Since I posted our fun little particle accelerator video a few weeks ago (you can see it here), I have received many requests to submit it to LEGO Ideas and create building instructions for it. You can find info on both below. I have also put together another video to answer some questions and show you how it works.

LEGO Ideas Project

For those unfamiliar with Ideas, it gives fans of LEGO an opportunity to suggest potential set ideas to the company. If a project receives enough fan support it is reviewed by LEGO and an official set is potentially made based on the idea. I think it would be great to have another science based set come out of Ideas.

Adding your support is easy. Simply head on over to the project page (https://ideas.lego.com/projects/86253) and click the Support button. You will have to create a LEGO account if you don’t already have one.

Instructions

I have put together instructions for the basic ring and accelerator module. It can be set up on any flat surface and be decorated and styled to suit your tastes. Some notes on the construction can be found below.

Build It Yourself

Free Building Guide (PDF)

Parts List

Rebrickable Page

Curved Train Rails

The ring itself is constructed using these old train rail pieces,which unfortunately haven’t been produced by LEGO in many years. There are actually two versions of this rail piece, one for the inside curve of a track and one for the outside curve. In the instructions I’m referencing the outside rail, but you can also use the inner rail piece instead. It will just slightly decrease the diameter of the ring. Both versions of the rail are still available on the second hand markets (part numbers 3229b and 3230b on bricklink.com and brickowl.com).

Power

The simplest way to power the accelerator is to use a Power Functions M-Motor and one of the Power Functions battery boxes (AAA or AA).  Note that with either of these battery boxes alone the accelerator will only run at full speed.

If you want to control the speed of the accelerator there are a few options:

• Add a Power Functions IR Receiver and IR Speed Remote to the basic setup above.
• Instead of one of the basic battery boxes, use the Power Functions Rechargeable Battery Box, which has an on board speed controller.
• If you have an old 9V LEGO Train Regulator you can connect the M-Motor directly to that using one of the Power Functions Extension Wires

All of the Power Functions components can be ordered directly from LEGO via their online store (shop.lego.com). You can find them under the Power Functions Category. Links to each of them can also be found below.

M-Motor

AAA Battery Box

IR Receiver

IR Speed Remote Control