Virtual Lego:
The Official LDraw.ORG Guide To LDraw Tools for Windows
Book Review

By Dale Farris, Secretary Golden Triangle PC Club October 2003 General Overview Any fan of LEGO kits will want to make sure they get their own copy of this super new book from No Starch Press. "Virtual LEGO" explores the LDraw library of LEGO parts, MLCad, POVRay, L3P, L3PAO, LPub, LSynth, and more. Software Included Adding still further to the value of the book is the included CD ROM disc that provides the free software referenced in the book, as well as working files from chapters and a gallery of LDraw creations by LEGO builders. Since most of the LDraw system is made up of many tools, written by different people, you would need to install and configure each separately. The included CD ROM disc contains an assembled installation program that installs and configures most of the software discussed in the book. This will minimize the up front effort to configure these tools. Background to the Book James Jessiman originally created the LDraw in his effort to illustrate a LEGO parts listing for his own use. After many attempts, including changing programming languages a number of times, James found the combination that worked best. The move from a collection of static illustrations to the use of the drawings as elements in model constructions seemed so natural to James that he decided to do just that. Another very natural thought was that something as enjoyable as LDraw should be shared with other LEGO fans, hence the use of the Internet. The enthusiastic reception to his new virtual toy, virtual LEGO, was wide and varied. James received countless emails daily, most requesting that new parts be drawn. These requests were immediately filled as James devoted most of his night hours to the task. What he next planned was for fans to write their own parts with his encouragement. All seemed to come to an end, when on July 25, 1997, James died very suddenly. He was only 26 years old. However, not only was there great compassion and sadness from his Internet friends, they also took up the task of continuing the development of LDraw and other allied systems. Their enthusiasm was only matched by their technical expertise. What is LDraw? Avid LEGO fans are probably more familiar with LDraw. LDraw is an amazing, free Computer Aided Design (CAD) and rendering tool that was originally begun by James Jessiman. Since 1996, the worldwide community of LEGO fans has used the LDraw parts library and file format to do amazing things with virtual LEGO bricks. The LDraw community has come a long way from the small group of users it once was. Now, tens of thousands of LEGO fans worldwide use the software as part of their building experience. James Jessiman, the original author of the original LDraw and LEdit programs, set the standard for everything you see in this book. Today, James's memory lives on in the LEGO community through the work of the countless people who now use the LDraw system. The original LDraw package, released by James in 1996, set a standard for 3D LEGO building on the Web. Today, the word "LDraw" is used to refer to a system of tools, instead of a single program. Many programs are designed to interact with LDraw model and part files. These programs make up the "LDraw system of tools." Such programs include the ones discussed in this book, including MLCad, L3P, L3PAO, LPub, and many more. The book breaks down this diverse system into five major categories: Editors Viewers Utilities File Format Converters Raytracers You perform different tasks with each tool as you digitize your LEGO model. This book walks you through how to use the most essential and most popular tools in each of these categories. When you have finished with the book, you should have the confidence and ability to document your models and create building instructions to share with the world. LDraw.ORG defines "LDraw" as the foundation for a "system of tools." All the above software (except for POV-Ray) use the LDraw file format and parts library as their native file format. Each type of program interacts with an LDraw model file in different formats, and still other programs generate complex construction directions, like a spring or a rubber belt. Viewers let you look at a model and manipulate it in 3D. Together, the programs discussed in the book compose a cross-section of the total LDraw experience, just as many distinct, compatible LEGO elements assemble to become a complete model in real life. The LDraw system means the entire system of tools, which uses the LDraw file format and LDraw parts library. The original LDraw package was a DOS software package, written by James Jessiman, and first distributed in 1996. It consisted of LDraw.exe and ledit.exe. The official LDraw parts library is distributed at the www.LDraw.org/library Web site. An LDraw file or LDraw model is an LDraw formatted virtual LEGO model file. Official LDraw Website At LDraw.ORG, you will find many featured files, included the Model of the Month and Scene of the Month competitions. These showcase the best in LDraw model building and high-quality rendered scenes (www.LDraw.org/community/contests). Anyone is allowed to enter an image of their favorite model or scene for the honor of being featured on the site's main page during the following month. There are also numerous notable achievements outside of these contests. From a technical as well as an aesthetic perspective, you can find information on some of the more amazing creations, including Jennifer Clark's Demag AC50-1 all-terrain crane, www.telepresence.strath.ac.uk/jen/lego/demag_crane.htm. LDraw.org provides the official distribution of the LDraw parts library, maintains the specification documents for the LDraw file format, and serves as a central launch-point for people inquiring about the LDraw system. The site also hosts tutorial documents and provides the latest news relevant to the LDraw community. The website is maintained by individuals who volunteer their time and technical and organizational skills to keep things running smoothly in the LDraw community. Virtula LEGO Toolbox In essence, the LDraw system is a virtual LEGO toolbox. Its components, when used in conjunction with one another, allow you to create wonderful 3D "virtual" LEGO models on your computer. Your raw materials are your imagination and the assortment of LEGO parts. Just like a physical toolbox, with its saw, hammer, tape