8 Track Layouts for Thomas the Train TrackMaster Sets

Between his birthday and Christmas, my son received seven Thomas the Train Trackmaster sets and expansions. I’ve had fun trying to come up with different and fun track layout configurations. Here are eight using the sets listed below. Three of the sets came with engines and he got an additional three as separate gifts.

 

 The sets and prices are listed below:

• Shipwreck rails: http://amzn.to/1Ri6RPl ($45)

• Thomas the Train TrackMaster Hazard Tracks Expansion Pack http://amzn.to/1oDfPxC ($7)

• Thomas The Train - TrackMaster Race Set http://amzn.to/1Ri730T ($11)

• Thomas the Train TrackMaster Tunnel Expansion Pack http://amzn.to/219kGYy ($11)

• Thomas The Train - TrackMaster Water Tower Starter Set http://amzn.to/1VzgCKd ($13)

• Thomas the Train TrackMaster Criss-Cross Junction http://amzn.to/1oDgter ($11)

• Thomas The Train - TrackMaster 2-in-1 Track Builder Set http://amzn.to/219lfBr ($24)

Total estimated cost:  $122

What Thomas the Train TrackMaster layout is your favorite? Let me know!

Kentucky Kingdom Storm Chaser VIdeo

Kentucky Kingdom's new roller coaster, Storm Chaser, is now open and is a huge hit. Check out the videos below:

50 Legendary Roller Coasters That No Longer Exist

If you could resurrect any deceased roller coaster which one would it be? 

There are currently over 4,000 operating roller coasters on the planet today. But did you know there have also been well over 3,000 coasters built throughout history that no longer exist? Countless historic scream machines are nameless, long since forgotten, having left no proof of ever terrorizing its riders, not even a photograph. While others, even after a hundred years, are still praised with regard and reverence.

If a roller coaster is “legendary” why is it torn down and removed in the first place? If it was such a special ride, why does it no longer exist? 

50 LEGENDARY ROLLER COASTERS THAT NO LONGER EXIST explains what goes into the tough decision to remove a multi-million dollar attraction and which roller coasters in history were the most notorious.

50 Legendary Roller Coasters That No Longer Exist is the latest book by Nick Weisenberger and you can download the Kindle version for free between 4/21/16 - 4/25/16.

Thomas the Train Shipwreck Rails Troubleshooting Guide

My son got this really cool Thomas the Train TrackMaster Shipwreck Rails Set. The blue, battery powered Thomas the Tank engine train climbs a lightly supported track over three feet in the air before falling into a catch-wagon that spirals down a forty-five degree drop where it releases Thomas to continue safely on his way. Really, a genius little toy. It was really fun to watch and worked great at first, that is until he accidentally knocked it over a few times. Then the catch-wagon mechanism stopped working. Being the good dad and engineer that I am, I decided to crack open the toy to see what it looked inside. If I could figure out how the Shipwreck Rails set worked, I could try to fix it myself.

After removing the plastic mast from the base and unscrewing the thirteen screws, the mast popped open into two pieces. Unfortunately, the components inside all shifted so I wasn’t able to see exactly how it was put together before. I would have to figure it out myself with a little trial and error.




The main problem with why the Shipwreck Rails Set wasn’t working propoerly is as I thought - the rope that connects the catch-wagon to the spring had jumped the pulley at the top of the mast. All I had to do was put the string back through the pulley and then figure out exactly how the string looped over the top and bottom pulleys. Easier said than done.

I can’t find any instructions or manuals on the internet of how to fix the mast and strings so I created my own video to help other dads out. Check it out below:



I hope this guide has taught you potentially how to fix your Trackmaster shipwreck rails set. Buy your own set here. I can’t wait to see what future Thomas Trackmaster sets they come out with next.

Printable Super Bowl Squares 2016

Match-ups for the 50th Super Bowl are set which means it's time to download your Super Bowl Squares 2016 Excel template for office pools. Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos will play the Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50 on Sunday, February 7th at 6:30pm. To make the big game even more fun start a football office pool using our printable Super Bowl spreadsheet. Fill in the squares, watch the game, laugh at the commercials, and see who wins and maybe make a little money at the same time, or help. If you’re a fan of a team that like mine (the Factory of Sadness) that will never make it to the championship (or playoffs for that matter), then playing Super Bowl Squares will make watching the game more exciting and gives you something to actually root for. Others may be torn between cheering for their favorite team and cheering for their squares.

Download the Super Bowl spreadsheet for free, simply click the link below.
http://excelspreadsheetshelp.blogspot.com/2016/01/super-bowl-squares-2016-excel-template.html

2015 NCAA College Football Pool Pick Em Spreadsheet for Office Pools

The 2015 NCAA college football bowl season is here again which means it’s time to make your picks and predictions about who you think will win each game. One of the best times of the holiday season is gathering around the TV and rooting for your Alma mater or hometown football team. This year has the added bonus of not just single bowl games but the second year of a four team playoff to determine the national champion.

Grab the 2015 NCAA College Football Pool Pick Em Spreadsheet for Office Pools here.

See how to use the bowl prediction pool Excel file below:

Printable 2015 Super Bowl Squares Template

The 2015 Super Bowl is in two weeks which means it's time to download a printable Super Bowl Squares template.

Down the printable 2015 Super Bowl Squares template here.