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Q: What is Peeron LEGO© Inventories?
A: Peeron LEGO© Inventories is a partial listing of the parts
in official LEGO© sets, with illustrations of parts where possible and
cross-referencing to show what (inventoried) sets include a given part.
Q: Do you sell LEGO© sets or parts?
A: No, although when sets are available at Amazon.com
we link to that site if you want to buy LEGO© from them. Some sets and
parts might also be available via the Peeron Associated
Stores program. Kevin Wilson also maintains a FAQ on buying LEGO©.
Q: I lost the instructions or a few parts
to a set. Can you help me?
A: No, and neither can the people who
contributed inventories. Scans of instructions for sets more than three years
old may (in most cases) be found in PICSL. LEGO© Consumer
Affairs has a good reputation for dealing with small problems with current
sets - you can contact them here.
Otherwise, your best bet may be to try to buy from a LEGO© reseller, and
auction sites.
Q: Why publish inventories of LEGO©
sets?
A: Set inventories serve many uses for LEGO© users.
People wishing to build sets can determine which parts they need before they
start building. People considering buying a set can see exactly what pieces
they will be getting. People who need a particular part can find out in what
sets it is available. People who are parting out sets for resale can quickly
get a list of the parts they plan to sell.
Q: Who is responsible for Peeron
Inventories?
A: The database was set up and is maintained by Dan
Boger and Jennifer Finch. Thomas Garrison and Clark Stephens provide additional
administrative help. The inventories used are provided by LEGO© users all
over the world---and we can always use more. The
LEGO© parts database is based on Partsref, by Steve Bliss.
Q: How accurate is this information? Is
it official?
A: The Peeron LEGO© Inventories generally
receives no information from the LEGO© Company; all the information is
collected an compiled by LEGO© fans. Unfortunately, inventories sometimes
have errors or omissions; we encourage users to send in corrections or verifications when they find errors in the
inventories. The best metric we can offer of an inventory's accuracy is how
often it has been verified, and the sources of the
inventory and any verifications (this information is listed at the bottom of
the inventory).
Q: What does "Source:"
mean?
A: When known, the source of an inventory or verification is
listed at the bottom of the inventory. That is, what kind of set the author of
the inventory used to create the inventory. This gives users an idea of how
complete and accurate an inventory is likely to be. The currently valid
sources are: MISB - (From "Mint In Sealed Box") refers
to a set that was acquired new and unopened, and never had its pieces mixed
with other pieces before the inventory. Instructions - Refers to a set that
was reconstructed using instructions, with the inventory done on the parts
needed for the reconstruction. Such an inventory will, in particular, be
missing the "extra" pieces TLC includes in new sets. Box - Refers to
inventories done from the boxes of sets that publish pictorial inventories
right on the box, such as some BASIC and Mindstorms sets. Catalog Picture -
Refers to inventories done from a catalog picture of sets (such as bulk packs
or supplementary packs) whose entire inventory is given in the picture.
Q: I found an error in the set name/number
of pieces/price/etc. How can that be fixed?
A: Data not actually
part of the set inventory is pulled from the LUGNET Set Guide. Corrections to that data
can be posted to lugnet.admin.database.
Q: How can I help?
A: By sending inventories, verifications, pictures, and
corrections to inv@peeron.com. Or, you can donate money to the site's
operation:
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Q: What are the priority areas for
helping Peeron?
A: Inventories of uninventoried sets are most
needed. After that, look at the inventory history; any set with less than three
MISB inventory/verifications quite likely has errors, but being the fifth
person to verify an inventory from instructions may not be the best use of your
time. Also, stay in your comfort zone---for a Pirate-person to inventory or
verify a Technic set (or vice versa) can be an unrewarding experience, because
the parts and (especially) their names will be unfamiliar. Of course, send in
errors as you find them (unless you will shortly be verifying the whole set).
Q: How do I submit
an inventory to Peeron LEGO© Inventories?
