I've submitted this as a LEGO set idea on LEGO Cuusoo. If you'd like to see LEGO make this an official kit support it here.

I love questions!

I've used both LDraw and LEGO Digital Designer, but I found that I like working directly with bricks much better. For larger pieces I will do some size calculations so I can order parts. I'm very bad at drawing, so I don't do that really at all.

I'm glad you like it! It only took about 30 hours to engineer and build... so if you spend 30 minutes a day...

The first photo is almost exactly what I used, except I used the older style of that turntable with the studs connection on top and bottom.