GBC Observer 👁 Week 52, 2018

Welcome to the last GBC Observer of 2018.  To end off the year I thought I feature 3 of my favorite modules that I built in 2018.

Solaire
Simple, Elegant, and Reliable.  It is built using pieces that were released 13 years apart.  It has been copied and seen all around the world.  You should build a copy for yourself!  Free instructions can be found here.




Greylime XL
Greylime is the second version of the first GBC module I ever built "Greylime".  It features a simple conveyor, a recirculation function, and stowed output extensions.  The illuminated "Garage" can be used to display mini-figs or other small scenes.  This module won the "Belle of the Balls" trophy at BrickCon 2018 in Seattle.




Boost Pachinko
This module is powered by the Lego Boost system.  Both motors in the HUB and the external motor are used.  The distance sensor is used to trigger the jackpot functionality.
Future updates planned are a new game board, and perhaps some stand-alone functionality with a proper recirculation system.




The next observer will appear on Tuesday, January 1st, 2019!

New Lego GBC parts for 2019.

Today I thought we would look at some interesting new molds/parts that will be available in some of the 2019 Lego sets.

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Large Sprocket
Available in set 42095 Remote Controlled Stunt Racer
A larger sprocket should allow for bigger, larger, conveyors?  This sprocket should also reduce the wear on conveyor links due to the reduced angle required to circle the sprocket.

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Large friendly 10 and 6 tooth gears
Available in set 41366 Olivia's Cupcake Cafe
Some interesting new gears that do not have an axle hole.  We will have to add one in order to drive these gears.  They remind me of the older technic expert gears like the ones I used on my Whirligig module.

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Pneumatic Fire Hose
Available in set 60216 Downtown Fire Brigade
Maybe these could be used to create a pneumatic GBC shooter or some sort of ball lifting mechanism.

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Ninjago Spinner Cup
Available in set 70660 Spinjitzu Jay
A nice cup-shaped element that could be used to catch or hold GBC balls.

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Wedge Slope
Available in set 75975 Watchpoint: Gibraltar
A new wedge slope will be great for input bins and other ball pathing needs.

GBC Observer 👁 Week 51, 2018

Welcome to the second last GBC Observer post of 2018!  Lots of great videos showed up over the last week, and finally I've seen a holiday themed module!

Let's get into it!

Ryk has themed his REF03 module into a really cool Christmas module called "Snowball fight".  It features a fun suggestion that the white GBC balls are snowballs and the elves seem to be having a great time.

Here's a GBC layout of some non-standard modules that have some interesting ideas.  I like the 5 wide technic panel pusher (I've only seen 10 wides done before), and the idea of the dump truck on the conveyor is quite intriguing.

BVB has created a pneumatic scissor lift that interfaces with Akiyuki's V2 train system.  I think it's really cool that people are making additional modules that work with the Akiyuki Train system.

BlockheadUK has done a small update video and shows us her collection of "rainbow warrior" modules.  Nice stuff!