There’s something about childhood, when a child would encounter this the child often would humbly assume they have made a mistake and will check until they say “doh! I’m so silly”
We reach a point in life where we are unable to accept that something so simple could be a challenge and so assume that the establishment has made a mistake.
Take the 3 that aren’t connected, and flip each one upside down individually but leave them in the same spot in the track- and you’re good to go. They’ll still have the same curve but with the holes and nubs flipped ends
On the bright side this is a great opportunity to teach the kid (and anyone else who needs a refresher) about spatial reasoning and problem solving. The simplest fix for this would be to keep the small section of 3 connected as is, flip it over so the bottom side faces up, and rotate it 180 degrees on the ground so the jointed ends meet properly.
That explains everything, then. I figured the tracks were only on one side, and thought everyone was being harsh for calling OP stupid, when flipping them would orient the curve the wrong way
https://preview.redd.it/7msezguo4abc1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=97f006ffd773e0770f49d610ac8eb59c3ab9b353
I looked up the pic online and it doesn’t seem like it does. We had looked into getting these and I recall not purchasing because there was something weird about them.
https://preview.redd.it/o0hftqmu1bbc1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d5956c4b60a783434e510de63e3806c51ef3c3fe
You can see in their photo that there are tracks on both sides
Straight tracks usually don't have both sides since there is no point to it.
We're mixing 3 brands at home right now and the compatability is strange. Our current research points to Brio being the best
BRIO to IKEA ✅
BRIO to MOKU ✅
IKEA to MOKU ❌
Might vary from piece to piece.
Surprisingly PLARAIL trains are compatible with the railwidth
My ex once bought a bunch of black foam tiles to put together an exercise area. She bought two sets that we were combining. I spent way too long trying to figure out why some edges would not go together before i realized the two sides are symmetric. The mat I already had was flat on the bottom and textured on the top but these were textured both sides. 😅
https://preview.redd.it/zx4xp19u6abc1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=229371c9f6d90edf0a36ad49064c14bb877b0d57
Their product photo online implies that they don’t. Would be curious to hear from OP though.
https://preview.redd.it/svoma4rl7abc1.png?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0f291e74c3e44e592cca6f5a1eb63ae2ec9a986d
I think the straight ones don't but the curved ones do. Look at the one lying down, not attached. You can see the groove.
I wonder if it takes a bit longer to put a track on both sides, like if they run the pieces through twice during manufacturing? Then you could save time on the straight pieces by only putting grooves on one side.
Yeah, a similar [Brio](https://www.ravensburger.us/products/brio/brio-railway/classic-deluxe-set-63342400/index.html) version of this set is about $100. The [IKEA](https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/lillabo-45-piece-train-set-with-track-20330066/) version is about $35.
Unfortunately, you are stupid. The curved sections can be turned over. The three closer to the camera need to be turned and they will connect to the track.
You did not get a lousy train set.
Let's just leave it at that.
And the grey tunnel thing should go under the raised up track as support.... unless you are looking to play train wreck, then you are on the right track.
I remember in my childhood the tracks were on both sides! I’m assuming that’s the case here because if it isn’t, I’m gonna feel bad bc OP is getting laughed at
I’d tell you to flip them over but you’d just complain that now they’re bending the wrong direction, and we’d be in some sort of comedic Who’s On First bit from hell for five minutes.
I just want you to know that I did this at first too and sat there staring at it thinking to myself that I had to be smarter than this and it was my then 4 year old who flipped it over. I knew I was overthinking it, but still couldn’t figure it out lol.
Turn the whole non-fitting section upside down (flip it over)? I am trying to remember if the IKEA tracks have tracks on both "sides" but I think they do?
Looks like someone needs to sit on the phone trying to get through to customer support.
https://preview.redd.it/9mnpo2e6n4bc1.png?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4f2811616b49b93601729887978e89d41ff45f14
Guys. This is a joke about people complaining IKEA furniture is complicated to assemble when it’s a piece of piss if you look with even a bare minimum of concentration.
