GBC Observer 👁 Week 52, 2018

Welcome to the last GBC Observer of 2018.  To end off the year I thought I feature 3 of my favorite modules that I built in 2018.

Solaire
Simple, Elegant, and Reliable.  It is built using pieces that were released 13 years apart.  It has been copied and seen all around the world.  You should build a copy for yourself!  Free instructions can be found here.




Greylime XL
Greylime is the second version of the first GBC module I ever built "Greylime".  It features a simple conveyor, a recirculation function, and stowed output extensions.  The illuminated "Garage" can be used to display mini-figs or other small scenes.  This module won the "Belle of the Balls" trophy at BrickCon 2018 in Seattle.




Boost Pachinko
This module is powered by the Lego Boost system.  Both motors in the HUB and the external motor are used.  The distance sensor is used to trigger the jackpot functionality.
Future updates planned are a new game board, and perhaps some stand-alone functionality with a proper recirculation system.




The next observer will appear on Tuesday, January 1st, 2019!

New Lego GBC parts for 2019.

Today I thought we would look at some interesting new molds/parts that will be available in some of the 2019 Lego sets.

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Large Sprocket
Available in set 42095 Remote Controlled Stunt Racer
A larger sprocket should allow for bigger, larger, conveyors?  This sprocket should also reduce the wear on conveyor links due to the reduced angle required to circle the sprocket.

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Large friendly 10 and 6 tooth gears
Available in set 41366 Olivia's Cupcake Cafe
Some interesting new gears that do not have an axle hole.  We will have to add one in order to drive these gears.  They remind me of the older technic expert gears like the ones I used on my Whirligig module.

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Pneumatic Fire Hose
Available in set 60216 Downtown Fire Brigade
Maybe these could be used to create a pneumatic GBC shooter or some sort of ball lifting mechanism.

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Ninjago Spinner Cup
Available in set 70660 Spinjitzu Jay
A nice cup-shaped element that could be used to catch or hold GBC balls.

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Wedge Slope
Available in set 75975 Watchpoint: Gibraltar
A new wedge slope will be great for input bins and other ball pathing needs.

GBC Observer 👁 Week 51, 2018

Welcome to the second last GBC Observer post of 2018!  Lots of great videos showed up over the last week, and finally I've seen a holiday themed module!

Let's get into it!

Ryk has themed his REF03 module into a really cool Christmas module called "Snowball fight".  It features a fun suggestion that the white GBC balls are snowballs and the elves seem to be having a great time.

Here's a GBC layout of some non-standard modules that have some interesting ideas.  I like the 5 wide technic panel pusher (I've only seen 10 wides done before), and the idea of the dump truck on the conveyor is quite intriguing.

BVB has created a pneumatic scissor lift that interfaces with Akiyuki's V2 train system.  I think it's really cool that people are making additional modules that work with the Akiyuki Train system.

BlockheadUK has done a small update video and shows us her collection of "rainbow warrior" modules.  Nice stuff!

GBC Observer 👁 Week 50, 2018

Only 2 more observers until the end of the year, and still no Christmas modules have appeared!  Seems like a bit of a slow week for GBC as everyone is probably busy with the upcoming winter holidays.

Korean builder SUNG JOON YOON is back again with a module that looks similar to one that Maico has.  My favourite part is the minifig on top controlling the arm.



BVB shows us how to fit as much Akiyuki train into as little space as possible in this video.  Lots of mods and custom stuff going on in here.



Sariel has put together a great list of tips and tricks in regards to the current Power Functions line of motors and controllers.  This is a great watch for anyone new to building Lego GBC.


That's it for now, have a great week everyone!

2018 Great Ball Pit Challenge - Winners

They came, they built, and they conquered the constraints.  Ten builders from two continents submitted their custom modules to the inaugural 2018 Great Ball Pit Challenge.  The builders were then allowed to vote on which of their competitors modules they liked the most.

Click here to see all of the entries.

With so many different design styles and lift mechanisms it was not easy to pick a clear winner.  After calculating the votes, it was no surprise that every module received at least one vote. 

Only the top two modules were eligible for a prize, so with no further ado here are the results.

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First Place

Serendibite's Jungle Tracks

This module is well decorated, and uses quite an unusual lift mechanism.  Two tracks work together to lift a ball up at seemingly odd intervals.  The fun jungle theme and mysterious lift mechanism garnered several first place votes from the other builders.

Serendibite wins the following:

- Brand New Sealed 42084 - Hook Loader

- A copy of my Upslide module's digital instructions.

- The winning module running on display @ BrickCan 2019 (with full credit to him) if a digital model is provided so that I can recreate the model.

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Second Place

Alex Popiel's White Lifter

This module is a seemingly simple conveyor lift, but if you look closer you will realize is that it is built to interface and drive Kevin Mitcham's shared power standard that is popular in the Pacific Northwest.  That means that this GBC module can power 4-5 other modules if they also follow Kevin's standard.  Alex has also provided instructions to this module which can be located HERE.

Alex Wins:
- A copy of my Upslide module's digital instructions.

I'd like to thank everyone for participating, and I hope you had fun building something under the constraints I provided.  Some of these modules would be great "Workshop" modules for future events so I'd encourage you to iterate, improve, and create instructions for them.

Good game everyone!

GBC Observer 👁 Week 49, 2018

As the end of the year approaches several new modules have appeared.  No Christmas themed modules yet, but I'm sure we will see some soon!

Builder Riku Katsumata has improved his pneumatic module which is running much smoother then before.  The motor can run in either direction which is very nice, and the use of the older Technic Expert gears is a fun touch.



Ryk's latest module the Tumble Dryer is looking good.  I like the recirculation function.



A Japanese builder has created a nice module which moves balls around in pairs similar to the Akiyuki Ball Factory