Marble Race Track

When designing this track, I wanted to blend some features of a marble run  and a marble race track. There are three tracks connecting into one at some point. The marbles are simultaneously starting the race thanks to the cylindrical “starter” at the top. At the end they line up in order from first place to last. The main goal was to get close to random results of the race. So each track should have equal chances to win. This still needs some adjustments but I’m working on it😊I have separated two zones that are detachable to make it easier to adjust the routes (slow/speed up each track) without reprinting the whole track part.

The track is intended for 16 mm marbles. Maybe 15 mm might work too. 16,5 mm don’t😊

It was tested with printed marbles I uploaded. Glass ones also work, but they seem to have inconsistent diameters, so watch out for those a bit larger than 16 mm.

Printing

Almost every part fits a 210x250 mm plate. Part “5. Track2” is a bit too tall and needs cutting and glueing when the print height is limited to 210 mm.

The parts are already oriented in a way I recommend to print them.

Recommended settings for the marbles:

0.1 mm layer height

4-5 outlines

70-90 % infill

Recommended settings for the track:

0.4 mm nozzle

around 0.24 mm layer height

2 outlines

15% infill

Turn on organic/tree supports.

Only for part “9. tower4 track5” use “supports on heatbed only” setting to avoid them printing inside the tubes.

The part “12. tower5 track7” can be printed with a 0.2 mm layer height for more smoothness.

I think the matte filaments may cause extra friction and slow down the marbles. I do not recommend them if you wish the tracks to have equal winning chances. I may be wrong though.

Before assembly check every track if the marble does not get stuck. If so, sand/trim the track a bit until the marble moves freely across it.

The track parts are meant to be assembled without glue. They should press fit. If they don’t and it is an issue, you can use some cyanoacrylic glue.

If you have trouble with marbles getting stuck, try printing them a bit smaller.

I am going to place here some assembly and printing instructions. I think it isn’t very complicated, but surely they will help. The general rule is that the parts are numbered loosely from first one to assemble to the last one.

The photos are of an older version of the track. The changes aren't large, but I will update the photos when I will be able to. 

I hope you have fun with it!