Cannot reliably search for even old parts in LDraw

[Orion Pobursky]

Just to pile onto N. W. Perry's reply, the number found in the instruction booklets is the LEGO element ID which is a number LEGO uses to identify both part and color. Since LDraw parts can be any color, it doesn't make sense for us to use element ID so we used the part number instead (usually found molded onto the part itself in some out of the way spot.) You can, however, search on part name, look up the part number by typing it into Rebrickable and seeing what they have for LDraw number, or, for specific sets, you can generate a PBG file for LDCad using the tool in the LDraw website. I'll see if I can extend this tool to custom part lists.