LEGO Software Power Tools, With LDraw, MLCad, and LPub

Everything You Need to Know About LEGO Software Power Tools!

LEGO freeware applications are an important aspect of the LEGO community. Until now these tools, which are created to assist LEGO fans in their building adventures, have been difficult to find, and even more difficult to configure to work with one another. Here, in one book, readers will find steps for installing and using some of the most popular and successful LEGO freeware applications, as well as a CD that contains all of the applications in one simple-to-install program that will let users have them all up and running on their computer in a matter of minutes.

• LDraw
  LDraw is the standard used today in LEGO CAD with over 2,000 types of virtual LEGO parts in it's parts library.
  
• MLCad
  Allows users to see a graphical representation of virtual LEGO models. Use MLCad to create any LEGO model, regardless of how small or large.
• LSynth
  Create and incorporate detailed flexile parts into virtual LEGO models, including chains, hoses, and much more!
• POV-Ray
  This sophisticated program simulates lightning environments in images, allowing users to create amazing effects with finished images.
• L3P
  Converts standard LDraw files into a format that POV-Ray can use.
• LPub
  Allows readers to create professional-quality building instructions for their custom LEGO models.

Contents

Foreword

Chapter 1 A LEGO CAD System

Chapter 2 Installation

Chapter 3 LDraw: A Virtual LEGO System

Chapter 4 MLCad 101

Chapter 5 Modeling with MLCad

Chapter 6 MLCad's Output

Chapter 7 LSynth: A Bendable-Part Synthesizer

Chapter 8 L3P and POV-Ray

Chapter 9 LPub

Chapter 10 Going Beyond: LEGO Resources

Chapter 11 AT-ST Building Instructions

Index