8

I had a lot of Lego when I was younger (in the late 80s/90s). In a flash of nostalgia I recently remembered having a great instructions/ideas book that I loved to read through - I can't remember the number, or even if it was an official instruction manual, all I can remember is that it contained information on a 'line plotter', which used a roll of paper and a few pens to draw lines, which at the time I thought was amazing - I may have even built it.

I've been able to find out some information - it appears that the plotter was built by Larry Page (yes, of Google fame!), and I have also managed to find this picture from the book...

Larry Page's Line Plotter

Does anybody else have any information on this book? A PDF would be excellent, but any information would be of interest to me.

Many thanks,

Improve this question

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
6

The book you're looking for is the "Expert Builder Idea Book (8888)". The complete book is available on Peeron.

Improve this answer
3
  • You're welcome. I absolutely loved this book, and was always fascinated by the plotter. I don't think that it is any coincidence that I enjoy a career as a programmer, and would site this model as one of the inspirations behind my vocation. I'm delighted to be reminded of it all.
    – Kramii
    Nov 26, 2014 at 15:47
  • 1
    Sadly, I'm not certain that the model in the book was by Larry Page. Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Larry_Page) says that Page designed his LEGO plotter whilst at University. The Idea Book was published in 1980 when Page would have been about 7 years old. I don't doubt that a prodigious 7-year-old might come up with a clever LEGO design, but I'm not sure that he would be at University by that age.
    – Kramii
    Nov 26, 2014 at 16:09
  • I agree. I assume the post in which I read about it probably had the wrong picture (which is the one I've included here), nonetheless, the link you provided was the one I happened to be looking for, thanks again.
    – Tom Tregenna
    Nov 26, 2014 at 16:13

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.