Constructive marble run: Difference between revisions

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|[[File:MarbleRunBlocks-StarterPack02_large.jpg|thumb|500px|Marble Run Blocks - Starter pack example configuration (Source: [https://cults3d.com/en/3d-model/game/marble-run-blocks-starter-pack]) ]]
|[[File:MarbleRunBlocks-StarterPack02_large.jpg|thumb|300px|Marble Run Blocks - Starter pack example configuration (Source: [https://cults3d.com/en/3d-model/game/marble-run-blocks-starter-pack]) ]]
|[[File:MarbleRunBlocks-StarterPack03_large.jpg|thumb|500px|Marble Run Blocks - Starter pack, elements (Source: [https://cults3d.com/en/3d-model/game/marble-run-blocks-starter-pack]) ]]
|[[File:MarbleRunBlocks-StarterPack03_large.jpg|thumb|300px|Marble Run Blocks - Starter pack, elements (Source: [https://cults3d.com/en/3d-model/game/marble-run-blocks-starter-pack]) ]]
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Revision as of 15:47, 7 December 2018

Draft

Introduction

A constructive marble run kit allows children and grown ups to create their own marble run.

A marble run can be used to explain some physics principles.

Types of marble runs

A quick online search revealed several types. These can be classified according to several criteria

  • Commercial / free
  • Finished pieces / Do it Yourself
  • Compatible with an other construction set (e.g. Lego) / Not compatible
  • Large / small
  • (Support) for complex / simple runs

Lego compatible marble runs

A number of free and commercial lego compatible marble run systems exist.

Open source 3D printable systems

On thingiverse we identified the following Lego compatible 3D printable systems. So far, we did not test print all of these. Probably the most interesting system as of Dec 2018 is Lego Marble Run by metallguru Aug 29, 2018. That being said some things complete other, simpler system.

Commercial 3D printable systems

commercial Lego or Duplo compatible systems

A good example of a Duplo-compatible set is Marble Race Run Maze Ball Track Building Blocks Plastic Funnel Slide Big Size Bricks Compatible with Big Brand Duplo Blocks (retrieved Dec 5, 2018). On Ali Express, many variants of the same design (or product?) can be found.

The largest 208 piece set features the following elements:

Advertising of a marble run product (Source)

The vendor also includes the block size which indeed uses standard Duplo conventions as explained in the Doblo factory article. Height should be 19.2mm and not 20mm, but this is maybe a mistake by the graphist.

Advertising of a marble run product (Source)

Commercial somewhat compatible for 3D printing

To print on your own printer.

An example is Marble Run Blocks - Starter pack. This product is partly Lego compatible, i.e. the bottom might fit on Lego. The system is based on the same square and is easily stackable.

Marble Run Blocks - Starter pack example configuration (Source: [1])
Marble Run Blocks - Starter pack, elements (Source: [2])

Marble run bricks

Constructive marble run sets are composed of several brick types that can be combined into a run. The most important elements are runs and curves.

Animated

for example, a spinner.

Crossings

Balls can cross at an intersection.

Curve

Variants:

  • Degrees: Mostly either 90 / 180
  • Narrow / Wide
  • Flat / Sloped

Fork / Split

A ball enters and go one of two (or more) directions.

Examples:

Funnel / hole

A vertical hole. The ball enters, can optionally rotate, and then drops.

Joins

Balls can come from 2 directions and join in a single track. One also could use this element as (random) fork (split)

Loop

Ball does one loop. This requires initial speed. It exists as fixed element or can be achieved with flexible track elements.

Examples:

Marble pump

Can bring a marbel from bottom to top. Typically, a large spiral that is either operated by hand or by a motor.


Spiral

Spirals are connected curves, usually 2 or 3 complete turns

Start/end

A run with a wall at one end. May contain a little depression to keep the ball in place.

Track / Runs

A usually straight (not bended) run that can be flat or go downhill a bit or a lot.

Variants:

  • short/long
  • flat / slope (weak to strong) / cosine / up/down bending / etc. slope
  • rigid / flexible

Examples of typical track elements can be found in all sets, e.g.

Some kits also combine various technology (e.g. Lego + Uebelino)

Examples of flexible runs:

Tunnel

A brick that is closed. A variant of almost all the other variants. In case of Lego compatibles, can have nibbles on top to allow building on top.

Variants:

  • short/long
  • straight / curved
  • flat / slope.

Twister / Cone

Ball enters, rotates and then falls down a hole.

Examples:

Various

There is an unlimited amount of more complex pieces that can be designed.

Examples:

Links

List of products

We don't have time to conduct a serious evaluation.

The following search provide a lot of products:

3D printables

Commercial


Free

  • See above

Laser cut

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