Those Were The Days…
From video games to the iPad, I’ve heard time and time again how lucky it is to be a kid in today’s society. But I would dare say that nothing is as fun as a game of marbles. There’s a real world hand to eye coordination that gets developed when skillfully trying to “plink” your opponents out of the circle. And the sound… KLACK! Almost like when a pool ball hits but more gratifying. But alas you always seem to lose that one cool marble. In the grass. Under the bushes. Thought I saw it. Is that, no…
Those Were The Days…
Introducing: The Amazing Marble Machine by Ronald Walters
If you’re feeling me on any of this than you are gonna love this machine. Mainly because of the sounds! Craftsmanship aside and reverse engineering as a focus: The combination of the metal balls rolling on, and hitting against the wood, the other steel marbles, the bell AND the xylophone, in and of itself provide an odd nirvana for the kid in us. Well, at least for myself. Listening to the sounds this thing makes is just as relaxing as hearing spring rain to me.
Now Lets Talk About The Design.
1st of all Ronald Walters is the man! Seriously… Just as a random, “hey I think I’ll make a marble machine for no apparent reason other than it would be cool to do”. Bro, if you ever read this, madd love for this brilliant device. Composed of 16 gears hand-cut from ½” Baltic Birch plywood it’s only power source is a small electric motor. The specs can be found here, but when you watch the video below the many bells and whistles are given ample footage. Enjoy!
