Girder and Panel Tekton Plaza
Build tall, strong towers with overhangs and bridges. Beloved for decades, this amazing construction set brand is soon to be gone.
<p><strong>Toy Description</strong></p>
<p>Plastic construction set that allows for more ‘real looking’ buildings and structures. Black pieces are often used as the roofing sections, with blue and clear pieces acting as the walls and windows for modern buildings.</p>
<p>Not that those pieces can’t be rearranged, as they certainly can be. They just have a more realistic visual appeal when playing with things like Matchbox cars and trains than the brightly colored brands.</p>
<p>The Tekton Plaza kit includes over 500 pieces and comes in a large plastic storage bin. The bin may be blue, yellow, red, or green, but all container the same parts.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.bridgestreettoys.com/waytwork/images/large_tower.pdf" linktype="3" target="_blank">Instructions for building</a> and tips for achieving stability are also included.</p>
<p><strong>Play</strong></p>
<p>Create the image shown or something completely original. With over 500 pieces, one mega-structure can be made, or a whole city block of smaller buildings.</p>
<p><strong>Observations</strong></p>
<p>As with virtually all construction sets, this provides a wonderful opportunity for adults and children to work together. Folks who remember playing with their own Girder and Panel set as a child will have that extra feeling of nostalgia as they watch the pieces being unpacked and connected for the first time by someone new to experience.</p>
<p>One of the best things about this brand is how light they are. Weighing much less than LEGOs, Girder and Panel sets can be made into large, tall buildings that allow for overhangs and tunnels while using far fewer pieces. The connection points are very stable, letting tall buildings have little to no wobble.</p>
<p>Because of the connection strength, these require some time to take apart. The buildings can’t just be knocked over and exploded into their separate pieces, so these are not the best choice for pretending to be a radioactive reptile who goes on an urban rampage. Doing so could bend and warp the pieces.</p>
<p>Occasionally, a child may be frustrated with having to take it all apart, but we have not found that to be anything that dissuades children from playing with this kit. At least, not for children who enjoy construction sets. Usually, construction-minded children understand that taking something down is a necessary effect of putting something up, and have no trouble spending the time or energy needed to make ready for their next project.</p>
<p>The set arrives in a nice storage container, so storing the parts is a breeze. The bin may be blue, green, red, or yellow.</p>
<p><strong>Care</strong></p>
<p>Wipe down parts with damp cloth when dirty.</p>
<p><strong>Parts and Pieces</strong></p>
<p>Kit includes over 500 pieces and is fully compatible with other Girder and Panel sets.</p>
<p>Fits well with Matchbox and Hot Wheels cars.</p>
<p><strong>Concerns</strong></p>
<p>Due to the overabundance of electronic toys, some kids may need a little coaxing to fully understand the amazingness that is a construction kit. Adults may need to jump in and play alongside children at first, then step back to give the little builders their space.</p>
Written by: The Guide For Toys
Girder and Panel Tekton Plaza
Date published: 2016-08-01
9.00 / 10 stars
Detailed ReviewToy Description
Plastic construction set that allows for more ‘real looking’ buildings and structures. Black pieces are often used as the roofing sections, with blue and clear pieces acting as the walls and windows for modern buildings.
Not that those pieces can’t be rearranged, as they certainly can be. They just have a more realistic visual appeal when playing with things like Matchbox cars and trains than the brightly colored brands.
The Tekton Plaza kit includes over 500 pieces and comes in a large plastic storage bin. The bin may be blue, yellow, red, or green, but all container the same parts.
Instructions for building and tips for achieving stability are also included.
Play
Create the image shown or something completely original. With over 500 pieces, one mega-structure can be made, or a whole city block of smaller buildings.
Observations
As with virtually all construction sets, this provides a wonderful opportunity for adults and children to work together. Folks who remember playing with their own Girder and Panel set as a child will have that extra feeling of nostalgia as they watch the pieces being unpacked and connected for the first time by someone new to experience.
One of the best things about this brand is how light they are. Weighing much less than LEGOs, Girder and Panel sets can be made into large, tall buildings that allow for overhangs and tunnels while using far fewer pieces. The connection points are very stable, letting tall buildings have little to no wobble.
Because of the connection strength, these require some time to take apart. The buildings can’t just be knocked over and exploded into their separate pieces, so these are not the best choice for pretending to be a radioactive reptile who goes on an urban rampage. Doing so could bend and warp the pieces.
Occasionally, a child may be frustrated with having to take it all apart, but we have not found that to be anything that dissuades children from playing with this kit. At least, not for children who enjoy construction sets. Usually, construction-minded children understand that taking something down is a necessary effect of putting something up, and have no trouble spending the time or energy needed to make ready for their next project.
The set arrives in a nice storage container, so storing the parts is a breeze. The bin may be blue, green, red, or yellow.
Care
Wipe down parts with damp cloth when dirty.
Parts and Pieces
Kit includes over 500 pieces and is fully compatible with other Girder and Panel sets.
Fits well with Matchbox and Hot Wheels cars.
Concerns
Due to the overabundance of electronic toys, some kids may need a little coaxing to fully understand the amazingness that is a construction kit. Adults may need to jump in and play alongside children at first, then step back to give the little builders their space.