A: Peeron
LEGO© Inventories currently welcomes inventories for all official
LEGO© sets. First, check to make sure that Peeron does not yet have an
inventory for the set (if it does, do a verification). Second, create the
inventory. Finally, submit it to the website using the online form or send it to inv@peeron.com
(ideally as an attachment, but this is not required). Inventories should be in
the following format: a plain text file, with name "nnnn-n.txt" (where "nnnn-n"
is the LUGNET Set Guide Number for the set) and first
lines in the format
# 6026-1: King Leo
Submitted by Your Name <email@address.com>
Source: MISB
followed by the inventory data. Note that the e-mail address is optional
(but please note in each e-mail if you do not want your e-mail address
published with your inventory) and the text after "Source:" should be one of
the four allowable sources. The inventory data should be
tab-separated, with each part type on its own line, in the order Quantity, Part
Number, Color, Description, and Notes. There should be one tab between each of
those items of data. Note that this might mean that columns do not line up in
all lines, and some lines might wrap at the end.
Q: Why doesn't Peeron
publish inventories of Duplo and Primo/Baby sets?
A: Peeron
Does publish inventories of Duplo and Primo/Baby sets now. Please
submit any new inventories just like regular inventories.
Q: What is the
LUGNET Set Guide number for a set?
A: The LUGNET Set Guide number
is the number, unique to each set, that the LUGNET Set Guide uses to distinguish sets.
It generally consists of the official LEGO© number, followed by a hyphen
and a number to differentiate between LEGO© sets with the same number. In
the actual Guide, the hyphen is replaced with an underscore. See Set 2 for an example of why this is
useful. If a set is not yet in the LUGNET Guide, feel free to submit an
inventory, but also please email db@lugnet.com or post to lugnet.admin.database to let
the LUGNET database administrators know about the set.
Q: So how do you
physically do an inventory?
A: Well, you start by having a
LEGO© set. If you are doing an inventory from instructions, this means
that you must gather together all the pieces and build the thing, paying extra
attention to be sure you don't leave anything out. Then you should take it
apart, keeping the parts separate from any other sets. If the set is new, you
just have to open the box and the bags. There are a variety of ways to
actually capture data. One of the easiest (for Windows users) is Partscatalog by Bob Kojima
(note that the source code is available, if anyone wants to port it to other
operating systems). Some makers of inventories have imported the Peeron Master List of Parts and Numbers into a
spreadsheet program and created ways to enter part numbers and quickly generate
an inventory. The universal solution is to use a text editor (such as Notepad,
Vim, or Nedit) and the list of parts in Peeron, copying and pasting the part numbers and
descriptions. However you do it, you will find that that it is easiest to
enter the parts in related groups. Start with simple groupings (all bricks in
one pile, all plates in another pile, all minifig elements, all Technic
elements, and finally all other parts) and create your own system as you become
more familiar with the parts nomenclature. Inventories do no need to list the
parts in alphabetical order, although alphabetical order does make them more
readable. If you cannot find a part in the Peeron list, try to find it in Partsref. The only acceptable
sources of part numbers are the Peeron list, Partsref, and the part numbers
embossed on the parts themselves (if reduced to this last option, try to come
up with a description for the part that is descriptive and fits in with the
other Peeron names). In the case of patterned (printed) parts which do not yet
have a Peeron or Partsref number, use the number of the base part and describe
the pattern in the "Notes" column. Also use "Notes" to list the lengths of
variable-size parts (like string, Technic Flex
Hose, etc.) and "extra" parts (parts not needed to make the main model, for
sets that have a main model). Colors should be chosen to be consistent with
the Peeron Color Chart. If you cannot find the color
of the piece on the chart, use a color not on the chart (that fits, of course)
and mention the new color when submitting the inventory. Once you've entered
the inventory, print it out and check it against your pile of parts. Then
build the model---again, if the inventory is from instructions, just to make
sure you didn't miss anything; otherwise, to determine what parts should be
listed as "extra".
Q: How do you do
a verification?
