This is the user guide for the Marble Run Kit. It also applies to the Rail Marble Run Kit, Marble Race Kit, and the Wooden Train Set.
1. Snapping
To align the blocks, you need to enable “Snap to Increment”. Firstly, enable snapping (shortcut Shift-tab) by toggling the magnet icon. Secondly, click the button next to the magnet icon. In the drop-down menu, enable “Increment”, “Move" and "Rotate".
If the setting is correct, the blocks will snap to the grid like in the image below. Beware that the object's origin (the yellow dot) should always align with the grid.
2. Rotation
Rotate block only around its origin. If you use the 3D cursor, move the 3D cursor back to origin first before rotating the object.
3. Transform Property
“Rotation” and “Scale” are locked initially. For objects parented to the arrow handle, “Location” is also locked. Unlock them in the side panel (shortcut N) if needed.
4. Rigid Body Setting
Avoid changing the setting under “Rigid Body” and “Rigid Body World”. If your computer is running slow, decrease the value of “Substeps Per Frame” and “Solver Iterations” but sacrifice accuracy. The value should be 10 at minimum.
5. Build Your Course
There are two scenes in the file - Toolbox and Playground. Toolbox is where you can find all the blocks and Playground is where you build your course. Simply copy (shortcut Ctrl-C) the block you need from Toolbox and paste (shortcut Ctrl-V) it to Playground.
6. Preview Simulation
Click the play button to preview the simulation. End frame is set as 2000 initially. If you change the value, you also need to change the “Simulation End” value under Rigid Body World > Cache. Jump back to frame 1 before making changes to your course.
7. Bake Simulation
If you are happy with the result, click “Bake All Dynamics” under “Rigid Body World” to cache to memory.
8. Clearner Script
There is a file named "Cleaner Script" in the text editor. Click the "Play" button to execute the script.
What does the script do?
When you delete a rigid body, Blender sometimes hides it in the library instead of deleting it. It still affects the simulation and causes unexpected results. The script helps you to delete them completely.
Every time you copy an object from Toolbox to Playground, Blender creates a new material. The file size will get larger because it stores multiple copies of the same material. The script helps you to delete the duplicated materials.
9. Marble Get Stuck
Check if there are any objects blocking the way in other collections.
Check if there are any hidden objects blocking the way. (unhide shortcut: Alt-H)
Pick any rigid body in the scene, press "Tab" twice to enter and escape edit mode. The system will consider the scene being changed and will delete the previous cache.
Run the "Cleaner Script".
10. Booster
To adjust the booster power, select the wind force field and adjust the “Strength” value in the physics setting.
Contact Me
If you have any question, please contact me on Blender Market or email to simulationblender@gmail.com
Have fun!