School project- what can I use instead?

[wheezybrind]

I've been on a mission today to find a (cheap) flexible length of pipe or channelling that can be used to create a loop the loop marble run section.

I've been to B&Q and the like, but nothing I've found is bendy enough to create a proper loop, or it's a pipe but too small for a marble to run freely, or it's the right size but costs £30.

I'm stumped now- any ideas on something I can use instead? It needs to be tabletop sized. Thanks!

This is probably a daft question, so feel free to ignore me. But is there a reason why you can't use an actual loop the loop from a marble run set?

LIke the one in this set?

www.amazon.co.uk/RJS-Creations-Marble-Track-Gravity/dp/B08GL1FMBM/ref=asc_df_B08GL1FMBM/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=463261185094&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=12546222682117573973&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1006888&hvtargid=pla-1017198587443&psc=1

Doesn't need to be an enclosed pipe - Google ‘diy wire marble run’

don’t know the age of the child so may need some heavy duty supervision (plus gloves and goggles) to cut and shape wire, but that would be my solution

Is this your project or your child's?

cut a length off your hosepipe?

Foam pipe insulation, like this:

It's a project for an after school club, so I want the kids to be able to make/fashion the loop the loop themselves to see if it will work.

Ooh, that looks promising, @InMySpareTime

Thank you!

Ah ok.

No idea if they're purchasable but the tube from an old vacuum cleaner?

Look up cable tidy tube on Amazon, several options out there, something like this: cable tidy

Loo roll/ kitchen roll/wrapping paper inner tube/tin foil/cling film tubes taped together?
cut in half before hand makes them go twice as far. Could ask children to raid their parents recycling…..free!!!!!