includes 58 tubes, 20 elbows, 8 connectors, 4 four-way crosses, 12 swivel pivots, 4 wheels, 4 hubs, 152 clips, 4 panels, 10 boards and 60 hangers. 4/14/2006 (Price: $259.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Young Architects Brick and Mortar Construction Kit – Statue of Liberty by EDUCATIONAL INSIGHTS INC.

With this line of building toys young architects can experience the excitement and pride of building their own ready-to-display stone replicas of world-famous architectural masterpieces. The kit comes with mortar, a mini wheelbarrow, a trowel, an L-shaped ruler and an 8-page instruction guide. The mortar dissolves in water, making it possible to build the structure again and again. 4/14/2006 (Price: $29.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Young Architects Brick and Mortar Construction Kit – White House by EDUCATIONAL INSIGHTS INC.

Amateur architects can build this replica of the White House with this kit that includes bricks, mortar, a mini wheelbarrow, a trowel, an L-shaped ruler and an instruction book. The mortar dissolves in water, making it possible to build the structure again and again. “Wooden building sets like Brick and Mortar are good,” Dean Nelson, owner of Wizard Kids Toys in Toledo, Ohio, told TDmonthly in spring 2007. 4/14/2006 (Price: $29.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Young Architects Brick and Mortar Construction Kit – Empire State Building by EDUCATIONAL INSIGHTS INC.

Amateur architects can construct a replica of this New York City landmark. This kit includes bricks, mortar, a mini wheelbarrow, a trowel, an L-shaped ruler and an instruction book. The mortar dissolves in water, making it possible to build the structure again and again. 4/14/2006 (Price: $29.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Woody Click Smart Living Family Home by HAPE

Children can use their imaginations to put this house together the way they like by clicking together the components. It includes furnishings for a kitchen, TV room, bath and patio. 4/14/2006 (Price: $69.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Woody Click Smart Living Holiday Home by HAPE

This holiday home can be assembled in any way the child prefers. It includes three sets of spiral staircases and rooms, including a bathroom, kitchen and living area. Modern furnishings are included. 4/14/2006 (Price: $79.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Erector Special Edition Set by SCHYLLING

This deluxe set of timeless erector pieces (today manufactured by French company Meccano S.N. and distributed in the United States by NIKKO) includes everything needed to build more than 50 different models. The set contains 643 parts including steel girders, plates, wheels, nuts and bolts. It comes with instructions for building a 4x4 truck with articulated arm, dragster, submarine, helicopter and more. A power tool is included for easier construction. Previously distributed by Nikko America (6.2.09).
— Cheryl Richmond, owner of Punkin Doodles in Havre, Mont., told TDmonthly that the smaller Erector sets are big in her store: “The preference is for sets with 4 or 5 models to build rather than 15 or 20. At least that’s the trend for us.” Two other retailers agreed in spring 2007 that Erector sets sell well in their stores.
— Specialty retailers reported to TDmonthly average sales of 15 Erector sets per month.
— Juan Alejo, product manager for Erector Sets, told TDmonthly about the Special Editions Set: "It's just pretty cool. It comes with its own carrying case, so that all the parts can be kept safely. It's made of plastic and metal, and is ideal for kids aged 8 to 15." 4/14/2006 (Price: $79.95)

Construction Vehicles Set by BRIO CORPORATION

This 241-piece includes all the parts, tools and instructions needed to build a working power shovel, tipping dumper, tractor and trailer and two off-road vehicles. 4/14/2006 (Price: $60.00)

Enzo Ferrari 1:10 by LEGO

Builders can create a replica of the ultimate Ferrari with this 1:10 scale kit. Doors open and the hood can be raised to reveal the V12 engine. And the steering really works! The car measures 18” by 9”. 4/14/2006 (Price: $99.99)

Ambulance by LEGO

This 113-piece set includes an EMT mini-figure, stretcher and more. The back and side compartments of the ambulance open, adding to its realism. 4/14/2006 (Price: $7.99)

