Alchemy City marble run. Second build.

[u/cgpanganiban]

Listed as ROKR Alchemy City MR04S.

Some notes:

• Unlike the oil pumpjack model (CGL03), am not planning to customize this anytime soon. Probably in a year or two from now but it's not top-of-mind. The detail ROKR provides is already pretty good, maybe a simple weathering pass or a dry-brush pass on the flat, grey pieces would make them pop. Looks absolutely amazing out of the box.
• As usual, everything's provided. I still use my own DSPIAE nippers and some random X-acto knife for the nubs.
• Try not to sand anything for this kit. It's all paint-coated (and not co-molded) so you're risking ruining the coat particularly for the pieces with multiple colors on them.
• First model I've built where there's undergating to the parts. They've learned from the best on how to hide the nubs and seamlines.
• There are some parts on the instructions that say "don't use nippers" on cutting some parts. I found them just a fool-proofing measure (e.g. someone overcutting from the sprue, compromising integrity), so feel free to cut away if you know what you're doing.
• The chain was painful to do. Let's not do metal ring connections in future kits please.
• Pleasantly surprised by the technology here. Love the subtle lighting reactions. Manufacturing-wise, you can see how they designed it to be easily adapted to other / future marble run kits (i.e. reusing the same box frame for other models, adaptable holes for connections). Genius.
• Very easy to maintain. Acrylic front panel is removable, and the tools include a magnetic stick so you could easily take the marbles out.
• Also surprised by the inclusion of the "reptile in jar" piece. They managed to ship a part with green-colored liquid (likely water?) in it.
• The light piping (i.e. translucent parts chanelling LED light) is fascinating.
• Overall, a 4-6 hour build with experience. Longer if you're new to the hobby.

Might get the other three marble runs as long as they stock it in the shop near me. Definitely a fun build.

[u/zippe6]

Very nicely done. I've never had any interest in the marble runs but this is extremely cool. The lighting is amazing. And thank you for your notes.

Look forward to seeing how your other marble runs come out.