This is one of my classic desktop Rolling Ball Sculptures. I’ve built many of these over the years using the same basic size and many of the same elements, but the tracks are bent and built individually, so no two ever come out exactly alike.

Load the marbles into the queue at the top and press the handle at the bottom to release one, two or all of them. A track splitter sends the marbles onto one of two different paths.

The first track takes the fast route through a loop d’ loop. The second is the longer track, with a flat spiral, tipping arm, horizontal zig-zag and lots of twisty, curvy track along the way. At the bottom, the two tracks meet head-on — and with the right timing, the marbles run right into each other. Always fun to watch.

No motor or electricity needed. Just load the marbles, press the handle and let gravity do the rest.

As always, 100% stainless steel, TIG welded.