rolling ball sculpture - track components

Outlined below are a number of the track components which can be incorporated into a rolling ball sculpture. The components below include:

Balls on Track

Newton's law is evident in this component. A series of marbles are placed on a special section of track. When a marble hits the first resting marble the energy is transferred through all the resting marbles. The last marble then continues down the sculpture.

Double Spiral

The double spiral is a new spiral I have created. It works well when two sets of marbles enter the spiral at the same time (as shown). It does require a double multiple tipping arm prior to the spiral for this to occur.

Double Tipping Arm

The double tipping arm can be used with single or multiple marbles.

Flat Spiral

A flat spiral usually measures 200mm across as a minimum. Can be as large as the sculpture depth.

Gate Switch

This track switch is one of my original concepts. It can be made with three to five track paths if required.

Gravity Well

I have had these gravity wells specifically designed for my sculptures and they are a unique component.

Helical Lift

I offer two types of helical lifts for my sculptures. This is the standard helical lift. I also have the sweeping helical lift.

Loops

A favorite component and a "must have" in any sculpture. A series of loops similar to a loop-the-loop on a rollercoaster, which make the marbles spin very fast. A great way to finish the loops is having the marble exit the loops upside down.

Multiple Tipping Arm

A counterweighted arm on a pivot that collects more than one marble and tips only when all marbles have entered the arm. Can be made for up to five marbles. This is effective when either loops or a concentric spiral are added after the multiple tipping arm component.

Personalised Sculpture

All our sculptures can be personalised to meet your requirements. You can add a person's or company name may adorn the sculpture. A name adds a great personal touch to the sculpture that the recipient will appreciate and remember forever!

Pacman Tipping Arm

This component is one of my own original designs and can be used in several different ways.

Sea-saw Switch

The see-saw switch captures one ball and waits for the next before it is activated. A good way to synchronise two balls on two separate tracks.

Serpentine Track

A series of semi circle tracks welded together to form a snake shape track. The marble slows significantly on this component, which requires little fall to keep the ball moving. The track can be made to suit any length.

Spinning Arm

The spinning arm is a dramatic component which works well on larger sculptures. It requires a great deal of space for it to operate efficiently.

Sweeping Helical Lift

The sweeping helical lift is a new and original design component for my sculptures. The helical section remains fixed and the marbles spin around the helical rising to the top.

Tall Spiral

A long cylindrical piece of track. The marble enters the top of the spiral and spins in tight circles until released at the bottom. This track requires a large amount of fall on any given sculpture. Available in any height up to 30cms, depending on the size of marble used.

Tipping Arm

A counterweighted arm on a pivot collects an incoming marble and tips when the marble enters. Once released the arm self relocates to accept the next marble. This component is also available in multiple ball options.

Track Switch

This component is a 'left and right' switch whereby each marble takes an alternate path. They are used to divide a track into two.

Wavy Track

This track consists or several 'up and down' sections of track . the track requires enough speed to keep the ball rolling. The more "waves" in the track the greater the fall required. As a guide - the track looks nice with at least three peaks and three valleys. The track can be either straight or curved.

Zig-Zag

Zig-zag comes in a couple of variations. This style uses semi-circle sections.