Citadel Knex Ball Machine

by Shadowman39

10K48161

Intro: 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!

157 Comments

Izzy505050 2 years ago

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

Shadowman39 2 years ago

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

Shadowman39 2 years ago

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.

47th street 3 years ago

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

jessbuilt 5 years ago

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 5 years ago

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!

47th street 3 years ago

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

KnexXHyperX 3 years ago

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 3 years ago

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 5 years ago

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

The Real Phil Swift 5 years ago

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

Shadowman39 5 years ago

Cool! Also, I know of someone who has built the 4 way path separator, and is going to send me pictures of it. So if the pictures I gave you aren't enough, there will be more soon.

The Real Phil Swift 5 years ago

Thanks! It's almost done and I'm starting the instructions. I'll make sure to give you credit.
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