Magformers by MAGFORMERS LLC

This magnetic construction set features 108 powerful magnets permanently encapsulated inside 18 jewel-toned square Magformers and 12 triangle Magformers. The magnets rotate to their attraction position upon contact, so Magformers always connect regardless of their polarity. Watch in amazement as Magformers "form" into three-dimensional structures. Magformers received an Oppenheim Gold Award as well as the 2007 Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award. The product’s “magnetic connector concept allows the end user to create quick, magical 3-D models,” President Larry Hunt of Rainbow Products told TDmonthly. Launch date: April 2006.
— Lynda Blankenship, owner of Smart Toys & Books in Knoxville, Tenn. told TDmonthly in late Spring 2011 that Magformers were a best-selling construction toy.
— Magformers are a best seller at Piccolo Mondo Toys in Portland, Ore., Owner Michelle Smith told TDmonthly in Dec. 2008. “We have them on a play table,” she said. Magformers have been best sellers for at least a year at Pufferbellies in Staunton, Va., Co-owner Susan Blanton said in September 2009.
— Mike DiAndrea, manager of Hardware Centre in Paoli, Pa., told TDmonthly during an April 2009 survey that he sells between 100 and 150 sets of Magformers per month. Magformers are also a best seller at Golden Apple Learning Store in Pleasanton, Calif., Owner John MacDougall told TDmonthly in August 2009.
— Want this? As of 05/10/2011, this product was available for purchase at Smart Toys & Books ( Watch Video) 4/14/2006 (Price: $34.98) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

UberStix Starter Set (450 piece kit) by UBERSTIX

Future architects, engineers, and even rocket scientists will love using this versatile construction system that utilizes principles of physics and mathematics to build, float, and fly their wildest projects. The highly flexible, yet sturdy links, crossbeams and connecting panels interlock to form rigid structures that soar. This 450-piece set has plans for a tower, boat, bridge, ray-gun and UFO. Complete instructions are included. 3/30/2006 (Price: $44.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

The Batmobile: Two-Face's Escape by LEGO

When Two-Face tries to get away with an armored car full of stolen money, it's time to send the Batmobile into action! Kids can dodge the two-sided truck's hidden weapons, then fire the Batmobile's rocket at the secret panel to send Two-Face flying. The building kit includes black-suited Batman, Two-Face and evil henchman minifigures, Batmobile, bank truck and city roadblock. The 9.5” Batmobile has a blunt shooter rocker. A secret panel on bank truck sends Two-Face flying. The kit also includes a collection of Batman gadgets. 3/30/2006 (Price: $29.99)

Levers and Pulleys Kit by K'NEX BRANDS

This kit from K’NEX Education will help kids get started building the models in “Teaching Physics With TOYS EASYGuide Edition.” The benefits of using K’NEX Education Kits are that they’re a fun and economical alternative to single-use equipment. The kit includes a plastic storage case with moveable dividers and transparent locking lid. Additional pieces used in the EASYGuide Edition (as noted on the companion CD-ROM) can come from any K’NEX set or can be ordered as an add-on pack. 3/30/2006 (Price: $25.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

My First Craftsman Wood Kit Birdhouse by MAMMOTH TOYS

With a little help from a parent, a child can turn this kit into a real working birdhouse. All the pieces come pre-cut, pre-sanded and pre-drilled, so there are no worries. Kit includes a real Craftsman screwdriver and easy-to-understand instructions. Adult supervision recommended. Measures 8"L x 8"W x 9"H when complete. 3/30/2006 (Price: $5.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Marble Run with Motorized Elevator by INTERNATIONAL PLAYTHINGS LLC

Kids can create an endless and mesmerizing cascade of marbles. This 180-piece set, devised by Torino, Italy-based Quercetti Intelligent Toys, includes components to build a motorized, height adjustable elevator that works with any marble run configuration. This set includes an exclusive double entrance funnel and spirals, as well as transparent tubes to view sneak peeks of the marbles as they progress through the run. It also includes extra long bridges, sturdy base pieces and real marbles. Two "AA" batteries not included.
— For adults in Portland, Ore., marble runs by International Playthings are a fun purchase, reported Sarah Green, manager of Kids at Heart.
— This product was listed as a best seller by John MacDougall, owner of Golden Apple Learning Store, in Pleasanton, Calif., in August 2009. 3/30/2006 (Price: $39.99)

Uberbot by UBERSTIX

With the Überbots construction and RC kits, kids spend most of their time designing and building offenses and defenses and then testing their assumptions on the field of battle. If they are knocked down three times, they return to their lab and redesign to come back stronger. The more kids play, the more sophisticated their designs become. Dane Scarborough, inventor of Überbots and Überstix, told TDmonthly, “Build a boat and it floats or sails; build a UFO and it really flies; build a skyscraper and your ceiling may get in the way. More than one retailer told me that placing the order felt good because Überstix are designed to work with recycled items, including water bottles, Popsicle sticks, McDonald's straws, paperclips, etc. … This feature allows kids of all economic backgrounds to build big.” The kit builds two Überbots with 250 Überstix, two controllers and two flags. Each Überbot will operate on a different RC frequency, with up to six Überbots capable of battling simultaneously. The kit can also be purchased with rechargeable batteries. ( Watch Video) 3/20/2006 (Price: $149.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]