It has never been easier to build a complete Great Ball Contraption (GBC) loop yourself! 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 Liebherr R 9800 and can be referred to as Alternate Build of the 42100. When building this GBC it 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 multiple LEGO motors which comes with the LEGO 42100 set and controlled/programmed via the official LEGO Powered Up App.

Multi Automation Motor Madness

Let’s state the obvious. The GBC 45 Stunt Circus is HUGE! With a footprint of 94 cm (37 inch) by 71 cm (28 inch) and a height of 63 cm (25 inch), this GBC is one of the bigger and tallest GBCs we have ever created so far.

For the GBC Balls to undergo some new experiences in the GBC 45 Stunt Circus the GBC Balls first have to go up. The Paternoster Lift Module takes care of that on the left side. This effective lift moves GBC Balls up one at a time and drops them at the top. The beauty of this elevator is that in theory you can make the lift much higher but that is not required for this GBC. At the bottom a clever timings mechanism loads a GBC Balls at just right time to fall in a carriage of the lift.

Once above a flip flop mechanism splits the GBC Balls over 2 paths. The left path shoots the GBC Balls, after a steep slide, against the yellow Jump Ramp Module where the GBC Balls will make a fun jump. Optionally you can click our GBC Looping Quick Ring – Right in place, replacing the yellow ramp. It is so much fun to see the balls make the looping so fast! If for some reason a balls doesn’t make the ramp or looping they will be bypassed to the next module.

The right path after the flip flop rolls the balls onto the optional GBC Funnel Turbo Spin and drops them onto the Tilting Turning Table Module. This module has 4 dimensions how it can influence the behavior of the rolling GBC Balls. The first two are the up and down movements on 2 sides of the table. Next the table rotates 360 degrees and last but not least there are 2 spinning elements which can hit balls and/or block paths. This all makes this module very random and a lot of fun to watch in action. Smart gearing inside the table makes it all possible and building is also a lot of fun!

Next the GBC Balls will be queued for there next explosive experience! Right ahead, the Shooter Module takes one ball at a time and loads them on the shooting track. After a short amount of time a heavy weight will knock the devil out of it and shooting it directly at the big catch tray. 4 colorful targets are waiting to be hit. You can adjust the slope of the shooting ramp so you can decide how high and fast the GBC Balls should fly to the other side.

After the GBC Looping, the Tilting Turning Table and the Shooter Module, the 2 paths will rejoin again and go to the high Elevator Module. This mechatronic module is powered by 2 motors which have to work in sync to make the module work. The auto mode allows the module to run on its own while a manual mode allows the user to control the motors. In auto mode 9 GBC Balls will be loaded in the elevator one by one. After that the lift will raise to its top and automatically release the GBC Balls. The motors are controlled by 1 LEGO Technic Powered Up Hub and programmed via the official LEGO Powered Up app. This is all carefully explained in the building instructions.

The GBC balls are caught in one of the longest return paths we have ever used and brought to the Spinning Table Module. A perfectly round platform/table spins super fast and the speed and direction can be controlled by the user. GBC Balls are dropped in the middle of the platform. Due to centrifugal forces the GBC Balls will be pushed to the outside against the railing. Many GBC Balls can enter simultaneously and it creates pure chaos! You can also decide the make the table spin slowly and wait for the GBC Balls to pile up. Then suddenly release to power and watch the GBC Balls fly around. All GBC Balls are being caught and return to the Paternoster Lift Module.

Fun Fact

Having the control over 2 separate Control Plus hubs (which are included in this LEGO set) really got us thinking from the very beginning how to implement this power into a unique and fun concept. The main thought was about having interactive elements which the user can control and/or automate. Many ideas raised from remote controlled GBCs to multiple collaborating GBCs. We always are intrigued of those automated car factories where robots work flawlessly together in a beautiful pattern. What if we could do the same with LEGO. So we did and the rest is history ;)

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 45 Stunt Circus 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 not possible to move the whole structure at once and it’s required to take it apart in a few, easy to disassemble, sub parts. We advise to place the GBC on a solid plate. Footprint GBC 45 Stunt Circus: 94 cm (37 inch) by 71 cm (28 inch).

Building Instructions Preview

Preview

Upgrade your GBC 45 Stunt Circus

GBC Funnels

GBC Loopings

USB Power Box

The GBC 45 Stunt Circus all over the world

Build even more from LEGO set 42100