Looking for "The Brain" Puzzler by Magnif

[Sarf]

Hi all,

I'm new to this forum but very old to puzzle solving. Many years ago (about 30) I had a puzzle called "The Brain". I've recently contacted the company that manufactured it called Mag-Nif and they informed me that the product (Item #2225) was discontinued over a year ago. In my attempt to locate one (used or new) I came across your forum.

If anyone has "The Brain" Puzzler in good working condition (smooth operation of pegs) and could find it in your heart to sell it, I'd really appreciate one. I'm willing to pay $20 plus UPS shipping (to Southern California) for one in mint condition and less for one that needs some TLC. You know it's condition, you set the price. I will pay via Paypal.

Please contact me directly via my email address: [email protected]

Thanks in advance!
Ron

 

[Jude]

Sorry to post seeing as I can't help with your quest to find one, but the puzzle can be simulated on a java applet downloadable here http://opticubes.com/BrainPuzzle.jar.

I just had a go, and managed to solve it after 3:51 On my 2nd go it took me 1:16. It's quite a fun puzzle!

Edit: 50 seconds on my 4th go!

Edit: 39 seconds on my 5th go! Don't think I can get much faster than this without memorising my solution

Edit: 18.159. My hands are tired

 

[rjohnson_8ball]

It seems equivalent to Towers of Hanoi, where the disks can be numbered 1-8, smallest to largest. In both games, you toggle piece 1 every other move, then piece 2 every 4th move, piece 3 every 8th, piece 4 every 16th, etc. In the Towers of Hanoi puzzle, pieces 1,3,5,7 cycle one way while pieces 2,4,6,8 cycle the other way. I made my own Towers of Hanoi when I was a young child, about 40 years ago.

 

[pjk]

Last time I tried ordering, Magnif said they were out of stock. I don't think they sell them anymore, as you mentioned. Hopefully someone from here will have one to sell to you.

Does anyone know how many were produced overall?

Sorry to post seeing as I can't help with your quest to find one, but the puzzle can be simulated on a java applet downloadable here http://opticubes.com/BrainPuzzle.jar.

I just had a go, and managed to solve it after 3:51 On my 2nd go it took me 1:16. It's quite a fun puzzle!

Edit: 50 seconds on my 4th go!

Edit: 39 seconds on my 5th go! Don't think I can get much faster than this without memorising my solution

Edit: 18.159. My hands are tired

A "solve" consists of putting all the pegs in, and then getting them all out (or vise-versa). Just putting them all in or just getting them all out isn't considered a solve. I just wanted to clear that up, as I was confused when I started solving.

 

[Ryanrex116]

I have a puzzle like this. It is called the 9-rings puzzle.

I think Jaap has a picture of one (with 7 rings?) with the picture of the brain.

 

[Sarf]

Chukk,

You've made my day Thank you. I had a flashback to the 70's when I saw the JavaScript version. I played it 6 times and got my speed in-out-in down to 3m 20s. That's about how fast my hands move these days but it was a blast nonetheless. Thanks for sharing the link. You have my utmost gratitude.

I'll be checking in occasionally to see if I can buy one but for now, this will do.

Happy Holidays!

Ron