Mini Rollercoaster
Fundamental Principle and History
This toy’s operating principle is based on magnetic attraction and repulsion. I got the idea from looking at children’s train sets (they have magnets that join independent cars) and maglev technology.
Operation
The toy operates just like a standard train set, except that instead of resting on wheels; the trains glide along with the help of the child. Upon ascent of the large hill in the set, there’s another series of magnets with opposite polarity that grab the train and locks on to it, bringing it up the hill.
Construction cost will be fairly high, as the wooden train sets I’ve seen in toy stores are often very expensive. The train should be highly durable however, so this is a toy that could easily be handed down generation to generation.
Age Group
This toy is intended for ages 3 and up with adult supervision. Setting up the tracks might be too complicated for young children, but it is safe to play with upon doing so. There are no independent small parts that they can choke on, and the train is affixed to the track once it is set up.
