For modern parts, these numbers are often moulded in a discreet place on the part. These are typically four digit numbers in the range 2001-9999, five-digit numbers in the ranges 3nnnn, 7nnnn, 8nnnn or seven digit numbers like 4109nnn. Don't be confused by a number of the form n-nn (eg. 4-01), or even single numbers or letters on older parts - these are probably something to do with identifying individual moulds, they are not the part number.
The numbers I'm familiar with are the old, small, mould ID numbers....the consistent part number business is too newfangled for me. (Call my Lego interest "Classic", I guess.)
Now, here's the difference between Lego and Meccano -- with Lego, the part number is learned by inference, if at all. One cannot place an order with a Lego distributor for "100 pcs of #3754 in blue, please".
With Meccano, the company has been using pretty much the same part numbering scheme since the dawn of time (i.e. sometime in 1901). Indeed, for a full century, part #1 has always referred to a metal strip, 12.5" long, with 25 holes. And yes, one can order "100 pcs. of #1 in zincplate finish, please" from a spare parts supplier (if one can be found, that is -- there remain only a few per continent these days).
I've accumulated perhaps a cubic metre (sorted, in containers which are packed fairly full) of Lego over the years -- and I haven't been making a real effort to do so. Mostly it's stuff from clearance sales, yard sales, and other (relatively) inexpensive means. I've absolutely *no* idea which pieces I have, or how many there are. I can't be bothered to care.
My Meccano collection, on the other hand, has been inventoried, and is approaching the 100k piece count. (It does help that Meccano parts have part numbers, which Lego most certainly lacks. Any conceivable way of inventorying Lego is insane, for one reason or another.)
My Meccano is now in the "must move with forklift" weight class, and could probably be traded for some species of automobile. Sheesh.
What I find most bizarre are the numerous "this isn't nerdish" comments. I'm guessing that those comments come from those who enter nerd-mode when they sit in front of a computer screen, and deactivate nerd-mode when they logoff and go do [insert your choice of non-nerdish activity--anything that *I* would write here would wind up as flamebait].
I'm a full-time nerd, as in 24/7/365. If something is interesting to me, it is therefore(from my perspective, that is) nerdish. I'm guessing that timothy feels the same way.
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The numbers I'm familiar with are the old, small, mould ID numbers....the consistent part number business is too newfangled for me. (Call my Lego interest "Classic", I guess.)
Now, here's the difference between Lego and Meccano -- with Lego, the part number is learned by inference, if at all. One cannot place an order with a Lego distributor for "100 pcs of #3754 in blue, please".
With Meccano, the company has been using pretty much the same part numbering scheme since the dawn of time (i.e. sometime in 1901). Indeed, for a full century, part #1 has always referred to a metal strip, 12.5" long, with 25 holes. And yes, one can order "100 pcs. of #1 in zincplate finish, please" from a spare parts supplier (if one can be found, that is -- there remain only a few per continent these days).
~a
What's 100k in volume? Weight?
I've accumulated perhaps a cubic metre (sorted, in containers which are packed fairly full) of Lego over the years -- and I haven't been making a real effort to do so. Mostly it's stuff from clearance sales, yard sales, and other (relatively) inexpensive means. I've absolutely *no* idea which pieces I have, or how many there are. I can't be bothered to care.
My Meccano collection, on the other hand, has been inventoried, and is approaching the 100k piece count. (It does help that Meccano parts have part numbers, which Lego most certainly lacks. Any conceivable way of inventorying Lego is insane, for one reason or another.)
My Meccano is now in the "must move with forklift" weight class, and could probably be traded for some species of automobile. Sheesh.
~a
Yeah, hardly an auspicious sample of /. comments.
What I find most bizarre are the numerous "this isn't nerdish" comments. I'm guessing that those comments come from those who enter nerd-mode when they sit in front of a computer screen, and deactivate nerd-mode when they logoff and go do [insert your choice of non-nerdish activity--anything that *I* would write here would wind up as flamebait].
I'm a full-time nerd, as in 24/7/365. If something is interesting to me, it is therefore(from my perspective, that is) nerdish. I'm guessing that timothy feels the same way.
~a