CAD System - Computer Aided Design for Playmobil

[Indianna]

There has been so much wonderful creativity on display recently - we are seeing some wonderful ideas, sketches, suggestions, etc. about improving Steck and SystemX and even thoughts and ideas about a whole new system.  It is really exciting!   

I think this is a good point to re-introduce the concept of a CAD system/Computer Game/Software for Playmobil.  In my imagination, I see a system similar to LEGO Digital Designer.  Such a system would allow anyone to build any Playmobil design in a virtual world.  If we already had this type of software available, all of the work that people have been doing in the past few weeks could have been done in this virtual world and easily shared with others who have the same software. 

- All of the existing Playmobil parts and sets would be pre-loaded in the software and updates for new stuff would be available by download.
- Individuals would be able to upload (into their own computer files) all of their actual sets and parts
- The software would assist in maintaining an inventory of those sets and parts
- Individuals would be able to design, within the virtual world, any building, any Klicky, anything at all using current or discontinued parts, whether or not they actually possess those parts
- If there is a point in the design process where a new part is needed (maybe a Steck/SystemX connector, for example, remember this is all virtual so anything goes!) the software would let you design whatever you need automatically.
- There would be an option to change colors and textures within the virtual world.
- Building plans would be automatically generated for new designs
- After a virtual design is created, a list of parts that the individual does not currently have would be generated.  The list would show which parts are discontinued and which only exist in the virtual world as well as which ones could be ordered from Direct Service
- Parts that are virtually designed could be reported back to Playmobil as possible future DS parts

If there is just one thing that I could ask Playmobil to do right away, it would be to develop and sell this type of software (or give it away through the Collector's Club.    )  Many, if not most of the virtual designs could not be built in the real world, but wouldn't it be awesome to be able to play around in that virtual world? 

[Wolf Knight]

I like this Indiana!!! I hope Playmobil takes up at that suggestion and makes it reality!

[Justindo]

I'd love to see this happen!

[Walts-Trains]

I am lucky as i can do this with the Playmobil railway track using Win Rail.
It would be could if there was a programme for using the building pieces.

[Gis]

It would really help with seeing which items you are still missing for a future design. Might be better for budgets...probably not though :-)

Great idea!

[Emma.J]

Wow, that's a great idea I wonder could we do this?

I've never tried a cad program except for a free floor planner on the internet which I could build a 3d house in with furniture.

Is there a suitable program where we could create the parts in it. If several of us could use the same program we could share the created objects and walls etc, so we could all contribute a few bits each.

I'm a novice at this but I'd be more than willing to have a go at some parts and pass them on.

Is it possible? 

[Emma.J]

Sorry forgot to say the closet I've come to this is using excel to map out 2d palace floor plans and wireframe 3d victorian buildings.

[Indianna]

Sorry forgot to say the closet I've come to this is using excel to map out 2d palace floor plans and wireframe 3d victorian buildings.

Hi Emma!  Obviously, your finished products are fabulous, so it would be very interesting to know more about how you have designed them.  Can you possibly show us some examples of how you do this?  How to "wireframe 3d victorian buildings" sounds esp. intriguing as I have no idea at all what that means!      

Wow, that's a great idea I wonder could we do this? . . .

I was hoping that Playmobil would invest some real money in software development to make this happen.  It is certainly possible for folks like us to put together a CAD system for Playmobil, but it takes a lot of time and expertise.  There is (was?) a LEGO sytem called LDraw which, I believe, was originally developed by fans who contributed to it over many years, but now the LEGO Designer system is available on the LEGO website.  I am hoping we can skip that interim step altogether and get Playmobil to do it.     Besides, in order to really do it right, the software developers will need access to Playmobil's archives and facilities to obtain historical info as well as exact specifications for each and every Playmobil part (precise dimensions, exact colors, 3D image rendering of actual pieces, etc.)  This would be a very big project, but they could start with Steck and SystemX and add other elements over time. 

I believe that a software program like this would be worth doing from Playmobil's perspective because it could be sold for a profit (I know I would buy it!)  Besides appealing to adult fans and collectors, it could also appeal to kids who think they are "out-growing" Playmobil by giving them an electronic way to play with Playmobil on their computers, game systems, etc.

[Emma.J]

Hi Indianna,
ok here a couple of designs I've done on windows excel. I've used this mainly so I could work out palace designs without having to lay out or flooring everywhere. The pink one was the first type of image I used with the holes marked on then later on I used the blue set as it was easier to create and move around. As you can see it means I can work out all the floors from the ground up.




I used the same idea to work out which rooms I wanted in a Victorian house which I then discovered I could turn into 3d objects. Altering the transparency enabled a wireframe look to the design.

I hope every one can follow this.

[Wolf Knight]

That is a really nice work Emma!! I suppose this can be developed as to design each room with its own parts, klickies and accessories...even tapestry!!! (probable, if definately, not on excel but if the CAD playmobil system develops....)