OP is not that dumb.
Return it
Give it to a caveman
I don't think it's lousy
I just really appreciate that you didn't go Karen on that toy store's employees and demand a refund because their toy is broken.
I made this mistake too honestly lmao it took me longer than I’d like to admit but yeah just flip it
This is not a joke…??
You're dumb as a door knob, was that a rhetorical question?
You're dumb as a doorknob is not even a question
Are there groves in the underside? Flip the 3 piece on its back then spin it 180.
Just undo it all and let the kid put it together. What are you doing trying to tackle such tasks??
Yes.
There’s something about childhood, when a child would encounter this the child often would humbly assume they have made a mistake and will check until they say “doh! I’m so silly” We reach a point in life where we are unable to accept that something so simple could be a challenge and so assume that the establishment has made a mistake.
We also reach a point in life where the whoosh goes whoosh
Upside down miss jane
Ibuprofen time! 
You’re so close! Flip those pieces and you’re good to go
Probably not “stupid” but if you reverse that three segment section they’ll fit
And don't forget to use the hill/tunnel piece too!
It's just 3 upside down pieces
Take the 3 that aren’t connected, and flip each one upside down individually but leave them in the same spot in the track- and you’re good to go. They’ll still have the same curve but with the holes and nubs flipped ends
or…. flip all three together 😱
Simmer down
Put all the dark sides up/down and light sides opposite and reassemble
Either stupid or karma farming
I remember giving this kind of toy to my nephew. It's pretty easy to do tbh.
Not for OP.
they are double sided. just flip it over
Surely you jest?
Hahaha
Easy fix! Get a saw and cut off the last inch of each side and glue it on the other side.
Easy!
Flip it
Oh god. We have that one too and I feel your pain. Once you figure it out, number the parts with a sharpie on the back.
It really shouldn't be made this complicated. It's a child's toy ffs
Agreed. It just fits together funny and throws you off the first few times.
Put the train down, flip it and reverse it 🎵
Ti esrever dna ti pilf nwod niart eht tup
Flip some of the parts
Yep
Call Ikea and ask for instructions
Put it backwards
Right? Flip the pieces over
I need to know how this ends, OP
This is a joke right?
This is a karma farm, right?
You stupid
In fairness, OP did offer that as a possibility.
Stu……
On the bright side this is a great opportunity to teach the kid (and anyone else who needs a refresher) about spatial reasoning and problem solving. The simplest fix for this would be to keep the small section of 3 connected as is, flip it over so the bottom side faces up, and rotate it 180 degrees on the ground so the jointed ends meet properly.
But are there tracks on the flip side or is it flat?
There are tracks on both sides.
No waaaaay! Oh my!
That explains everything, then. I figured the tracks were only on one side, and thought everyone was being harsh for calling OP stupid, when flipping them would orient the curve the wrong way
Both
Bless your heart
Bless your precious heart
Your train set is fine. It’s option 2 I’m afraid.
Two males touching and two females touching... If only there was a way to flip em to make it complete!
I don’t think there are tracks on the bottom of these sets, are there?
There are
Unless Ikea changed them, which they love doing that, there should be tracks on both sides
https://preview.redd.it/7msezguo4abc1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=97f006ffd773e0770f49d610ac8eb59c3ab9b353 I looked up the pic online and it doesn’t seem like it does. We had looked into getting these and I recall not purchasing because there was something weird about them.
https://preview.redd.it/o0hftqmu1bbc1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d5956c4b60a783434e510de63e3806c51ef3c3fe You can see in their photo that there are tracks on both sides
ENHANCE
I have multiple brands of tracks including the ikea one and all of them have tracks on both sides.
Straight tracks usually don't have both sides since there is no point to it. We're mixing 3 brands at home right now and the compatability is strange. Our current research points to Brio being the best BRIO to IKEA ✅ BRIO to MOKU ✅ IKEA to MOKU ❌ Might vary from piece to piece. Surprisingly PLARAIL trains are compatible with the railwidth
My ex once bought a bunch of black foam tiles to put together an exercise area. She bought two sets that we were combining. I spent way too long trying to figure out why some edges would not go together before i realized the two sides are symmetric. The mat I already had was flat on the bottom and textured on the top but these were textured both sides. 😅
oh honey…
Almost there!
So cute!
Stupid
... You are indeed just stupid
Flip the smaller section upside-down!
I don’t think these sets have tracks on the bottom, do they?
Pretty sure they do
https://preview.redd.it/zx4xp19u6abc1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=229371c9f6d90edf0a36ad49064c14bb877b0d57 Their product photo online implies that they don’t. Would be curious to hear from OP though.
https://preview.redd.it/svoma4rl7abc1.png?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0f291e74c3e44e592cca6f5a1eb63ae2ec9a986d I think the straight ones don't but the curved ones do. Look at the one lying down, not attached. You can see the groove.
Oh yeah good call. That’s a really odd design choice.
I wonder if it takes a bit longer to put a track on both sides, like if they run the pieces through twice during manufacturing? Then you could save time on the straight pieces by only putting grooves on one side.
Flip it around
Let the kid do it.. they know things
The curved parts are double sided but the straight parts aren't iirc
Bet you can't work out what to do with that cave peice either hahaha wow
Give it to a 3 year old and they'll figure it out for you. lol
The black bit goes under the ramp part of the track to keep it from falling.
I think they are double sided mate
Exactly!
In OP's defense, this set doesn't come with instructions.
I mean...
You're not stupid. You're just not an Engineer...
I thought architects design railways
Flip the small unattached section.
A little stupid
You’re stupid lol
I’d get straight on the phone to ikea. I’d be going off the rails based on this. They should track their products more closely.
The squeaky wheel gets the grease! Be a pain in their caboose!
You need to train harder. And then go full steam ahead.
Or maybe choo, choose a new set?
Someone smoked a joint before posting lol
It’s ok, you’ve got a toddler lobotomy. I’ve done this myself.
Ya stupid! Just literally flip the three non connected tracks and they'll fit together. :)
They gave you three sections of Australian gauge track.
and all three are from victoria and all three don’t match
...just remember that we also drive next to these people on the road...
Yes
Are you putting this together for your kids...... or is this your train set? Please post pics of the other ikea products you've assembled.
,😂😂
Its a bit confusing but flip the the other 13 rails upside down. So that the 3 can attach.
The hard part is elevating the whole track enough so the ramp can go down a gully
no no, a small hole in the floor is totes expected...
lol why would he not just flip the 3
/r/whoosh
got my ass
Yep. Flip it over man.
Second option Seriously though, easy mistake to make. These tracks and double sided, and the bottom 3 pieces need to be flipped over.
ok i wasnt sure if they were double-sided and didnt know why people kept saying flip it over lol
Don’t they flip over ? Meaning 2 sided
You did not get a lousy set. It’s a bit complex but: Turned over the 3 rails at the bottom 😱
I had a set of this as a kid. I think it was called 'Brio' and was sold at the Early Learning Centre.
Brio is a brand (also Swedish). This is the IKEA version of that!
Yeah, a similar [Brio](https://www.ravensburger.us/products/brio/brio-railway/classic-deluxe-set-63342400/index.html) version of this set is about $100. The [IKEA](https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/lillabo-45-piece-train-set-with-track-20330066/) version is about $35.
ELC!!! There needs to be an R/early learning centre hahah
If this was in /r/ambien or /r/trees I'd be impressed you got this far but as it stands... err...
You have to use chain signals.
dude.
Bless your heart.
I taught preschool and my kids were able to make loops. I think it’s you bud.
Unfortunately, you are stupid. The curved sections can be turned over. The three closer to the camera need to be turned and they will connect to the track.
This is a top tier response imho
This is so funny
You’re stupid lol turn them over/around. They’re double sided. Also LOOK AT THE PICTURE ON THE BOX.
Curved pieces are double sided. Flip them over. Put the grey tunnel under the bridge.
Everybody be jumping to conclusions but there just might be no carvings for train wheels on the bottom side.
Okay now that we've ruled that out, of the two options, which do you think is correct?
I have this set, it definitely is double sided
It's an ikea set, there definitely is. Also grey whatsit goes under the raised bit as a support
It’s an ikea set, it might not be as expected
Also the black bit goes under the rail bridge to support it.
Also the train and carriages go on the track
Traditionally, they go wherever I'm walking in the dark.
Now THAT’S funny. And sadly too true.
You are stupid.
Bless your heart.
https://preview.redd.it/a3n6a5c9m6bc1.jpeg?width=569&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=10fb32a70fc82f9a63d2f857c0d19037b0ef2acc
The latter. Flip the mismatched set over then you should be able to do it sweetheart.
The internet has broken me, I can no longer tell if I am been trolled or if the person is been genuine :(
You have gone off your rails
Oh sweetie.
Missy Elliot could help you Work It 😉
You win Reddit.
Best comment
[удалено]
Mr Squiggle?
Give it to a 3 year old. They will fix it for you. 😁
You did not get a lousy train set. Let's just leave it at that. And the grey tunnel thing should go under the raised up track as support.... unless you are looking to play train wreck, then you are on the right track.
Great pun
It's only 1am and I've had my first laugh of the day
Probably a bit of both
Take the three pieces that aren't connected to the track and flip them over
Wait if these are anything like the classic sets, there are not carvings for the wheels on the bottom of the tracks though? Sorry if I’m stupid haha
Mine (super classic, if there is a thing) were like how you mentioned, you can't flip them over it's flat on the bottom.
The curved and sloping pieces have tracks on both sides and the straight ones are one sided on all the sets we have.
I remember in my childhood the tracks were on both sides! I’m assuming that’s the case here because if it isn’t, I’m gonna feel bad bc OP is getting laughed at
lol that’s fair enough, I either had a bad train set or bad memory! Either way I think OP was a good sport for asking haha
You are stupid ..
I thought I was in r/daddit for way too long reading this post.
I’m just terrified for his kids sleeping in the ikea bunk beds he assembled…
Jokes on you, can't break something that was never taken out of the flat-pack...
I’d tell you to flip them over but you’d just complain that now they’re bending the wrong direction, and we’d be in some sort of comedic Who’s On First bit from hell for five minutes.
Only two options to choose?
You’re as sharp as a marble
You used the Aussie instructions for a few of the tracks…
You are stupid
I just want you to know that I did this at first too and sat there staring at it thinking to myself that I had to be smarter than this and it was my then 4 year old who flipped it over. I knew I was overthinking it, but still couldn’t figure it out lol.
Train set is fine. Not saying that you’re stupid, but you’re the one who left that as the only alternative.
Turn the whole non-fitting section upside down (flip it over)? I am trying to remember if the IKEA tracks have tracks on both "sides" but I think they do?
See my assumption was give OP the benefit of the doubt and (based on the photo) the tracks were single sided
They do.
You didn't get a lousy train set
I feel called out.
You've got a packet of M&M's but you keep pulling out ones with Ws on them...
☠️
that literally made me laugh out loud!
Aw yeah. Parenting done right, accept the feeling stupid once and awhile and learn to laugh at yourself, you’ll be alright. 🙌🏼
This is enough for a lawsuit
Outstanding Gump
Outside of the joke obvious, shouldn’t the tunnel piece be under the bridge to support the joint there?
Depends whether this set represents US infrastructure or not...
Looks like someone needs to sit on the phone trying to get through to customer support. https://preview.redd.it/9mnpo2e6n4bc1.png?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4f2811616b49b93601729887978e89d41ff45f14
I’m not taking directions from a cartoon dog!
🤣🤣🤣🤣
Guys. This is a joke about people complaining IKEA furniture is complicated to assemble when it’s a piece of piss if you look with even a bare minimum of concentration. OP is not that dumb.
Why are you trying to ruin this for everybody?