GBC LEGO step module - second prototype

I made a second prototype of my LEGO GBC step marble module. Apologies for the way it is build. I have made it during my holiday on a camp site in France and I had only a limited amount of bricks available.

The step module does have 4 steps. Each step pushes the balls up to a highed of 2 bricks.















 

The steps move up and down with quite a lot of friction. Therefor a very strong gearing is needed to get going. 
 

I found it quite difficult to determine the right step highed and dimensions. I have build many variations over and over again...


























Watch a video of the step module hosted at Google Video:



This picture show the construction of the steps.
















Technic Connectors, (part no: 3651) and Light Gray Technic Engine Piston Square's 2 x 2 , (part no: 3652) move the steps up and down.















A contruction of lift arms keep the gears in position so the don't slip.















I hope to present a final version within a view months!

Check the complete GBC LEGO step module high resolution photo gallery at Google Picasa...