Gravity: a K'nex Ride

This K'nex drop tower was probably one of my most complex and largest projects ever!

It took about a week to build (I didn't have much time to build),
and an estimate of about 800 - 1100 pieces.

The mechanism to pull the cart to the top is, obviously, the work of a pulley with strings.

The release mechanism is a simple locking and unlocking gear mechanism that is activated with a little push and the cart races back down from its own gravity.


Which is why I named it Gravity.

This is a boring step, but without it, the ride would never, ever, EVER work.


You don't need the exact color, but be sure to build it exactly. Put the motor where it shows.

This is basically the heart of the ride. Pay close attention to the gears and rods.


For the ride to work: First, turn on the motor and wait for the cart to reach the top. Turn off motor, then push the rod with the red gear away from you, and the cart will fall. Then pull back the rod to return the red gear to the blue gear.




Optional: You do not have to add the strings just yet.

This is another important part of the ride.


BUILD EXACTLY!

(Color order doesn't matter)

Don't connect the tower to the base just yet!

This is a fun part to build.

Build correctly!

Add the cart to the track when you finish it!

This part might be tricky, so be careful not to break anything!

This part is the most painful and stressful.

You can use any string (I suggest soft twine, not dental floss).


In a worse case scenario, just turn the thing upside down and let the strings fall to the bottom, erm top.


Then fix the strings inside the grooves on the wheels, and you're mechanism is set!

You don't necessarily have to make this but it makes it more realistic.

Also: You can add vasaline to the tracks to help the cart run smoother.


And there you have it,

Another theme park ride!