As a Lego master and enthusiast, I’ve always been fascinated by the endless possibilities that these colorful bricks offer. One of my most ambitious and rewarding projects to date has been the CUB3. It is a kinetic sculpture that I designed and built for display at Brickworld Chicago in 2015.
The Inspiration Behind CUB3
Brickworld Chicago is one of the largest Lego fan conventions in the world. It attracts thousands of enthusiasts from all over the globe. As an avid fan of kinetic sculptures, particularly rolling ball sculptures, I knew I wanted to create something special for this event.
I had previously attempted to build a rolling ball sculpture, but it had failed miserably. However, I learned valuable lessons from that experience and was determined to apply them to my next project. Thus, the idea for CUB3 was born.
Designing and Building the CUB3
The CUB3 is a 3x3x3ft cube that houses two sets of track running inside. I made a conscious decision to use only official Lego elements in the construction of this model. This includes the tubes for the ball track and the stainless steel Lego ball bearing that rides on them.
One of the key features of the CUB3 is its two motorized conveyor lifts. This allows the model to run continuously. This adds an extra layer of complexity and interest to the sculpture, as the ball seamlessly transitions from one track to another.
Challenges and Solutions
Building the CUB3 was not without its challenges. One of the main hurdles I faced was using the thin, flexible tubing as the track for the ball. The tubes had to be spaced just the right distance apart to ensure that the ball would roll smoothly and consistently. This was especially tricky on the curves, where the banking angle had to be precisely calibrated to prevent the ball from flying off the end.
Another challenge I encountered was transporting the model to the show. As I was traveling with the CUB3 in my checked luggage, I had to break down most of the model and rebuild all of the cube sections before the show. This required careful planning and attention to detail to ensure that the sculpture would be ready for display.
The Building Process
The entire process of designing and building the CUB3 took approximately one month. I used around 10,000 Lego bricks to create this intricate and mesmerizing sculpture.
Throughout the building process, I remained focused on creating a visually stunning and mechanically sound model that would captivate the audience at Brickworld Chicago.
The Reception at Brickworld Chicago
When I finally unveiled the CUB3 at Brickworld Chicago in 2015, the response was overwhelming. Lego enthusiasts and casual observers alike were drawn to the mesmerizing motion of the ball as it traveled along the tracks inside the cube.
Many people asked questions about the design process, the challenges I faced, and the techniques I used to create such a smooth and seamless rolling ball sculpture. It was incredibly rewarding to share my passion for Lego and kinetic sculptures with so many interested and appreciative individuals.
The Legacy of CUB3
The CUB3 remains one of my proudest achievements as a Lego master. It represents the culmination of my skills, creativity, and determination to push the boundaries of what is possible with these beloved plastic bricks.
Since its debut at Brickworld Chicago, the CUB3 has inspired countless other Lego enthusiasts to create their own kinetic sculptures and explore the fascinating world of rolling ball sculptures.
Watch the CUB3’s build video here:
