Developing System X - or "Don't bring back Steck..."

[Sir Pleamo]

I am back!

I think I do not have to tell you what life can be with two little children, a renovation of our whole home, really hard times at work…
So I do not want to bore you… so yes, here we go!
This post will be some kind of off-topic, too, but I guess after such a long time you may forgive me to mention a lot of what IS somehow related with this topic.
First of all I have to say that is a really funny thing, isn’t it? Emma posted a great “article” exactly the day I was going to “rejoin” PF too…. Strange things happens all the time!
So to all of you: Thanks staying with this project!

One of the most important to me was Sir Pleamo's excellent 3D work, that I have just recently had the time to try. I've just read all of this thread and although it's been quiet for a long time I think it's well worth reminding other members about.

I really feel honoured by your words, Emma!

First of all a huge big thank you and well done to Sir P. for his excellent and time consuming work on his project that we can all benefit from. I'm hoping to do more design work now I've got the hang of it with sketch up. Mainly as I don't own many of the parts myself it makes it so much easier than trying to guess what it would look like.

Yes, I hope so too! Please try out all the parts, you really have the creativity to show what might be possible with this System X and this project! And it is nice to hear that you have tried a little bit, because after all that time, now it begins that I get a real feedback (some have sent me amazing projects done with my Library! Great!). This is and was the encouragement to go on… but also to make some steps back.

1) In taking the personal feedback very seriously, I started to rebuilt all (yes ALL) done parts in a new “userfriendly” way.  Now there is a Grid integrated so that it is very easy to adjust all the parts right (even those parts, that were very hard to place right in earlier versions). There will be a real big new version come let’s say until autumn which will put the workflow (not the parts) to a new level. Nearly everyone than will be able to use it than easily (even those, that do not know how to spell SketchUp).

[Sir Pleamo]

2) I always was very frustrated not to have included non-SysX-parts, because my dream is to create a database for the whole diorama plannings. So I am really glad to give you some first impressions on what will come within this release: For the first time STECK will be included!

[Sir Pleamo]

...more STECK...

[Sir Pleamo]

But both points leads directly to what Emma wrote:

So how can we help? There doesn't seam to be much progress with the collectors club. Is there anyone who still talks to Geobra? Could we send a petion / letter of support highlighting the possible benefits of including more sys x parts in new sets.

Thank you Emma! Thank you so much! At no time I wanted someone to force supporting what only I found a nice project, but that is exactly what all my personal dreams were about: I really need HELP WITH THIS PROJECT! First it was a small idea on my computer just for personal use and slowly but checkless it seems to become useful for more and more Playmofriends! And maybe some have realized by now what my intensions are. Let us try to make a big thing, WE ALL TOGETHER! So we are directly back in line of this thread: Yes, at the end of this debate I am going to present the results in a highly professional presentation to Geobra. In my opinion we really have a chance to influence production and design if (and only if) we can present a sound concept which is not in conflict within Geobra’s politics but underline the value for us AND them.
So yes, I need all of you in two aspects:
(1) First in threads like this one, in constructive discussions about this issue to get some fruitful but realistic solutions and
(2) within the 3D-Project. I really try my best to keep this work ongoing, but yes, hard but true, that’s somehow too big for one person alone. So everyone that is willing to support me in this manner might sent me a PM, there is so much to do (not only SketchUp-design, beleave me there is something for every skill…)  

How can we help support this idea to convince Geobra that is better to go with sys x than clip? Could we ask for more extensions in the new DS range when they consult us? Could we suggest a general add on pack with just one type of part in it that can be used for all these buildings. eg a floor pack or a wall pack, smaller sets with just new windows in?
[…]
I've just had an idea while writing this! Would it help if we all sent them a design based on one of our favourite sets but slightly customised nothing too fancy but to show how we would like to extend or combine their buildings. something simple the average family could build themselves if they had the parts. (wasn't that mentioned as part of the collectors club a sharing of designs?)

Great ideas! In my opinion that is one major point we should go for: Part-extension sets via DS (as we all know for anything else there are such sets, e.g. traffic signs, fences, etc.). And second a major goal should be to show WHICH parts we need, therefore your idea with personal “most wanted” will be great, but I guess it would be more powerful not to sent a lot of mails but one professional bundle of ideas. So I think (as I tried to figure it out above), we have the potential to create our own staff, we do not need to wait for some vague PCC (which in the ends comes only for Facebook???). So again, contact me, so we can create a team of persons for preparing these presentations. Are you with me or do you think of other ways?

[Sir Pleamo]

Everyone has mentioned a problem with the holes. I often cover mine with rugs. The trouble is if you fill it in with another flat top clip how do you get it out if you change your mind. It's got to have a small hole in it so you can prise it out. The 5302 mansion has blank plates that fit into the standard wall column - the connector that's 2 x 3 holes along the flat side. These or a shorter version could be used on some of the wall joints. There's also several flat end plates used in the shop sets that clip onto the end of walls to cover up the holes. They don't bother me too much as I like the flexibility of the system.

Well that's all I've got to say for now, I'm off to beg for some more parts.

Okay next post will be about the holes… OMG, I hues I have said this a thousand times… the simple problem is, there is so much to say but so little time… I will try my best!

[henry_martini]

You are incredible. 

[Giorginetto]

Sir Pleamo this all so amazing !!!! i am soooooo interested to use this software for my next steck castle design which is going to be far far bigger than my current KRULL castle. I would love one day to be able to  use this awesome software and design the entire next castle

i really hope that Playmobil acknowledges your amazing work 

[Emma.J]

  I love your work it's amazing!

Some brillant ideas in how to help out. I think your right a collective effort would help with this. I know we're all busy with our own projects as well as normal life but could everyone who wants to use your excellent work create a project to share with Geobra? This could well take months but I think we would all have fun showing new possibilities, what do you all think?

[Pynedor]

Nice designs, mate!

[Rhalius]

Great work and good suggestions!

Maybe the program could be used to design a good DS steck set that includes some of the most wanted items.