It has never been easier to build a complete Great Ball Contraption (GBC) loop yourself! With over 3350 parts, almost 500 pages of building instructions and a footprint of 60 cm (24 inch) by 90 cm (35 inch) and a height of 35 cm (14 inch), this GBC is one of the bigger GBCs we have ever created so far. It is way bigger than the original LEGO model and it features multiple GBC modules which all work together in harmony to make a full loop so the ball flow will never end. This GBC is entirely built using only parts from the LEGO Rough Terrain Crane and can be referred to as model C of the 42082. When building this GBC makes sure you master the GBC building techniques and tricks so that you eventually also can build your own GBCs. The whole machine is powered by one LEGO motor which comes with the LEGO 42082 Set.

Next level Engineering!

The GBC 36 Crazy Carnival features multiple big modules which are of a complete new level of complexity and automation. While building GBC 36 you will learn basic engineering at its best. Think of gearing, forces, mathematics, sturdy constructions, automation, cool mechanism like the Zig Zag Stairs, Flip flops, timing gates and so much more!

A long ball path guides the balls to an elegant pump mechanism. There is also an option to open up a part of the path so that GBC Balls can drop into a next module. This is also the place where other GBC Modules can hop in and drop their balls.

The GBC Balls then continue by climbing the Observation Jump Tower. The pump mechanism, surrounded by a sturdy base construction, pushes the balls up, one by one. To make sure that the tower is not going to collapse or fall over, we have installed extra anchor points which connect to the main structure. On the top the GBC Balls can watch the GBC 36 Crazy Carnival from above after which they are free to jump off in any direction. A 360 degree ball guidance path will catch the GBC Balls and let them continue to the Zig Zag Stairs.

12 steps move up and down in counter direction and move over the GBC Balls from left to the right side. Working its way up, the GBC Balls will one by one continue to the Flip Flop which separates the GBC Balls equally over 2 Weight Balancing Beams. When the 7th GBC Ball enters the track it will tilt over and let the balls roll out. There are 2 different routes, depending if the left or right beam releases the GBC Balls. Both beams can let the balls straight through although there are options to change the direction by open or closing 2 individual doors. You can choose to guide the balls to an external GBC Module (left route) or guide them to the GBC Funnel XL Module (right route) (optional, more info below) where the GBC Balls can experience a complete new spin.

In the end all GBC Balls will be collected at the Tilt Lift Module. This module, as the name implies, tilts to lower the catch tray, collect the GBC Balls and lift them up to a higher level. From there the balls take a small route to continue on the Broad Stepper Module. 6 large sized steps will slowly but steady move the balls up by moving the steps in counter direction from each other.

When going over top, a ZigZag Slide brings the GBC Balls down, on to the next Dragon Spinner Module. This monster of a machine eats and spits out 5 GBC Balls at the same time. Via a round track system the head and tail of the dragon can move up and down, takes balls and drops them at the top. 2 carefully designed timings mechanisms make sure that the GBC Balls will be inserted and dropped at the correct time, each time. Eventually the dragon drops the balls onto the long ball path so the loop can start all over again.

Fun Fact

We believe nothing can be perfect in the first implementation. Often we see ourselves redesigning parts, modules and constructions over and over again until we get it right. We start with a rough design. This gives a good interpretation of the shape and size. Next we investigate every little detail so we get to the optimal solution. Even during the digitization process we still make tweaks to improve the model in terms of construction, design, feel and more. In the end this results in a great building experience :)

Work Together – Enhance building skills

The whole GBC is split into different parts/modules which are assembled together during the build. Ideal for working in groups as each builder can work on a sub assembly and later click everything together. Because of this construction and flexibility it is also always possible to separate the modules again and make your own unique configuration or use modules as separate machines.

A really cool feature of the GBC 36 Crazy Carnival is its ability to convert with ease into a GBC Layout Module. You can simply add your other GBC Modules to the left side and drop the GBC Balls on the long ball path. A split output on the right side can carry the GBC Balls to the next GBC Module. Simply switch the door positions so that GBC Balls can take another route and enter another GBC. In this way you can easily connect this GBC to all our other GBCs to make the loop even bigger. More information in the building instructions. Clean and simple: Convert with ease.

It is possible to move the whole structure at once when you hold it correctly. However, when moving the GBC, we advise to place the GBC on a solid plate or to disassemble the GBC in separate modules again. Footprint GBC 36 Crazy Carnival: 60 cm (24 inch) by 90 cm (35 inch).

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