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General => Brainstorming For Playmobil => Topic started by: Janilew on November 24, 2019, 23:19:23

Title: 18th century/ sneaky pirates line
Post by: Janilew on November 24, 2019, 23:19:23
Greetings one and all! I have another idea! :D What if there was a theme for the 18th century? I believe there's a lot that can be gleaned from that era, particularly for Pirates. I feel like the Pirate theme has sunk to monotony because of the lack of threats and interesting places to loot. After all, what's a pirate if there's no laws to break? That's where the good ol' Navy comes in– enhanced and memacing! This time, THEY have the bigger ship along with a state-of-the-art prison and competent soldiers! They're sent by the crown who dwells in a Versailles inspired castle. I already have plans for them!  ;D

These changes are necessary, as there's now a town to protect! The new town series can serve as a spiritual successor to both the Victorian and the Old Medieval houses. Of course their pieces are interchangeable for maximum customization. The town has a few different house designs to serve as either homes or occupational buildings, much like 6220 (shop with an awning). There are several insert options to choose from like: seamstress/tailor, doctor, baker, teacher, blacksmith, etc. The dressmaker would be my favorite, as their's a new system to customizing the full skirts I made. There's also the option of creating a market square with several stands to choose from. Lots of signs and shelves to use! However, civilians aren't the only ones looking at the merchandise! For the pirates have used disguises to infiltrate and rob! They even hid in giant barrels and boxes to sneak around.

The pirates this time around have taken a subtler approach to piracy. Their schooner has hidden places to hide smuggled goods and a brig below their leveled deck to stow prisoners, and a storage as well.

As you can see, I kind of went all out.  :-[
I have some art to illustrate how it all works....
Title: Re: 18th century/ sneaky pirates line
Post by: Janilew on November 25, 2019, 05:45:39
Here are some designs of the new skirts I mentioned. They're inspired by none other than the Rococo period!  ;D A period I chose not only for the fashion, but because it was barely clutching the tail end of the Golden Age of Piracy. So it all ties up rather nicely!

Since the fashion of this era is reknown for its overindulgence and excessiveness, the first thing I knew was needed, was the ridiculous wigs from then. They have removable extensions on the sides and top of the base hair pieces. The powdered face and blush is another trait, but I think it's best for a select few to have them— lest they look all look like a gaggle of clowns. I figured the skirts could be either the normal skirts, or a smoother variant. That way, a rubber overskirt could fit over them and add more customization. You could mix and match! Of course new accessories and all that fun stuff to go on the hair, the body, the dress itself, etc, etc.

I considered a second, slimmer skirt to fit over the form made of rubber, but maybe it could clamp instead? I'm also second-guessing having the legs exposed like that. Should I just let the base model have the molded, skirted legs?  ???

Anywho, the models below are to just show the basic ideas I made. May or may not use all four models of the original full skirts for maximum fun.

Art:
https://hlootooart.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/IMG_8522.jpg (https://hlootooart.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/IMG_8522.jpg)
https://hlootooart.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/IMG_8523.jpg (https://hlootooart.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/IMG_8523.jpg)
https://hlootooart.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/IMG_8524.jpg (https://hlootooart.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/IMG_8524.jpg)
Title: Re: 18th century/ sneaky pirates line
Post by: Ismene on November 25, 2019, 09:57:16
I'd go broke if Playmobil had a fully developed 18th century theme. I don't collect pirates (usually), but an 18th century town would be dangerous.
Title: Re: 18th century/ sneaky pirates line
Post by: tahra on November 25, 2019, 11:00:27
Those are gorgeous (ok, the painted faces DO look like clowns, but I guess that would be accurate! :P )

However, playmobil doesn't seem interested at all in doing a city, unfortunately..

(also, I would prefer regular klickys instead of speedos, but that may be just me :-[ )
Title: Re: 18th century/ sneaky pirates line
Post by: GrahamB on November 25, 2019, 11:57:01
Those are great designs, with great accessories and interchangeability! Geobra should definitely consider doing things like those, if not the buildings, market stalls and pirates-hiding-in-barrels. My daughters have had great fun with Polly Pocket over the years, which have a similar basis, with dolls to dress and accessorise!
Title: Re: 18th century/ sneaky pirates line
Post by: Janilew on November 25, 2019, 12:26:48
I'd go broke if Playmobil had a fully developed 18th century theme. I don't collect pirates (usually), but an 18th century town would be dangerous.

Same here! My downfall might be medieval civilians.  :love: Actually, I wish they had more civilian sets for many of their themes so the cooler sets stick out more. Oh how I miss the old Medieval houses.

