Office of Steam Forum for Model & Toy Steam Gas & Hot Air Engines

Bruce, that is really a neat item.  I have put similar wood kits together and like you said...first time X minutes, second time much quicker. 
May have been on the old Mamod forum, but I remember a member named "Busted Bricks" who made and sold marble machine kits of that type construction. I built one for a gift to my son, have a second awaiting the right occasion to build. 

thanks for sharing

rog