measure, level, screwdriver, and other necessary tools, LDraw allows you to combine raw materials and craftsmanship to create beautiful furnishings. Describing LDraw as a toolbox is a good analogy. Just like in physical construction, be it with wood or be it with LEGO, the job is not completed in one step. Instead, you often use several tools together across multiple phases to complete a project. When learning to use LDraw tools, you will understand and appreciate the multi-step process involved when you are documenting your creations on your computer. Focus of the Book This book will take you through a handpicked group of software programs that allow you to create your own 3D LEGO models, render high quality images of your models, and create your own building instructions. Not all the available programs are covered in-depth in the book, because this goes way beyond the scope of the book. However, the authors will provide in-depth discussion of some of the more popular programs, which will give you a firm understanding of how the system works. From there, you can take your knowledge and use it to investigate other LDraw-based programs that may interest you. You can view a list of LDraw tools online at www.ldraw.org/download. The book will show you how to create models using MLCad, prepare them for rendering with L3P and L3PAO, generate building instructions with LPub, and hand-edit the POV-Ray scene language in POV-Ray and MegaPOV to create high quality renderings. You will be introduced to concepts that help you post-process the building instruction images you generate. When you finish the book, you will be able to create a model in 3D, render a high quality scene of the model, create building instructions for it, and publish your instructions online for others to see. The authors strive to enable readers to document their creativity and show it to the world. At the end of the book, they talk about how you can create your own LDraw parts from scratch. Table of Contents The book achieves it purpose by organizing the material into 22 chapters. 1.   What is LDRAW? 2.   Installing the Software and Using the Book 3.   Diving In: Creating Your First Model 4.   The LDRAW Parts Library 5.   Placing, Moving, and Rotating Parts 6.   Exploring MLCAD 7.   Capturing a Simple Model: The Car 8.   Complex Models: Sub-Modeling and SNOT 9.   Minifigs, Springs, Rubber Belts, and More 10. Creating and Using Flexible Elements 11. Managing Your Model Files 12. Introduction to Building Instructions 13. Introduction to Raytracing Software 14. L3P and L3P Add-On 15. LPUB: Automate Building Instruction Renderings 16. POV-RAY 17. MEGAPOV 18. Post-Processing Your Building Instructions 19. LDRAW and the Web: Viewing and Publishing Models Online 20. Building Instructions: Mobile Crane 21. Creating Your Own LDRAW Parts 22. LDRAW and LEGO Bricks: Taking the Hobby Further In addition, the book has 6 appendixes A.  Glossary of Terms B.  Web Links C.  LDRAW Community History D.  LDRAW File Format Specifications E.  Extended and Dithered Color Information F.  LDRAW Primitives Reference Book Contents CD ROM included; 480 pages; paperback; figures; screen shots; b/w photos; appendixes, including a glossary; index Foreword by Don and Robyn Jessiman, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Australia - parents of James Jessiman, the creator of the original LDraw program Authors Tim Courtney Steve Bliss Ahui Herrera About the Authors Tim Courtney, an avid LEGO hobbyist, spearheaded the development of LDraw.ORG in 1999. He has been a long-time contributor to the LEGO fan community. Steve Bliss manages the parts list on LDraw.ORG and created the LDraw.ORG add-on software, a tool that manages and edits LDraw files. Ahui Herrera manages the help desk and tutorial section of LDraw.ORG. ISBN October 2003 - First Edition 1-886411-94-8 List Price $39.95 $59.95 CAN About No Starch Press San Francisco based No Starch Press, Inc., publisher of such best-selling titles as "Steal This Computer Book 3," "The Book of JavaScript," and "The Linux Cookbook," is an independent publishing company committed to producing readable, information-packed computer books that make a difference. No Starch focuses on Open Source, Web development, computer security, programming tools, and alternative operating systems. No Starch authors are highly regarded experts who have the rare ability to write about complex topics clearly and concisely. As a result, No Starch books share a no-nonsense manner that both educates and entertains. The Linux Journal Press series offers readers books on cutting-edge Open Source topics that make a difference, in an effort to advance the acceptance and usability of Linux. Recent titles include "The Book of Zope," "Programming Linux Games," and "The Linux Cookbook." Linux Journal Press titles are developed in partnership with Linux Journal. The No Starch international distribution network brings their books to all major English-language and critical non-English language markets. Their U.S. distributor, Publishers Group West (PGW), is the largest U.S. distributor for independent book publishers. PGW sells to all major wholesalers (Ingram, Baker & Taylor, Bookazine, Koen, etc.), national chains and independents, online booksellers, and academic and technical bookstores. No Starch also aggressively pursues sales in non-traditional channels, including corporate and premium sales, bulk sales, and book clubs. The No Starch international distributors (including JGA in Canada, Computer Bookshops in the UK, Woodslane in Australia/New Zealand) reach all major English and non-English markets with large technical populations. They also maintain extensive contacts with international publishers who translate their books and bring them to their markets in their local language. William Pollock, founder and publisher of No Starch Press, Inc. (and co-founder of APress) has over fifteen years of book publishing experience. No Starch Press benefits from his experience in professional reference, scientific, college, and trade publishing. Mr. Pollock has worked his way up through the publishing ranks from editorial assistant, to sales representative, to acquisitions editor, to publisher. He knows the book publishing business from the ground up. Publisher Contact Leigh Sacks Publicity & Marketing Coordinator No Starch Press 555 De Haro St., Suite 250 San Francisco, CA 94107 800-420-7240 415-863-9900 FAX 415-863-9950 leigh@nostarch.com www.nostarch.com