A: You should go through the same process as doing
an inventory, except instead of entering the data, print off a copy of the
inventory (preferably with pictures), and physically check of each item in the
inventory. Pay special attention to new or unique parts whose numbers might
have been read or entered incorrectly, or parts which could easily be confused
for other parts (like the more than thirty different tyres). Check up on parts
that were entered without part numbers, or patterned parts without pictures of
the exact pattern---pictures might have been added since the inventory was made
(also, of course, you might submit pictures of them
yourself). An ideal format for a verification is that pioneered by William
Howard:
-1 3006 Black Brick 2 x 10 (ie this part is not used - see below) -5 3006 Gray Brick 2 x 10 (ie this part is not used - see below) 1 3832 Black Plate 2 x 10 (transposed plate for brick - see above) 5 3832 Gray Plate 2 x 10 (transposed plate for brick - see above) +1 4162 Gray Tile 1 x 8 (cf p5, p15 - should be nine in total) +2 4073 TrYellow Plate 1 x 1 (cf p29 - should be four in total) +2 4073 Blue Plate 1 x 1 (cf p11 - should be four in total) -1 43p01 White Flag 6 x 4 with Jolly Roger Pattern (cf pp34-35 - would be surprised if a 'spare' was in the set!)or any other format that makes it clear with which entries (if any) of the current inventory you disagree. Redoing the whole inventory is not as helpful, since then it is less clear that every difference between the old and new is a deliberate change that you have scrutinized thoroughly. As usual, include your name, your e-mail address (or note that you do not want your e-mail address published), and the source of the verification. Once complete, send your changes to inv@peeron.com.
Q: How can I submit
pictures?
A: Peeron only accepts original photographs made by you
of parts and sets that you own. Please do not submit photographs that are not
yours, nor photographs taken from other Lego websites. We will remove any
pictures on the site that are deemed to be unauthorized copies.
Peeron accepts photographs in the JPEG format, with a maximum size of 1200x1200 Peeron has very rigorous standards for photographs (and LEGO© is notoriously difficult to photograph) so many submissions may not be accepted. Parts should generally be photographed under at least two bright lights (flash works poorly), with a background of gray baseplates for contrast and to show scale (except for minifig torsos and heads). The photographs should be clear and large enough to readily determine the form of the part (or distinguish its pattern). To submit pictures, use this form, or email inv@peeron.com. To see the list of parts that do not have pictures, view this report.
If you have any skills with LDraw, consider becoming a part author by submitting parts to the Parts Tracker. After the part enters the official LDraw Library, it is available for Peeron in all colors.
Q: What is PICSL?
A:PICSL stands for the Peeron Instruction and Catalog Scan Library.
Q: Why are certain instruction scans not
displayed on PICSL?
A:Since the scans were first published on the
Internet, Kevin Loch voluntarily limited the scans to sets that are older than
3 years. When the Library moved to Peeron from Brickshelf, we agreed to
continue this tradition. We will gladly accept scans of newer sets, but they
will not be published until 3 years have passed since the release of the set.
Q: What is the Peeron Associated Stores program?
A:The Peeron Associated Stores is a program where sellers on
Bricklink can have links to their stores from various pages on Peeron. This
helps users looking for a certain part an easy way of finding a store that
sells it, as well as increasing traffic to the seller's shop.
Q: How do I sign up?
A:The
signup process is simple: First, go to register to get a username on Peeron, and
send a request to us at stores@peeron.com asking to open a store.
Once you're approved, you'll be able to set up your storename and automatic
download of your BrickLink inventory. The last step would be to make an
initial deposit into your Store account, using a Paypal link from the store
management page.
Q: How much does it cost?
A:As much as you feel it's worth to you. The minimum payment is
$2/month. The stores are sorted by their monthly payment. You can choose to
change your payment at any time, and it will be reflected at the next billing
cycle.
Q: When will I be billed?
A:The system will bill your account on the 1st of every month, at
the rate you have set. During the month, you have the option of adjusting your
rate and having your balance updated immediately, which allows you to increase
your sorting level without waiting for the next billing cycle.
Q: How many stores can be shown?
A:Currently, there's a limit of 10 stores on each part page, and 5
stores for instructions and set sales, each. Extra stores are visible on a
special page, dedicated to Peeron Associated Stores for that item.
Q: How can I make my listing more
visible?
A:One way is to increase your contribution for the
following month, as stores are sorted by that value. Or, you can get credit
towards your store's listing by submitting new inventories or pictures. Each
new inventory will credit you $5 towards your listing for that month, and each
new picture $1, if your submission is accepted. Credit is applied when
submission is posted to the site.
Q: How can I know how many people are
clicking through to my store?
A:As an Associated Store, you have
access to a report page where you can see exactly which lots were clicked
through on any given day.
Questions? See the Peeron™ FAQ | Comments? inv@peeron.com
