It has never been easier to build a complete Great Ball Contraption (GBC) loop yourself! GBC 28 features a fully automated and mechanical pneumatic Lift Platform which can lowers and raises all completely automatically. All by the power of 1 single LEGO PF Motor which is included in this LEGO Set.
This GBC is entirely built using only parts from the LEGO Forest Machine and can be referred to as model C of the 42080. Building with pneumatics and automation is very hard. This GBC makes sure you master the GBC building techniques and tricks so that you eventually also can build your own GBCs.
Pneumatic Power Rules!
Heavy duty pulling and lifting. That’s what the original LEGO 42080 Forest Machine is all about and so is the GBC 28 Pneumatic Scissor Elevator! Featuring an all mechanical controlled pneumatic lifting platform, no GBC lifting job is to heavy to undertake!
A powerful and efficient Pump Module kicks into action when you switch on the power. This produces a very powerful and steady compressed airflow which directly brings life to all the pneumatic cylinders, tubes and valves needed for the GBC to operate.
The Pneumatic Scissor Elevator is completely driven by this compressed airflow. 2 cylinders and 2 valves work together so that the module can work automatically.
First the elevator platform is down and the GBC Balls can roll on it. Once the valve is switched over by the vertical cylinder, the horizontal cylinder starts to pull in and triggers the scissor mechanism. This scissor module raises the elevator platform up high and when fully extended it will let go of the GBC Balls so they can continue their journey. The GBC Balls can now roll down back to the input bin or continue to your next GBC Module. Once the scissor lift is all the way up it will also trigger the second valve which will push the vertical cylinder out again. This vertical cylinder triggers the first valve which pushes out the horizontal cylinder and lowering the scissor lift again. This automated procedure will loop forever and is all completely mechanical controlled by clever mechanics and levers.
Fun Fact
Building with pneumatics and incorporating automation is very hard and due to the limited gears we were really forced to think outside of the box. After 3 failed attempts we started from scratch again and came up with a complete new idea and design. The GBC 28 Pneumatic Scissor Elevator is a result of many hours of tinkering and engineering. With great pleasure we can say we succeeded once again.
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- LEGO 42080 set
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- GBC 28 Pneumatic Scissor Elevator – 42080 Alternate Build
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- GBC 28 Pneumatic Scissor Elevator – 42080 Alternate Build
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- GBC 28 Pneumatic Scissor Elevator – 42080 Alternate Build
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- GBC 28 Pneumatic Scissor Elevator – 42080 Alternate Build
Building Instructions Preview
Preview
Try before you buy. We completely understand. See the building instructions previews on the left or try one of our free building instructions.
Upgrade your GBC 28 Pneumatic Scissor Elevator
In the building instructions is explained how to easily upgrade the GBC 28 Pneumatic Scissor Elevator with various parts.
USB Power Box
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Get the accessories
We have GBC Balls, handy electronics products and fun accessories available. Take a look at all our accessories!
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P Becker –
Very nice build. Sometimes difficult to get the pneumatics working but with the help of the finetuning guide in the beginning of the building instructions I was able to make it work.
Cameron Palmer –
My boy loved this kit, he still plays with it more than a month later. This GBC version of the kit is more satisfying than the original plans.
Patrick –
A compact GBC which intelligently takes up the theme of the pneumatic from the original model.
We can appreciate how pneumatic is integrated to self-regulate : a piston used to change the direction of the other piston, ingenious !
Most of the parts have been used, the whole set is pleasant to look at, and the slowness of the pneumatic system allows you to fully appreciate movements.
Very good work !
hch –
Great GBC. Building Instructions very good.