Ghost Wedgits

I like ghost Wedgits.

This particular iteration is my white Wedgits from the Class-Pak illuminated only by ultra-violet flashlights.

Fun.

Good block play.

Ankerstein Recovery

I think that in the years I have had them, Ankerstein have been some of the best value of any purchases I have made. Expensive, but big bang for the buck. Durable quality, enduring pleasure.

So why so long an absence here?

A few months ago, Chris Baldwin of The ToyHouse died in a canoing accident.

That couldn't help but take away a chunk of my pleasure in building with Anchor.

I never met him in person, but over several years of emails, I had come to think of him as a friend, not just as the source of most of my Ankerstein, and some other block sets as well. The ToyHouse is apparently still in business - whether for the long run or just until the inventory is drawn down, I don't know.

Either way, please give them some business.

This morning I was talking to the owner of a more local toy shop, and mentioned Ankerstein. I'm afraid I let down the side and failed to give a good pitch as to why he should carry them. He's got a fine, spacious store, full of quality toys and with a supportive customer base. Just the kind of place where Ankerstein should do well, if they can do well anywhere. The Seattle area is good to toy stores, and we have several large and healthy independents. Please go to his web pages and use the contact form to make up for my lost opportunity.

I came home intending to break my long empty streak and build something with Anchor Stones, and actually did. The set #6 image above is my result. A little wobbly in that right-hand tower, but I've been wobblier.

It was great experiencing that wonderful scent of linseed oil again; feeling the satisfaction of the stones - just the right weight, just the right semi-smooth, semi-roughness; having the structure rise easily and elegantly in front of me.

Very good block play.

SepToys

The SepToys seven-faced blocks may be three dimensional, but most of what is done with them is pattern making, based on the shape of a single side - most often the trapezoid.

This can be seen in this tweaked down-on view of the above construction, where only the reflectivity gives away that these are not flat trapezoidal tiles.

But there is enough exploitation of their three-dimensionality to make them valid as both pattern play and challenge block play.

They should be great for helping children develop good spatial perception.

There is only one "kind" of block, but it appears in both left- and right-handed, mirror image versions.

Each of the seven faces is different, some with "handedness," some without.

The blocks are accompanied by a sheet with a number of sample designs (or challenges) and there are many more on the SepToys web site - including designs for more than one set.

Good Block Play.

Space Puzzle

At first glance, these look like Wedgits, and indeed the original design is a product of the same fertile Swiss toy company, Naef Spiele AG. Wedgits are based on the Diamant design, these are based on Cubicus.

And there you have it, as you can easily decode from the Naef names, this construction set is based on cubical shapes, while Wedgits are based on the rhombus (or diamond) shape. As it turns out, that makes these perhaps a bit easier in some ways, but also probably less versatile.

The bottom line is that both are fun, each in their own way. And their similarities are sufficient that if you like one, you will probably like the other. though Wedgits are much better for an extended enthusiasm, while these are more appropiate for an occasional diversion.

Availability is another matter: Wedgits are available widely, and the only place I am aware of with this set is Seattle's Math'n'Stuff - fortunately for me, they are not far from my home. Fortunately for you, they also sell online (this item isn't listed on their web site, but I have seen it there recently, so inquire).

The set consolidates into a 4" cube which fits snugly into a box that unfolds to show sample designs on the inside and outside. (One panel also shows their "Triangle" product - which is a poorly made version of Wedgits and should be avoided.)

Good Block Play.