As seen in the Winter 2008 issue of Canadian Home Workshop Magazine.
(See the issue for a detailed article.)

(click any pictures for larger image)

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I came up with this design over the summer as a way to re-invent the classic marble drop toy. By using a piece of plywood for the back you simplify the construction. Marble track pieces can be nailed or glued very easily to the flat back. If you like, this is a great project to have your child help you build. You can have fun coming up with different marble track layouts. I built mine with two mirror-image tracks, so that you can have races.

(Hearing protection optional... Yes, it makes noise. A handful of steel marbles clattering through the track and striking the bell at the bottom does add up to a bit of a cacophony.)

Notes:

• Back is from 1/2" (12mm actually) Baltic Birch plywood
• Marble track pieces from ash and walnut
• Bell mount/base from Spalted maple
• Base from Walnut
• The bell kit and the steel marbles are available at Lee Valley Tools.