ConnetixRainbow Transport Play Vehicle, 50-Pieces Set

Really good set to go with my grandsons other sets. He loves these and now he has wheels. Quick delivery

Product as advertised was delivered within expected timeframe

I wasn't familiar with the Connetix range before seeing this kit but I am glad we have found it now. Essentially it is a modular building system of plastic tiles in different shapes and colours, with inbuilt magnets to allow them to connect. This pack enables you to make a few different types of vehicle - of course the child can use their imagination to build different tops but the bases dictate the essentials of size and layout.There is probably an optimum age for this; while they are marked as suitable for 3-year-olds, but I think they would require a lot of help/input/ from an adult or much older child to get really engaged with this. The magnetic connectors require a basic understanding to make them work and sometimes the pieces need to be manipulated carefully - more suitable I would think for children over 5 or 6 years, and a dextrous 10 year old would probably get the most out of this.The magnets and the geometric shapes give a lot of opportunity for practising science and maths concepts, without it feeling like homework. Of course there is also a strong art/craft/design creative component, so building the set is great for combining abstract ideas and the need to use maths and science to make them in reality.The pieces seem sturdy, though the temptation to play at ram-raiding with the built vehicles may be testing this out. The kit includes enough pieces to keep one child happy for hours, but if you wanted to make the most of the activity you might want to buy extra sets for more tiles. That is the one downside I would observe - these kits are really quite expensive, more so if you need to buy two or more to make the play satisfying. I think it would be worth the outlay if it captures your child's imagination and if you have the time to spend with them, developing the science and maths learning opportunities.

All of the individual components from this set pack down into a fairly small box for storage. The cardboard box it comes in should be thick and strong enough to retain for this purpose. The box is surprisingly heavy for its size. Inside the box, there are 50 pieces, which hold together with strong concealed magnets, so there’s no risk of children swallowing them. There are numerous magnets along all edges, which are held suspended inside each plastic tile.Included in the set is one long wheelbase, in shiny black, and two short wheelbases, which are identical and transparent. The wheels move smoothly along, and there are even tow hitches and loops that allow you to make a long vehicle with the three wheelbases hitched together, or you can make smaller vehicles. An inspiration book is included, which is quite substantial and comprehensive. It has full colour photographs on each page, and shows how you might use some of the tiles to make shapes and patterns, rather than just vehicles. This makes the set suitable for any sex to use, whether or not they like the vehicle aspect of the toy.These are very well-made pieces, which should provide hours of fun for both kids and adults. They do seem very expensive for what they are though, costing more than £1 for each individual piece. I don't think they are quite as fun and sturdy as Lego. Sometimes it's difficult to make and hold the shape you want, as the magnets can repel against each other, forcing your build out of shape. Even so, I'm sure many people would still enjoy playing around with different configurations.

My son loves building things and using his imagination. Normally any sort of vehicle, so when I saw this set with the wheels I knew we had to get it!There are 3 wheeled bases which can connect together. The various shapes are a nice bright colour and the magnets are a decent strength to hold your creations together.Very pleased with this.