Broderbund’s vintage papercraft software

Broderbund’s vintage papercraft software
toyshopcover.jpg
equatorial-sundial.jpg
equatorial-sundial2.jpg
steam-engine2.jpg
steam-engine.jpg
CIMG4334.jpg

I had a real retro-techno moment seeing this software box from 1986. I remember it well. It’s Broderbund’s The Toy Shop, a collection of papercraft models you could print out and cut n’ fold to create everything from a catapult, to a carousel, to a steam engine (which used a balloon as its power source). Everything worked: cars rolled, catapults shot, zoetropes spun and flickered. Papercraft fanatics Mike and Lacey have put up all of the image files and build instructions for all of the models in the original Toy Shop collection. No C64 needed to access these awesome paper models.

The Toy Shop – 20 Marvelous Mechanical Models that Really Work!

What will the next generation of Make: look like? We’re inviting you to shape the future by investing in Make:. By becoming an investor, you help decide what’s next. The future of Make: is in your hands. Learn More.

Gareth Branwyn is a freelance writer and the former Editorial Director of Maker Media. He is the author or editor of over a dozen books on technology, DIY, and geek culture. He is currently a contributor to Boing Boing, Wink Books, and Wink Fun. His free weekly-ish maker tips newsletter can be found at garstipsandtools.com.

View more articles by Gareth Branwyn
Discuss this article with the rest of the community on our Discord server!

ADVERTISEMENT

Escape to an island of imagination + innovation as Maker Faire Bay Area returns for its 16th iteration!

Prices Increase in....

Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds
FEEDBACK