Playmobil Research

[reylocann]

While sifting through the contents of a recent "lot" I acquired through ebay, I came across quite a few pieces/parts that I have never seen before.  Sometimes it is fairly easy to determine which set a part comes from based on the colour or style of the piece.  Often, a quick search through the PlaymoDB is all that is needed.  But, once in a while, a part is not listed in the DB.   Being the inquisitive person I am, I need to find an answer.  I usually start with the Collector's book - if the part in question is self-evident, i.e. a shoe, hat, pole, etc.  I will then cross check using the archives.  I am usually successful in finding the piece, but it can take a long time! [I tend to be a little obsessive-compulsive once I get going  ] 
Obviously, the benefit of doing it this way is that I learn a lot about sets I am not familiar with and, through osmosis, expand the data base in my head.  That being said, I will soon be posting some pics to the "What is this ...?" forum because I have no clue about a group of pieces and not knowing is driving me nuts!    
I think it will be interesting to see which references are used most often and with the most success. Also, it would be great if the veteran collectors would share the methods they use for identification and also provide any references that are particularly useful and that may not be known to all. As a relatively new "collector", I and others like me can only benefit from your infinite wisdom. 

[Tiermann]

There is a lot of depth to the brain pool here when it comes to Playmobil.  If I don't find it in a reasonable number of search tries at PlaymoDB then this is where I would go next. Plus it's fun for everyone involved.