Citadel Knex Ball Machine

Hello everyone! After 3 years, my ball machine Citadel is finally finished! This machine features around 50 new elements, 5 different lifts, and 2 new path separators that separate into 17 paths. It's also themed, with Knex men all over the place working on it, giving it a factory-type feel with catwalks and stairs. There are 3 total motors, one of which powers all 3 floor lifts. The actual time it took to build is one year, there was just a long break in between. All of the paths (except one) were built in 6 months, starting in December 2015. I hope you enjoy!

Here are the element instructions!

Click here for more pictures!

Here's the video:

Here's the construction album.

Stats

Started building: Jan. 21, 2013

Finished building: June 20, 2016

Height: 8 feet

Width: 5 feet 3 inches

Depth: 4 feet 2 inches

Pieces: 50,000 - 60,000

Thanks for viewing!

Comments

[Izzy505050]

This is THE COOLEST ball machine I have EVER SEEN!!!!! You’ve got a talent!

[Shadowman39]

Thanks!

[Connect-It]

Are there any green gears in this build? So yes, how many?

[Shadowman39]

I'm pretty sure there weren't any at all.

[Connect-It]

One day i will clone this massive build! i was so amazed when this was posted. thanks for all the pictures from the construction and decostruction. i can surely use them!

[Shadowman39]

Thanks! That will be a big project for sure, I'm surprised when people want to build a replica of it, since it's a huge thing to recreate. Just last week someone else was saying how they built about half of it. Be sure to make pictures when you have it finished haha.

[Connect-It]

I surely will. At first I need the space for the build. Then the building will begin

[47th street]

The tan knex figurine guy in path 16 must’ve cursed under his breath each time a ball rolled into his nuts.

[jessbuilt]

I am just going to say that this is the best k'nex ball machine in the world. This tops sandroknexmaster's machines (no offense to him, his machines are amazing) but seriously, this tops everything. I love your work, it is so amazing how the elements and paths all fit perfectly together and still look good. I am new to Instructables and am posting my first ible soon, and your builds inspire me so much. I hope to see more soon!

[Shadowman39]

Thanks for the kind words! I'm looking forward to seeing your machines too. Just so you know, I just posted another Citadel lift and have 2 more to come, hopefully by the end of this year. Thanks again!

[Narzaum]

I agree

[47th street]

5* rating

[47th street]

You are by far the greatest knex engineer I have ever seen.

[knexpro7575]

is citadel still up? how loud is it when your sleeping? i am guessing it would be pretty loud. how many balls did you have in it?

[Shadowman39]

I took it apart at the end of 2016. The loudest part was the tiny zig-zag part since all the balls were released at the same time. I think there were 20 balls or so.

[The Real Phil Swift]

Do you have instructions for the ball selector?

[Shadowman39]

I don't have detailed instructions, but here are some pictures if you want to try and build it: https://goo.gl/photos/YMW6HvdA5BmRyvzP8

[The Real Phil Swift]

Is it okay if I make instructions for the semi-circle ball selector?

[Shadowman39]

Sure!

[The Real Phil Swift]

Thanks! I have the semi-circle done and I'm working on a base for it. The mechanism is very smooth.