Kraftwerk, The Robots
The Man-Machine (1978)
SpaceRail 231-1 to 231-9
[ Ссылка ]
Thanks to Laurie and Shorty. Only did two takes for this video, apologies that it's not exactly pro.
Thanks to PeTopple11 for the list:
0:03 level 1
0:12 level 2
0:25 level 3
0:52 level 4
1:21 level 5
2:19 level 6
3:20 level 7
4:01 level 8
4:42 level 9!
Some info on the models:
I ended up giving away all my builds, so I'm describing them from memory.
Also, a few of the models on sale are now described as "improved", so they'll differ from the ones in my video. For example, the current "Classic" Level 1 now has three base plates.
For general information and build sizes, see the official site: [ Ссылка ]
Note that the official site offers spare parts, and I did end up ordering a heap of the A1 arm and A6 rail stands, as I found the plastic tended to perish quickly in a desert environment, causing the clips to snap off.
Classic 231-1:
Adorable. This is where I started, and I found it challenging enough at the time. Hmmm... I wonder if they have other models that are a bit more difficult ?
Classic 231-2:
This one is also good fun, although the see saws are a bit tough early on. They usually require ongoing adjustment. Also a good place to start.
Classic 231-3:
Boring to build, boring to watch.
Classic 231-4:
This one is nifty, and the 3x2 panel base is a nice size which is quite easy to move around. You could start off with this if you have the patience.
Classic 231-5:
Starting to get bigger now, and quite challenging. I had a lot of trouble with the bottom loop, which isn't a great design. This was the first time I had to add a guide rail (a couple of clips and a little rail) after one of the Y-splitters to stop the balls flying off the main rail. Great when you get it going, especially with the big arm, but don't start with this one - or anything from 5 up for that matter.
Classic 231-6:
Getting quite large and hard to move now. This is a good one, the cone loop looks great but wasn't too hard to get working. See saws are always a bit of challenge.
Classic 231-7:
Okay, this is a monster. I took me ages to get the big loop working, and in the process it ended up rather elliptical. I suppose I could have disassembled it and done it again properly, but... life is too short. Getting the rail straight for the big drop is difficult, but essential. Here was when I started adding clear plastic around the elevators to stop the balls popping out of the screws when another ball caused a jolt on that elevator or elsewhere. A good feeling when you manage to get it all working properly.
Classic 231-8:
Probably easier than 7, but still a lot of work. The jump into the cup is cool, but hard to make reliable and I ended up gluing the cup into the ring. Definitely need plastic around the elevators with this one.
Classic 231-9:
Demon from hell. Huge. I found the loop-in-a-loop very difficult to get right, and almost gave up a couple of times. I had to put graphite on the central gravity screw to prevent it stalling constantly. The long run along the front didn't have enough drop, so everything had to be adjusted to get the ball to roll into the elevator. I had to make supports for the big corkscrew on the left to prevent it dropping. The best I could do was to get it all running together for a minute or two, but it is pretty cool when it's all going.
