BrickLink Discussion Forum

In Catalog, Hygrotus writes:

Couldn't they just have their own separate categories: ghosts and skeletons?

I agree. I do not associate these figures with Halloween at all.

Author:

WoutR

Posted:

Nov 3, 2018 18:24

Subject:

Re: We have a new Inventories Admin

Viewed:

49 times

Topic:

Inventories

In Inventories, Admin_Russell writes:

Hello again everybody,

We mentioned last week that we were looking for a new Inventories Admin, and
I'm announcing today that we have appointed Randy (user randyf) to this position.

Randy is a very well-known contributor to the catalog, a frequent participant
in Forum discussions, and pretty much a person we couldn't imagine BrickLink
being without. He has contributed a large number of color-adjusted Lego part
renders which have helped define the look of BrickLink for the next generation.
And his work with PCCs is unmatched.

We are pleased and excited to extend these admin privileges to Randy and to welcome
him to our admin team.

Russell

Congratulations to Randy and BrickLink, another great addition to the team of
volunteers!

Author:

WoutR

Posted:

Nov 1, 2018 13:30

Subject:

Re: New Catalog Roadmap

Viewed:

37 times

Topic:

In Catalog, randyf writes:

In Catalog, StormChaser writes:

In Catalog, axaday writes:

Have we ever considered making the jump to using Lego official color names?

Yes, in fact I suggested it once myself. Then someone pointed out that some
of these names are rather convoluted and silly. Our names are better, but I
would like to include the official colors names on or color chart for cross-reference.

Please do not ever consider switching to using the official LEGO color names
here. They are indeed *very* convoluted and silly. For examples: BL Tan is LEGO
Brick Yellow, BL Magenta is LEGO Bright Reddish Violet, and BL Brown is LEGO
Earth Orange. Just those three alone make me wonder what TLG was thinking (or
smoking?) when naming colors.

Cheers,
Randy

I still think my suggestion would work:
https://www.bricklink.com/message.asp?ID=635575

Author:

WoutR

Posted:

Oct 31, 2018 17:46

Subject:

Re: Second Catalog Project Underway

Viewed:

41 times

Topic:

In Catalog, WoutR writes:

In Catalog, Hygrotus writes:

In Catalog, WoutR writes:

In Catalog, mhortar writes:

In Catalog, StormChaser writes:

Here's the plan: I'm going to post back here later today with all my
proposed changes (I may have to take this in steps) and give people a chance
to comment.

If you do have a comment/suggestion on where these parts are going, please suggest
an alternative location. Before you comment, look at the situation carefully
and present a good argument about why the proposed category is inappropriate.

Parts:

Beehive - move to Cone

I think 'Animal - Air' might be better for this, but that's just
a thought.

Or Minifigure, Utensil

Could be if it was beehive made by human like this on photo. This one is definitly
made by bees themselves.

To me, it looks most like something that Disney uses in their cartoons. I have
never seen a natural bee colony looking like these.

I assumed that they were based on some idea of the older straw hives mixed with
a wasp nest. If there is any species building these, I'd like to see an image

Attached images:
- straw beehive
- honeybee colony
- wasp

LEGO calls part 35574 "MINI HAT, NO. 54" so that would be Minifigure, Headgear

We might need to rename the part after its completely different use in set 10261-1

35574 Cone 2 x 2 x 1 2/3 with Stacked Rings (Beehive / Cotton Candy)
Parts: Cone

10261-1 (Inv) Roller Coaster
4080 Parts, 11 Minifigures, 2018
Sets: Creator: Creator Expert: Fairground Collection

60171-1 (Inv) Mountain Fugitives
70 Parts, 4 Minifigures, 2018
Sets: Town: City: Police

Author:

WoutR

Posted:

Oct 31, 2018 17:42

Subject:

Re: Second Catalog Project Underway

Viewed:

33 times

Topic:

In Catalog, Hygrotus writes:

In Catalog, WoutR writes:

In Catalog, mhortar writes:

In Catalog, StormChaser writes:

Here's the plan: I'm going to post back here later today with all my
proposed changes (I may have to take this in steps) and give people a chance
to comment.

I think 'Animal - Air' might be better for this, but that's just
a thought.

Or Minifigure, Utensil

Could be if it was beehive made by human like this on photo. This one is definitly
made by bees themselves.

Attached images:
- straw beehive
- honeybee colony
- wasp nest

Author:

WoutR

Posted:

Oct 31, 2018 16:42

Subject:

Re: Second Catalog Project Underway

Viewed:

43 times

Topic:

In Catalog, mhortar writes:

In Catalog, StormChaser writes:

Here's the plan: I'm going to post back here later today with all my
proposed changes (I may have to take this in steps) and give people a chance
to comment.

I think 'Animal - Air' might be better for this, but that's just
a thought.

Or Minifigure, Utensil

Spiral Pole - move to Hose

My first thought on this was that it should go to Axle, but Hose is probably
a better fit.

Waves - create new category titled Wave

This one has me conflicted. There's a number of these Wave items that should
be in 'Minfig - Utensil' but others should not. Is it better to keep
them all together in a new category, or split them based on common usage?

Josh

Author:

WoutR

Posted:

Oct 29, 2018 18:43

Subject:

Re: Some recessed studs are recessed.

Viewed:

32 times

Topic:

In Catalog, SylvainLS writes:

In Catalog, mfav writes:

In Catalog, StormChaser writes:

Give me some more information including comparison photos which show the actual difference

I don't know how to better show the difference than in the photo I provided
above. If you have some idea how to better illustrate the difference, share,
and I can attempt another photo.

The problem with your photo is it’s just lines you drew. Not easy to see for
oneself.

Try a close-up of both studs from an angle so we can see how deep they are?
If the parts are side by side or the same relative size and if you manage to
show the inside border of the studs…

Or maybe insert a common LEGO part and show how far it goes?
This way, anyone could easily do the same.
(A nozzle? They have grips that can help see the length. Better than plain
bars.)

I think the image is pretty good. The hole is the same, but it starts from a
lower stud.

I suspect that this is a mold error/variation. Interesting, but I do not know
if this is a functional difference that needd a new catalog entry.

Author:

WoutR

Posted:

Oct 29, 2018 06:01

Subject:

Re: New Catalog Roadmap

Viewed:

55 times

Topic:

In Catalog, StormChaser writes:

Want to know where we're going with the catalog? Hard to do without a map,
isn't it?

I'm excessively pleased to announce the all-new Catalog Roadmap in the Help
Center:

https://www.bricklink.com/help.asp?helpID=2473

If you lose that link, you can always find the page in the Help Center for the
catalog:

https://www.bricklink.com/help.asp?topicID=21

This is an effort to increase transparency about what is happening with the BrickLink
catalog and to make it feel more like a community effort. And, of course, to
get some stuff done.

And no, before anyone asks, I don't know what's going on with the site
roadmap. I thought it was a fantastic feature and I'm quite excited to finally
have something similar for the catalog.

Feedback? Ideas? Comments?

I think there still are some inconsistencies in the catalog:
https://www.bricklink.com/messageThread.asp?ID=202697
https://www.bricklink.com/messageThread.asp?ID=235406

I think those issues were never solved.

Author:

WoutR

Posted:

Oct 28, 2018 02:22

Subject:

Re: Another New Catalog Thing

Viewed:

38 times

Topic:

In Catalog, StormChaser writes:

I am wasting no time in making your lives marginally better, my friends.

For your convenient reference, we now have a list with links and descriptions
of known part variants which are not distinguished by BrickLink:

https://www.bricklink.com/help.asp?helpID=940

This list is majorly incomplete and I could use some assistance in completing
it. If you're bored and want to gather additional variants not yet shown
on the list, please respond to this message with your list of variants (macro
tags appreciated, but not absolutely necessary).

To save others duplicating work, you might reply first saying you're going
to be working on it.

4229 Engine, Strakes, 2 x 2 Thin Top Plate
Parts: Aircraft

2547 Shark Body
Parts: Animal, Body Part

I would prefer to have an alternate large image showing the variations for all
of these items in our catalog. The shark body is a good example for that.

Author:

WoutR

Posted:

Oct 27, 2018 14:50

Subject:

Re: New Catalog Roadmap

Viewed:

38 times

Topic:

In Catalog, StormChaser writes:

In Catalog, WoutR writes:

Should this be included?
https://www.bricklink.com/message.asp?ID=1101957

Yes, and it is now added.

Thank you!

Author:

WoutR

Posted:

Oct 27, 2018 14:19

Subject:

Re: New Catalog Roadmap

Viewed:

44 times

Topic:

In Catalog, StormChaser writes:

Should this be included?
https://www.bricklink.com/message.asp?ID=1101957

Author:

WoutR

Posted:

Oct 25, 2018 19:59

Subject:

Re: We have a new Catalog Admin!

Viewed:

57 times

Topic:

In Catalog, Admin_Russell writes:

Hello everyone,

We are pleased to announce that we have made another appointment. StormChaser,
who was appointed as Inventories Administrator last year, has now been promoted
to Catalog Administrator.

This is an important step for BrickLink. We haven't had a Catalog Admin appointment
for over nine years, and this is the first time someone has moved from the Inventories
side of the system to the Catalog side.

We believe StormChaser is highly qualified for this position. In addition to
an outstanding year as an Inventories Admin, he has had years of intense experience
with every area of the BrickLink Catalog. He has made many thousands of corrections,
uploaded an enormous amount of new data, and has solved a number of LEGO mysteries
over the years. So we're very pleased he has agreed to accept this position,
and we look forward to his activity in this new area.

We will be be making another appointment soon to fill his former position as
Inventories Administrator.

Russell

Congratulations StormChaser!

I am happy to see a new Catalog Admin added to the team, especially because the
workload seems to be increasing every year.

Author:

WoutR

Posted:

Sep 30, 2018 09:36

Subject:

Re: Is this classed as a different brick?

Viewed:

47 times

Topic:

In Help, CraftHouseBrick writes:

I’ve had a look and can’t find an old variant.

Is it worth asking about getting such a variant added to the database?

In Help, CraftHouseBrick writes:

Hi, thanks for your immediate reply!!

I’ll have a look for a variant piece listing for it. I’ve actually got about
6 or 7 floating around in a box of my stuff from when I was a child!
Thanks again

In Help, jblock writes:

In Help, CraftHouseBrick writes:

Hi, I’m new(ish) to BrickLink - certainly selling on here x and I had a question...

This is a regular “slope 33 4 x 3” piece which appears to me to be very old,
as it is unlike a lot of other bricks of the same appearance in that the tubes
underneath are split and has “PEND” in place of it’s part number.

I can’t find any evidence of this brick in the catalog... does it just class
as a regular “33 4x3” brick or is it special/rare in any way?

Thanks for any help you can give

Bricks with the split tubes like this are older, usually from the 60's/70's.
I'm not sure if this part number has an "old" variant, but for the 3001's
and 3002's, these split tubes are classified along with the other 3001old
and 3002old parts. You have a very vintage piece there!

Probably something fromn the mid 1970s. The 3001old with these tubes were introduced
in 1973. Sellers usually list them separately with "with split tubes" in the
comments.

Author:

WoutR

Posted:

Sep 26, 2018 15:15

Subject:

Re: Inventory Change Request for Gear 8020332

Viewed:

22 times

Topic:

Inventories Requests

In Inventories Requests, Redhawk_Kevin writes:

Please make changes to the following inventory:

8020332 (Inv) Watch Set, SW Darth Maul
Gear: Watch: Star Wars

* Change 8 Gear Black {bbw001 Watch, Link without rectangular holes (makes slightly shorter band) to bbw083 Watch, Link without rectangular holes, Oval-Shaped}
* Change 6 Gear Flat Silver {bbw001 Watch, Link without rectangular holes (makes slightly shorter band) to bbw083 Watch, Link without rectangular holes, Oval-Shaped}
* Change 4 Gear Red {bbw001 Watch, Link without rectangular holes (makes slightly shorter band) to bbw083 Watch, Link without rectangular holes, Oval-Shaped}
* Change 2 Gear Trans-Red {bbw001 Watch, Link without rectangular holes (makes slightly shorter band) to bbw083 Watch, Link without rectangular holes, Oval-Shaped}

Comments from Submitter:
Updated with new watch link variant.

Thanks for the quick work on these!

Author:

WoutR

Posted:

Sep 23, 2018 18:59

Subject:

Re: White brick with holes?

Viewed:

53 times

Topic:

In Catalog Identification, SylvainLS writes:

In Catalog Identification, normann1974 writes:

In Catalog Identification, SylvainLS writes:

In Catalog Identification, normann1974 writes:

I found this in my spare parts. Which part is it? It seems not to neither

3709a Technic, Brick 2 x 4 with Holes on All Sides
Parts: Technic, Brick

3709c Technic, Brick 2 x 4 with Holes on All Sides - Solid Studs
Parts: Technic, Brick

Why not 3709c?

Because 3709c is made from two parts (notice the line in the picture),

Well, I know 3709a is split, but the pictures of 3709c are just bad renders,
so I wasn’t sure 3709c was split too.

It was.

and it doesn't exist in white.

No. The catalogue doesn’t know it exists. It doesn’t know a set where the part
would have appeared, or of one such part sold in the last 6 montths.

Now, as it’s not split, but (as shown on another of your posts) it has a bottom,
maybe it’s a prototype?

Author:

WoutR

Posted:

Sep 17, 2018 11:03

Subject:

Re: Seeking Opinions on Part Assemblies in Invs

Viewed:

34 times

Topic:

In Catalog, mockingbird writes:

In Catalog, StormChaser writes:

The catalog entries would likely remain for any parts removed from inventories
and could still be used for buying and selling just as they are now.

Yes, please

The second route we could go is to include all of the existing part assemblies
in the catalog in inventories. That opens the door to many more part assemblies
being added to the catalog and to inventories. My concern with that approach
is that eventually you fill up inventories (and the catalog) with part assemblies
- especially when you consider stickered/printed assemblies, assembly color variations,
and part variant assemblies.

For assemblies the color combinations and part variants are indeed a difficult
issue. Can't think of an easy solution for that. Something like a 'not
applicable' color and then add a comment to describe the colors (or variants)?
This would work for selling the parts, but I don't know if the comment field
is available in inventories.

Why not create a new option in inventories? Something like 'assembled parts
and pairs' This would include the wheel/tyre combination, the assembled hinges,
stickers over assembly, etc.

Something like this would be my preference also.
This section could work exactly like the current counterparts, but under a different
category heading and with a different definition. All the current exceptions
to the counterparts could go in this category.

This would NOT include full assemblies of subsets (like a train wagon or a car).
These go in the 'special assembly' (or subset) option .

Keep the counterparts option for the stickered parts, strings, hoses as per your
new definition.

And because of the many options in inventories that would be available then.
Make it possible to hide certain of these options when viewing or printing the
inventory.

Author:

WoutR

Posted:

Sep 16, 2018 16:12

Subject:

Re: sw880

Viewed:

21 times

Topic:

In Catalog, Redhawk_Kevin writes:

There is actually a much larger assortment of watch variants. This may be too
detailed for Bricklink?

I have been supplying a large number of inventories for Star Wars watches recently,
but there are many variants that I have not tried to sort out for the catalog.
I did add the inventory for this watch today.

- Kevin

In Catalog, Hygrotus writes:

In Catalog, Dino1 writes:

What do you mean with three variants?

I allowed myself to compile your photo with third variant "older" artwork box
(like in first one) but with sw880.
All three have the same number.

Could you check the watch links?
https://www.bricklink.com/messageThread.asp?ID=241893

[g=bbw001]
[g=bbw083]

Author:

WoutR

Posted:

Sep 13, 2018 10:46

Subject:

Re: Return the Catalog tab

Viewed:

54 times

Topic:

Suggestions

In Suggestions, JulieK writes:

Please put it back.
It was the perfect word to describe where it took users.

I came to BrickLink for the catalog first, and started to buy later.

The catalog is not just a tool we use for selling, it is a hugely important way
to draw people to the site. I know that it has been gone for a long time, but
I would still love to have a separate catalog tab back.

Author:

WoutR

Posted:

Sep 12, 2018 16:43

Subject:

Replying to messages in the NEWS topic

Viewed:

76 times

Topic:

Suggestions

Status:

Open

Vote:

[Yes|No]

Every time we reply to a topic in the NEWS section of the forum, we get the error
message:

"Oops! There was a problem processing your request:
1. Topic was not selected."

Please make it possible to reply to the NEWS section without this error.
Possible solutions include:
- allow replies in the NEWS section,
- select one topic by default (instead of asking users to pick one at random,
usually Announce and/or Administrative are used)

Author:

WoutR

Posted:

Sep 11, 2018 14:28

Subject:

Re: Inventory Change Request for Minifig atl011

Viewed:

24 times

Topic:

Inventories Requests

In Inventories Requests, WhiteVanMan writes:

In Inventories Requests, StormChaser writes:

In Inventories Requests, WhiteVanMan writes:

Please make changes to the following inventory:

Minifig No: atl011 Name: Atlantis Diver 3 - Ace Speedman - With Propeller

atl011 (Inv) Atlantis Diver 3 - Ace Speedman - With Propeller
Minifigures: Atlantis

* Delete 1 Part 6041 Pearl Light Gray Propeller 3 Blade 3 Diameter
* Add 1 Part 6041 Flat Silver Propeller 3 Blade 3 Diameter

Comments from Submitter:
I've got 2 of the sets that this minifig comes from, and both were sealed, and I found that this propellor is actually in the newer colour of Flat Silver more than Pearl Light Grey, hence this change request. (I can't change the set's inventory to reflect this as well)

Here's the thing with PLG/flat silver parts: the catalog's really a mess
right now regarding those colors. It needs to be fixed, but right now the issue
is on hold. Sorry, but we're not going to be changing any PLG to flat silver
or flat silver to PLG for the time being.

OK

Then why not find out WHEN the newer style of Flat Silver that the LEGO group
uses first came in, and then state that all of the sets from THAT time will have
that style colour, so that we shall know WHICH colour is correct for a particular
part?

https://www.flickr.com/photos/126975831@N07/15206357186/
The color was introduced in 2010. But parts were made in the old color earlier
than that, and LEGO would have used any old stock before making the parts in
the new color. As a result, both the old and new color could be correct here.

It's well known that there are 2 distinct colours for the Flat silver that
we are aware of, and it can be done in the same way as the Light Grey/Light Bluish
Grey saga came about over 10 years ago....

How can it not be resolved?

Paul

Author:

WoutR

Posted:

Sep 11, 2018 07:40

Subject:

Re: Difference between mold types

Viewed:

30 times

Topic:

In Help, randyf writes:

In Help, WoutR writes:

In Help, mfav writes:

It's very subtle, this difference.

Nice image!

Are the clips on the other side different also?

No.

Thanks. The name suggests a difference like

2555 Tile, Modified 1 x 1 with Clip
Parts: Tile, Modified

93794 Tile, Modified 1 x 1 with Clip with Center Cut
Parts: Tile, Modified

Author:

WoutR

Posted:

Sep 11, 2018 07:34

Subject:

Re: Difference between mold types

Viewed:

31 times

Topic:

In Help, mfav writes:

It's very subtle, this difference.

Nice image!

Are the clips on the other side different also?

Author:

WoutR

Posted:

Sep 10, 2018 06:58

Subject:

Re: 3001old mold variations

Viewed:

35 times

Topic:

In Catalog, patpendlego writes:

Hello!

So far, I have found 42 bricks 2x4 with differences (and likely there are more).
Curious about your findings

https://www.leggodt.nl/items/lego/parts.php?group=4&withimages=yes&language=en#top

I can't believe how difficult it is to find number 31 on your list

I do have all the others, your list was very helpful when I started my collection.

Author:

WoutR

Posted:

Sep 9, 2018 17:33

Subject:

Re: 3001old mold variations

Viewed:

46 times

Topic:

In Catalog, kislibricks writes:

Thank you for your reply. My problem here is that my customer opened a NSS because
we didn't ship what he was expecting, that is the exact brick on the picture
with the old logo.

That's why it would be great if we could add a note on the page and/or some
more pictures of the different variations. What do you think?

One more thing... just to be clear.

This problem seems to be a misunderstanding about the catalog item on the buyers
side.

If you sent 2x4 bricks without cross-support then the NSS is not justified. BrickLink
does not recognise all the minor mold variations, and it would not be reasonable
to expect that level of detail from a seller. If a buyer needs a specific version,
then he/she needs to ask the seller about those details before ordering.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/111441268@N03/albums/72157648936541745

Author:

WoutR

Posted:

Sep 9, 2018 17:20

Subject:

Re: 3001old mold variations

Viewed:

38 times

Topic: