K'Nex Ball Switchback: JOR

I really like the ball drop that is part of the Big Ball Factory. As much as I like that element, the ball drops faster than I want. Using that element as my inspiration, I made this K'Nex ball switchback. This element allows the ball (or balls) to go down slower.

These instructions are for two levels. This element can be made as short or as tall as you choose. Simply multiply the parts needed and follow the directions over and over.

The picture and the video shows this element with twelve levels. It could have been eleven or thirteen levels as the levels do not need to be made in pairs.

Again, this list is for two levels.

Rods:

• 6 yellow
• 8 blue
• 4 white
• 6 green

Connectors:

• 4 white
• 8 yellow
• 4 red
• 4 orange

Put one green rod into a red connector. Add another red connector so they form a "U" shape.

Put two green rods into a white connector. Be sure they are at the right angle. Add another white connector so there are two assemblies of white connectors.

Connect two white rods to the outsides of each of the white assemblies. Connect two blue rods to each of the red assemblies.

Attach the center of a yellow connector to each of the white rods. Attach an end of a yellow connector to each of the blue rods

Attach two blue rods to the other end of the yellow connectors of the red assemblies. These should now look like a deep "U" shape.

Click one yellow rod onto the pair of yellow connectors of the red assembly. Do not use the center connection. Instead, connect it away from the red connectors and near the blue rods.

Click one orange connector onto one yellow rod. Do this twice.

Slide the yellow rod through the yellow connectors of the red assembly. Add one orange connector to the other end of the yellow rod. The yellow rod should rotate easily but not slide out. The red assembly is now complete.

Click one yellow rod to an end of a pair of yellow connectors on the white assembly. Do this on both ends. The white assembly is now complete.

Be sure the yellow connectors on the red assemblies are open to the top. Click the yellow rod of a red assembly onto the open end of the yellow connectors of the white assembly. Do this for every red assembly that you have made.

To stack multiple levels, click the yellow rod onto the open end of the orange connectors. Each level should stack one on top of another, just like the original ball dropping element does.

This should complete the entire element.

If one level does not move, check for tightness. The yellow connectors may need to be moved in or out.

This element needs to be somewhat level. If the ball sticks on one side often, that side may be too low.