Marble Run Challenge - Lego Compatible

Use these parts to create a marble run for 10mm marbles.  The tracks and other components are compatible with Lego building blocks.  But you are not restricted to using Lego compatible blocks.  There are parts specifically for joining the other pieces without the use of Lego blocks.  There are even adjustable trestles and beams that can be used to support your construction.

Science Olympiad

These models should be fully compatible with the Science Olympiad challenges.

The marble run pictured above would be fully compatible with the Science Olympiad. Unfortunately, at the time of this picture it is 12 seconds too fast. The above layout includes:

• One - Starting Block
• One - Finish Block
• Three - Beams
• Two - Trestles
• One - Third order Hilbert curve (mounted on top of one of the beams)
• One - Fourth order Hilbert curve
• One - Cone and Cone-Sluice
• One - Loop
• Several columns (mainly to save on the number of Lego bricks used)
• Two inline catchers
• Various straight and curved rails
• Rail fasteners (for long spans)

Pictured above are two jumps (Science Olympiad compatible).

Printing

Before printing, make sure that your printer is calibrated for X, Y, and Z.  Please make sure that your bed is level (trammed) and that you have adjusted to remove any Elephants foot.  Then print the included “Lego-Like 2x3” model.  Make sure that it will interface with “real” Lego bricks without being too tight or too loose.

Suggested Settings:

• No Supports (see below for exceptions)
• Thin Walls (this is important for built-in supports and other Lego compatible features)
• Wall Ordering: Outside to Inside
• 3 Walls (2 if using 0.6mm nozzle)
• 3 Top and Bottom Layers
• Lightning Infill

Supports Needed:

• Ramp-up-xxx and Ramp-down-xx
• Loop-Clothoid-Main - must be printed on its side with supports.

Change History

2023-03-25: Tune for 0.6mm nozzle

2023-03-24: Update pretty much everything so all parts fit better with real Lego bricks. Lots of neat new parts.

2023-03-22: Update the Hilbert-Curves so they are a bit tighter (read that as smaller). Update the Trestle models to be more “beefy”. Add a Lego “Beam” that can be used to provide support for components that are higher.

2023-03-19: Add gravity-well cone.

2023-03-18: Modify the parts of the 4th order Hilbert-Curve to have alignment indentations.  Also, fix the catcher.

2023-03-15: Add new 4th order Hilbert-Curve. You will need to print out all four parts A-D and then glue them together.