
HOT WHEELS® WALL TRACKS™


Starter Set V1054/W2019 $29.99 USD/ $44.99 CAD
A great set-up! Kids loved that the extra height makes the cars go really fast; parents love that the track is off the floor and out of the way. Play appeal remained high throughout the testing period, especially when kids set up "crashes" at the bottom, or kept the cars on the move by connecting the walls tracks to their existing floor track set-ups.
The set-up is designed so that different track arrangements can be made, although doing so is more challenging than rearranging a floor design since you need to build around the fixed anchor points. And while the track can be re-arranged into different configurations, our testers found that with just one set, there wasn't a great deal of flexibility to do so.
Various Wall Tracks sets are availble. Most families tested the Starter Set (W2109) for us, although we had a Daredevil Curve set (W2106), as well. All Wall Tracks sets can function separately, or combined to make an even larger track - both on the wall, as well as feeding into your own supply of floor tracks. The tracks are 'hung' by attaching them to the provided wall anchors, which you affix to your wall using the 3M brand sticky strips included with the set.
The initial set up is very easy. Each set provides a template - just tape it to your wall and position the anchors where shown. Each anchor even has a built in 'balancing arrow' to help you position it at the exact angle needed. The 3M company claims their sticky strips provide "damage-free hanging", although we had mixed reports on that claim. And please note that while they can be removed, they are not designed to be removed and replaced as part of play. But here's a TIP: if you think you may want that kind of flexibility, 3M does make a velcro version of these sticky strips (#17201C) which you could purchase and use instead of the strips provided. The velcro base would stay stuck on your wall just as the anchors woulod otherwise do, but you could make extra velcro points so that you can move the anchors around a bit, which might make it a little easier to set up different wall track arrangements.
Most families had no issues removing the anchors from their walls, especially early on when at least one curious child pulled one off to see how it was attached. However, two families reported that at least one of the sticky tapes did peel some paint chips with it, so there's no guarantee the track set up won't cause some damage to your walls - but not until after your kids have enjoyed the enhanced play appeal these tracks add to an already classic toy.