Those are gorgeous (ok, the painted faces DO look like clowns, but I guess that would be accurate! :P )

However, playmobil doesn't seem interested at all in doing a city, unfortunately..

(also, I would prefer regular klickys instead of speedos, but that may be just me :-[ )

I'll admit that I was torn after some thinking, but it might be best to use the skirted legs that usually go under the full skirt. Maybe I can make it colored like an undergarment instead. Maybe it could even be a new mold altogether! :) And thank you tahra.

Those are great designs, with great accessories and interchangeability! Geobra should definitely consider doing things like those, if not the buildings, market stalls and pirates-hiding-in-barrels. My daughters have had great fun with Polly Pocket over the years, which have a similar basis, with dolls to dress and accessorise!

I have designs for the buildings and stalls too! As well as everything else...  :-[ Since Playmobil, like other companies these days is downsizing, I think their strongest point would be accessories. Which is why they'll be very fun to design!  ;D

And I had no idea Polly Pocket worked like that! :o It's been yeeeeears since I had her, and it wasn't for long.
Title: Re: 18th century/ sneaky pirates line
Post by: PMatt on November 26, 2019, 17:08:28
That's where the good ol' Navy comes in– enhanced and memacing! This time, THEY have the bigger ship along with a state-of-the-art prison and competent soldiers!

You had me at this.  :)

The level of detail you put into imagining this XVIII century theme is nothing short of impressive. I particularly appreciate all the thought that went into the clothing: I'm more of a uniforms guy myself, but you can bet you'd find me switching skirts and trying out different wigs on those gorgeous klickies you designed. Your art looks brilliant, hope we'll see more of it!
Title: Re: 18th century/ sneaky pirates line
Post by: Janilew on November 28, 2019, 13:18:52
Phew! I made my first initial concept for an 18th century castle.

https://hlootooart.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/CastleFrontViewSmaller-1-scaled.jpg (https://hlootooart.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/CastleFrontViewSmaller-1-scaled.jpg)

I decided to go for a gender neutral feel like in the olden days. It combines the princess' theme with the boy's Steck system. The color scheme was based off of good ol' castle 3019, and the design was inspired by French castles and architecture. The foliage is climbable by thieves and pirates  klickies to reach the window, and the top has a walkway for patrolling guards. This is just the front for now. I have plans to illustrate the inside, but I've worked long enough on this as is...  :-[ If anyone has any ideas on how to make this more interesting, let me know!  ;D

Also, a sneak peek of my first take on 18th century royalty.
Title: Re: 18th century/ sneaky pirates line
Post by: tahra on November 28, 2019, 21:41:56
Gorgeous. Can we see the details too?   :love:

It combines the princess' theme with the boy's Steck system.

... is this an insult?

Since when is the Steck "boy's"?  When there WAS steck, playmobil (and probably others) didn't attempt to treat girls as mindless pink morons and the boys as violent fighting morons.... That is a LOT more recent than steck.

For anyone who has doubts, here is a very handy "infographic thing": How To Tell If A Toy Is For Boys Or Girls In One Easy Step (huffpost) (https://www.huffpost.com/entry/how-to-tell-if-a-toy-is-for-boys-or-girls_n_4372629)
(someone should send this to playmobil...)

Title: Re: 18th century/ sneaky pirates line
Post by: Janilew on November 28, 2019, 22:02:18
Gorgeous. Can we see the details too?   :love:

... is this an insult?

Since when is the Steck "boy's"?  When there WAS steck, playmobil (and probably others) didn't attempt to treat girls as mindless pink morons and the boys as violent fighting morons.... That is a LOT more recent than steck.

For anyone who has doubts, here is a very handy "infographic thing": How To Tell If A Toy Is For Boys Or Girls In One Easy Step (huffpost) (https://www.huffpost.com/entry/how-to-tell-if-a-toy-is-for-boys-or-girls_n_4372629)
(someone should send this to playmobil...)

Woah there! I meant no offense!   :o

I should've just said the older grey castles as they were Steck instead of "boy's". My apologies. When I said "girl's castle" I specifically meant 3019 (the lovely tan color with a blue roof   :love:). I understand how you may have thought I was engendering things, but I just miscommunicated a little. Sorry about that! Trust me, I hate the pink/blue epidemic as much as if not more than you. I love 5142 and 4250 deeply, but I could've done without the pink a bit. The rest of the princess and the fairy themes makes me want to weep from how entrenched they are; and the dark colors of the "boy" themes look more and more like Imaginex to me.

And yes! I do plan on adding the details later. Just gotta draw them

Thanks for that helpful image, I do try to operate under that as I'm designing, and Playmobil SHOULD staple it somewhere! ;D Take care!
Title: Re: 18th century/ sneaky pirates line
Post by: tahra on November 28, 2019, 22:44:05
Woah there! I meant no offense!   :o

I WAS joking about the insult ;)

It's just... it became soooo widespread, you know? It's... ridiculous. And it kinda feeds on itself. Ok, and it's a pet peeve  :-[


Thanks for that helpful image, I do try to operate under that as I'm designing, and Playmobil SHOULD staple it somewhere!

I loved that image since the first time I saw it - it is PERFECT  :P

Looking forward to the rest of your "drawerings" - brilliant!  And a plus for being steck. Steck rules. There is never enough steck. 7400! 7400! 7400! 7400! 7400!  (sorry, got a bit carried away ;) )
Title: Re: 18th century/ sneaky pirates line
Post by: Janilew on November 28, 2019, 22:58:24
I WAS joking about the insult ;)

It's just... it became soooo widespread, you know? It's... ridiculous. And it kinda feeds on itself. Ok, and it's a pet peeve  :-[


I loved that image since the first time I saw it - it is PERFECT  :P

Looking forward to the rest of your "drawerings" - brilliant!  And a plus for being steck. Steck rules. There is never enough steck. 7400! 7400! 7400! 7400! 7400!  (sorry, got a bit carried away ;) )

All is forgiven!  I'd probably do something similar :lol:.

I too hate the pink/blue thing so, SO much, I can barely stand going to a girl toy's section as my eyes suddenly feel like they're doused in Pepto-Bismol! And the boys are all the same shade of tired blue and shades of grey and black. I prefer the kind of toys that have plenty of colors for all!

And all hail glorious Steck! Although my generation grew up with the old red and yellow bits, Steck was more merciful to my hands. Shame I don't encounter it much personally.

If you have any ideas to share for the theme, I'm up for bringing them to life! Cheers!  :**:
Title: Re: 18th century/ sneaky pirates line
Post by: PMatt on November 29, 2019, 14:51:12
Phew! I made my first initial concept for an 18th century castle.

It's a gorgeous design, and the addition of vegetation on the outside gives it a lot of swashbuckling play value, I think! Your royals look brilliant too, wish we could see them in plastic sometime.

For anyone who has doubts, here is a very handy "infographic thing": How To Tell If A Toy Is For Boys Or Girls In One Easy Step (huffpost) (https://www.huffpost.com/entry/how-to-tell-if-a-toy-is-for-boys-or-girls_n_4372629)
(someone should send this to playmobil...)

That's hysterical, I'm saving it.  :lol:

And a plus for being steck. Steck rules. There is never enough steck. 7400! 7400! 7400! 7400! 7400!  (sorry, got a bit carried away ;) )

I'm ashamed to say I wasn't aware of the existence of this set up to this very moment. It has so much potential I'm surprised it was never remade (or was it?).
Title: Re: 18th century/ sneaky pirates line
Post by: tahra on November 29, 2019, 16:01:56
That's hysterical, I'm saving it.  :lol:

It is unfortunately very necessary..


I'm ashamed to say I wasn't aware of the existence of this set up to this very moment. It has so much potential I'm surprised it was never remade (or was it?).

Well, we asked and asked and asked for a reedition... but nothing :(   It's probably one of the most useful sets EVER.  I could use a dozen or more. Me and everyone else.

(wallets shudder)
Title: Re: 18th century/ sneaky pirates line
Post by: Janilew on March 07, 2020, 01:24:25
Alrighty, I've made some (very) rough plans for the fort!

https://hlootooart.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/IMG_9229.jpg (https://hlootooart.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/IMG_9229.jpg)
https://hlootooart.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/IMG_9228.jpg (https://hlootooart.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/IMG_9228.jpg)

I've used elements from 3288, 5139, 4294. I'm not sure what rooms would be there, other than cells, an office, and maybe some kind of area for the soldier's. I decided to follow some suggestions that it should be on a base plate and "underground". So that's what I did! I even included room for extensions! The lighthouse can be the same old model they've been using, no reason to change it much. The treasury door is the same as that in 5139, while the half walls on the guard's walkway is taken directly from 3288, the windows too. There's a breakable wall on the rock in the front, maybe another one in the treasury. Also there's a crane!
Title: Re: 18th century/ sneaky pirates line
Post by: PMatt on March 10, 2020, 08:53:54
Raising the fort over rocky terrain is a good idea: it would make it significantly easier to integrate the building into an open sea diorama.
Title: Re: 18th century/ sneaky pirates line
Post by: Tiermann on March 12, 2020, 17:42:56
That fort reminds me of the Count of Monte Cristo! Love it!
Title: Re: 18th century/ sneaky pirates line
Post by: Birdie on March 27, 2020, 18:18:55
Janilew, seriously, you need to be hired by the Playmobil company right now. You can do sketches from home and inspire all those numbskulls spewing out generic sets!  :heart:

Can I say numbskulls?  :-[
Title: Re: 18th century/ sneaky pirates line
Post by: GrahamB on March 27, 2020, 18:30:04
Can I say numbskulls?  :-[

Why not? There are plenty about! And it's better than calling them ******* or ********, or even ***** !
Title: Re: 18th century/ sneaky pirates line
Post by: Janilew on March 27, 2020, 19:15:23
Janilew, seriously, you need to be hired by the Playmobil company right now. You can do sketches from home and inspire all those numbskulls spewing out generic sets!  :heart:

Can I say numbskulls?  :-[

Why not? There are plenty about! And it's better than calling them ******* or ********, or even ***** !

You are all too much!  :lol:  Thank you for your words Birdie! :love:
Title: Re: 18th century/ sneaky pirates line
Post by: Birdie on March 28, 2020, 17:33:20
Why not? There are plenty about! And it's better than calling them ******* or ********, or even ***** !

You make a solid case.
Title: Re: 18th century/ sneaky pirates line
Post by: Janilew on October 11, 2020, 10:49:29
AT LONG LAST. After what felt like an eternity, I'm finally coming back to this idea! AND I finally finished my interior of the castle. It's just a first design, I might refine it, but here it is for now!
https://hlootooart.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/CastleBackView-scaled-e1602413000251.jpg (https://hlootooart.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/CastleBackView-scaled-e1602413000251.jpg)

Sure is a nice palace. It would be a shame if someone....ransacked it!  >:D

I have no idea who this would appeal to, but it was fun to conceptualize. I used the actual Versailles' room interiors for inspiration. (Fun fact: Klickies can swing on the chandelier. :))

I'll do the furniture later, but for now.... I must rest...  :zz:
Title: Re: 18th century/ sneaky pirates line
Post by: Janilew on October 13, 2020, 01:39:50
Also, the white panels in the brown room on the second story are placeholders for paintings (to be stolen of course), and the room dividers are actually arches. I imagine if this building were to be pitched, it could possibly appeal to boys and girls like this: have the "boy" side stress things like thievery and breaking and entering; and the "girl" side general princess-y stuff like ballroom dancing, dress up, tea parties (something I'd actually like to see!), etc. I'd take it even further by emphasizing the modular aspect, by selling add-ons and rooms with different purposes to appeal to both sides. Like maybe a ballroom is sold with one room add-on, and a war room or whatever is sold in another room add-on. Towers, a dungeon, a pavillion, an armed gate, a scullery, there are many different routes to take. And the best part is, it's up to the child of what goes in or out the castle!

Any suggestions/improvements to be made on this castle/palace are fully welcomed!
Title: Re: 18th century/ sneaky pirates line
Post by: Janilew on October 24, 2021, 21:10:29
Over a year later and I finally figured out how to post pics outside of a link.  8}

Rococo dresses:
(https://hlootooart.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/IMG_8522.jpg)
(https://hlootooart.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/IMG_8523.jpg)
(https://hlootooart.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/IMG_8524.jpg)

Palace:
(https://hlootooart.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/CastleFrontViewSmaller-1-scaled.jpg)
(https://hlootooart.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/CastleBackView-scaled-e1602413000251.jpg)

Fort:
(https://hlootooart.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/IMG_9229.jpg)
(https://hlootooart.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/IMG_9228.jpg)

Believe it or not, I'm still into this idea. In fact, I was working on a bakery and new molds it might have.
Title: Re: 18th century/ sneaky pirates line
Post by: Macruran on October 25, 2021, 00:22:15
If the Gnomes of Zurich had any sense at all, they would hire you immediately Janilew  8-)
Title: Re: 18th century/ sneaky pirates line
Post by: Janilew on October 25, 2021, 01:00:25
If the Gnomes of Zurich had any sense at all, they would hire you immediately Janilew  8-)

Thanks!  :captain: But I sense it'd be like pitching ideas to a brick wall.  :lol:

If anyone has any other suggestions for this line up, feel free to share!
Title: Re: 18th century/ sneaky pirates line
Post by: GrahamB on October 25, 2021, 08:07:52
Those are great designs, beautifully presented!  I especially like the bouffant hairstyles, very achievable in PM.

Geobra do steal ideas from here, as Tiermann and Playmofire have recently attested, so watch for your ideas appearing in future Figures Series at the very least! I would certainly buy 'em!  :wave:
Title: Re: 18th century/ sneaky pirates line
Post by: tahra on October 25, 2021, 08:45:08
Wow, I'd love those buildings in steck! :love: