BrickLink Discussion Forum

In Catalog, mfav writes:

Well, it could be done with only one field: plain, printed, stickered, moulded…
(I.e. allowing “plain” (nil/null/none/empty…) as a type of decoration.)

Maybe. Depends on the results you want to get. It might work in a flat sense
if you limit a part to having only one of those attributes. As an ENUM field,
it would not allow for a printed + stickered + molded part. As a SET field it
would allow for a plain, printed, stickered, molded part (which wouldn't
make sense).

It's a big complicated proposition which would require a big complicated
solution to be highly effective.

I prefer one nullable field to twin-fields (boolean field + non-nullable field)
but I’m no DB expert, so efficiency rules (speed-wise and size-wise, but also
readability, extensibility, “error-prone-ness”…) that apply to programs may not
apply to DBs.
Anyway that’s an argument which is only valid if you really insist on doing everything
(or a maximum) on the DB side, and it’s feeble because there’s always something
to be done outside the DB, like verifying what comes in and out of the DB, like
checking for non-sensical values, which should be done even if the DB already
does it.

Well, all that is moot: we’re not in a position to do anything or to propose
anything

Author:

SylvainLS

Posted:

Nov 10, 2018 14:23

Subject:

Re: Fourth Catalog Project Underway

Viewed:

36 times

Topic:

In Catalog, mfav writes:

[…]

It would be wonderful if there could be two check boxes for Decorated and Sticker.

Now, from a database perspective, this is where it starts to get complicated.
You need to first distinguish between Decorated and Not Decorated. That would
be one field. Then distinguish the type of decoration: sticker, printed, molded...that
would be a second field.

Well, it could be done with only one field: plain, printed, stickered, moulded…
(I.e. allowing “plain” (nil/null/none/empty…) as a type of decoration.)

However, that actually would require data and some real coding.

Yes. That's why I say a new database is needed. The current structure is
pretty long in the tooth.

At the moment problems that would be more elegantly solved by revising the database
are being kludged by attempting to incorporate all the various descriptive attributes
into the item Description/Name. While that may be successful to a degree, it
limits or eliminates the possibilities of providing checkboxes and whatnot to
refine a search.

Like alternate numbers which, unless it has changed or I misremember, are poorly
handled with a string field (thus limiting their number and complicating searches).

Anyway, all that could have been rendered painless if not at the design stage,
at least in a redesign, by abstracting and factoring the database access.

Author:

SylvainLS

Posted:

Nov 10, 2018 12:48

Subject:

Re: Baseplates not (easy) to find

Viewed:

45 times

Topic:

In Catalog, building4ever writes:

The Years Released data for parts and sets only refers to the year they were
FIRST released, not all the years they were produced and available in stores.

The old Death Star 10188 only has 2008 as its Year, even though it was produced
for many years after that.

Is that what you are asking?

Jen

Thank you, but I still find it confusing. Because the base plate 48x48 gray is
indicated as "Years Released: 1980 - 2016".

I would interpret this as a "final" production year (which is wrong), Similar
for 3811 (at least saying 1978-2018).

A precision: As Jennifer said, the years for the sets are the years the sets
were first released. But the years for the parts are the oldest and newest years
of the sets they appear in, they are automatically calculated.

Author:

SylvainLS

Posted:

Nov 8, 2018 15:29

Subject:

Re: Catalog: Strongly disagree 3830c0 deletion

Viewed:

57 times

Topic:

In Selling, StormChaser writes:

[…]
Until I get around to addressing this issue, part assemblies are kind of up
in the air.

This one seems more 6 ft under than up in the air.

Author:

SylvainLS

Posted:

Nov 8, 2018 14:52

Subject:

Re: Q about (Other) Minifigures Have Moved!

Viewed:

27 times

Topic:

In Catalog, randyf writes:

[…]
Turns out that I can see those X's and faded-yellow backgrounds because of
my Administrative privileges now. I really think those additions should be added
for everyone. I will see if I can bump this suggestion up the chain.

Perks of the position

Author:

SylvainLS

Posted:

Nov 8, 2018 11:46

Subject:

Re: Try that again

Viewed:

31 times

Topic:

In Catalog, Rob_and_Shelagh writes:

In Catalog, calsbricks writes:

29112pb01 Plant Venus Flytrap Half with Marbled Red Spikes Pattern
Parts: Plant

- Not swure thie is correct in the catalogue. In all 3 sets that
it comes in there is an

x71 Rubber Belt Small (Round Cross Section) - Approx. 2 x 2
Parts: Rubber Band & Belt

white rubber band which holds the two halves
together. The instructions show the rubber band being used in each case. Should
there be an inventory for the part?

As currently set up in the catalogue 29112pb01 is for 1 piece i.e. half of the
assembly

Maybe add a simple line in the picture to show it’s both sides of the same part
and not two parts.

and the band is just another separate part. For an assembly the inventory
would need to be 2 x 29112pb01 plus one band but typically assemblies like this
are not catalogued.

It would need a pin too

Author:

SylvainLS

Posted:

Nov 5, 2018 09:16

Subject:

Re: Inventory Change Request for Set 6445-1

Viewed:

18 times

Topic:

In Inventories Requests, Hygrotus writes:

[…]
oops, this shows how careful you must be, almost missed it

How there is in
sealed bag part with sticker applied?

Bags were reseald evidently.

Soon, there’ll be deepfakes videos of LEGO sealed sets opening

Author:

SylvainLS

Posted:

Nov 5, 2018 09:03

Subject:

Re: Inventory Change Request for Set 21309-1

Viewed:

16 times

Topic:

In Inventories Requests, Hygrotus writes:

In Inventories Requests, SylvainLS writes:

* Add 8 Part 44302a Dark Bluish Gray Hinge Plate 1 x 2 Locking with 2 Fingers on End with Bottom Groove (match ID 1)
* Change 8 Part Dark Bluish Gray 44302 Hinge Plate 1 x 2 Locking with 2 Fingers on End (undetermined type) {Regular to Alternate} {match ID 0 to 1}

In this situation when only undetermine was in inventory and no related alternate
we can get rid off this undetermine

You checked variant from sealed set content.
In this situation we simply change undetermine to confirmed variant.

The “no related alternate” part of the rule was a bit fuzzy in my mind (half-remembering
the 4599 Tap situation)

Everything will be approved and I will correct it manualy.

Thanks.

Author:

SylvainLS

Posted:

Nov 5, 2018 08:00

Subject:

Inventory Change Request for Set 21309-1

Viewed:

22 times

Topic:

Inventories Requests (Entry)

Status:

Open

Please make changes to the following inventory:

21309-1 (Inv) NASA Apollo Saturn V
1969 Parts, 2017
Sets: LEGO Ideas (CUUSOO): Space Exploration

* Add 8 Part 44302a Dark Bluish Gray Hinge Plate 1 x 2 Locking with 2 Fingers on End with Bottom Groove (match ID 1)
* Change {1 to 2} Part Light Bluish Gray 24246 Tile, Modified 1 x 1 Half Circle Extended (Stadium) with Groove (Extra)
* Change {2 to 4} Part Pearl Gold 85861 Plate, Round 1 x 1 with Open Stud (Extra)
* Change 8 Part Dark Bluish Gray 44302 Hinge Plate 1 x 2 Locking with 2 Fingers on End (undetermined type) {Regular to Alternate} {match ID 0 to 1}

Comments from Submitter:
Sealed set.

85861 appears in 4 bags, 24246 appears in 2 bags, each bag had one extra for them.

Author:

SylvainLS

Posted:

Nov 4, 2018 12:45

Subject:

Re: Inventories pending approval

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17 times

Topic:

In Help, Hygrotus writes:

In Help, SylvainLS writes:

Is there a way to find it

Yes go to Catalog main page, find section What's New, column "More" there
you have "Pending approval". There is everything what is pending: items, images,
invetories, change requests.

Many thanks again!

Author:

SylvainLS

Posted:

Nov 4, 2018 12:17

Subject:

Re: Inventories pending approval

Viewed:

22 times

Topic:

In Help, Hygrotus writes:

In Help, SylvainLS writes:

Is there a way to see an inventory which is “pending approval” (when you’re not
the submitter)?
Or at least a way to know why it’s pending?

I can’t find either….

From here
https://www.bricklink.com/catalogListOld.asp?invPend=Y

Many thanks!

Is there a way to find it or should I bookmark the page?
(Not linked from the Catalog/Inventories page https://www.bricklink.com/catalogInv.asp
)

Author:

SylvainLS

Posted:

Nov 4, 2018 09:42

Subject:

Inventories pending approval

Viewed:

87 times

Topic:

Status:

Open

Is there a way to see an inventory which is “pending approval” (when you’re not
the submitter)?
Or at least a way to know why it’s pending?

I can’t find either….

Author:

SylvainLS

Posted:

Nov 4, 2018 08:29

Subject:

Re: Second Catalog Project Underway

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30 times

Topic:

In Catalog, Lauren_Luke writes:

[Teup] writes:

Now I'm confused, I thought this beehive shape is a cartoonesque representation
of bee/wasp nest in trees (that actually look like this)?

Yes, you are right, the ' cone ' shape is a cartoonesque representation
of a bee nest, naturally made by bees. [Do an image search on ' Bee
Nest ']. The real thing is more a ball or egg shape in dark tan (ish) color/colour.
Bee hives are man/minifig made and bee nests are naturally made
by bees.

They are wasp and hornet nests, not bee.

Author:

SylvainLS

Posted:

Nov 4, 2018 08:28

Subject:

Re: Second Catalog Project Underway

Viewed:

32 times

Topic:

In Catalog, Teup writes:

[…]
Now I'm confused, I thought this beehive shape is a cartoonesque representation
of bee/wasp nest in trees (that actually look like this)? Or are they like
jugs or something like that made by beekeepers? I tried to google but I don't
find any "real" version (man made or otherwise) of this type of beehive, that's
why I'm still not sure... :o

Look at Wikipedia, they have pictures (esp. on English and French versions, a
little less on the “Nederlands” one).

Some wasps and hornets make roundish nests (cardboard-looking material which
is actually saliva and dirt or wood), but they don’t show rings. And they aren’t
bees.
Only some man-made rope hives show rings.
And man has kept bees for milleniums, so the shape is in our cultural memories.

So my comparison with spiderweb could be off, though it doesn't exactly matter
for the Animal,Accessory argument in and of itself because they are usually man
made anyway.

Without the rapid official use as a cotton-candy, I’d actually have agreed with
the Animal, Accessory possibility.

But you're right if this part will be used for other stuff in the future.
It would be much like the fez situation then. I don't actually expect it,
but let's see.

I'm actually ok with minifig hat

Yes, because it goes around a head but on the other hand, when you have the piece
in hand and don’t know what it is, do you readily realize it goes around a head
and think “Hat!” or do you first look at its conical shape?

Tough case

Author:

SylvainLS

Posted:

Nov 4, 2018 07:44

Subject:

Re: Second Catalog Project Underway

Viewed:

28 times

Topic:

In Catalog, Teup writes:

Mostly positive changes, thanks for the update. I am sorry but...reeeeaally people.....
the beehive.... noooooo

Please think about it. If a SPIDER-WEB is Animal,Accessory then a BEE-HIVE, surely
is Animal,Accessory too? I even saw someone even suggesting Minifig,Utensil and
I wonder where on earth that came from, as it has neither to do with minifigs
(except as headgear), nor utensils...

As WoutR already pointed out, Beehives aren’t made by bees but by minifigs… er
humans.
Bees live in hollow trunks or such cavities, they don’t build such nests.

The beehive discussion really has me tearing
my hair, to me it feels like there's some wheel and people go "hmmm... 'door'
maybe? or 'aircraft'?"

Just promise me when LEGO releases a bird nest, then SPIDER-WEB, BEE-HIVE, and
BIRD-NEST will all be Animal,Accessory

This part already is:
1. a (man-made) beehive,
2. a cotton-candy,

And it can be:
3. a wasp or hornet nest,
4. a Chinese lantern,
5. a Bibendum head,
and undoubtedly many many other things, especially when other colours will appear.

It already has too many very different usages.
Therefore, we can’t categorize it according to its usages.
Therefore, we only can use its shape and connectivity for categorization purposes.
(Moreover and anyway, shape and connectivity should always be the main features
used for categorization as usage generally isn’t known when you stumble upon
the part and are using the catalogue to find it.)
And this part is cone-based, sort of, and can go on a minifig head.
So it’s a Cone or a Minifig Hat.
QED

Author:

SylvainLS

Posted:

Nov 3, 2018 21:58

Subject:

Re: Second Catalog Project Underway

Viewed:

46 times

Topic:

In Catalog, StormChaser writes:

[…]

Slides - create new category titled Slide

Not many people objected here, but some felt the rope bridge was a problem and
wanted to see these all combined with stairs and conveyors in one category.
The problem would be titling that category. You may notice that there aren't
many (if any) part categories which have titles like Stairs, Conveyors, Bridges,
and the Like. Part categories are simple, direct, and singular. That was wise
and I'd like to keep it that way. So I'll hold off on this one, too,
for further thought and await any further comments.

Building Elements would have been my suggestion if it could be understood
in a restricted sense.
Or Large Building Elements.

Power Bursts - move to Minifigure, Utensil

The consensus here was a new category titled Effect. Not a bad idea, but it
seems like it would be hard to understand. Even Power Effect seems questionable,
though better. It would be great if we could come up with a title to describe
all forms of effects (waves, flames, power bolts, etc.) and group them all together
as suggested.

I thought Plasma Effect would be perfect, but Wikipedia tells me that flame is
not a plasma. So what about Plasma / Gas Effect?

(BURP is already in use….)

And aren’t some of them neither plasma nor gas (nor liquid) but energy? Qi/chi?
Phlogiston?

Still no mention of flame
in the title, though, which some wanted to see.

(Wow, dangerous to mix Flame with Gas Effects….)

Open to suggestions and am hoping
for some along these lines.

What about Powers and Natural Effects?
That would cover supernatural projections and simple flames and spouts/jets/waves.

Author:

SylvainLS

Posted:

Nov 2, 2018 08:54

Subject:

Re: Quattro Leg?

Viewed:

25 times

Topic:

In Catalog, WhiteVanMan writes:

[…]

I don’t know anything about McDonald’s characters, but wouldn’t Quattro be their
here-depicted four-legged spiderish characer?

What you have said does kinda make sense, but surely the naming of the set could
be a little 'clearer'?

Yes it could

Author:

SylvainLS

Posted:

Nov 2, 2018 08:13

Subject:

Re: Quattro Leg?

Viewed:

23 times

Topic:

In Catalog, WhiteVanMan writes:

Hi

I saw this on Amazon Prime, and I was instantly curious as to what the name really
means

2729-1 (Inv) Greedy (Quattro Leg) polybag
17 Parts, 1999
Sets: Universal Building Set: Classic Basic

Why is this packaged as a McDonalds set, and it has nothing to do with Quattro?

Maybe this is an item that needs to be 'sorted out'?

I don’t know anything about McDonald’s characters, but wouldn’t Quattro be their
here-depicted four-legged spiderish characer?

Author:

SylvainLS

Posted:

Nov 1, 2018 12:23

Subject:

Re: Part 3062old in projects AFOL

Viewed:

45 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, jpascual writes:

[…]
I did not know that the part 3062old has not been made for 50 years

On the part’s page, on the right of the picture, there’s the period the sets
in which the part appears.

The last time there was a set in which 3062old was included was 1967:

3062old Brick, Round 1 x 1 - Solid Stud, No Bottom Lip
Parts: Brick, Round

Be careful using this info for other parts though because the dates are those
of the sets. Sets that have been produced for a long time often have had their
latest runs use newer variants.

and I do not know why.

I could say it’s because the “modern” round brick is more versatile or whatever
(e.g. it can be place in the center of 4 studs) but that kind of decision often
ends up in:
The Ways Of The LEGO Group Are Mysterious

because she is so useful and prettier than the two current versions
of the 3062. Could not do it again?

For similar purposes, they made

71076 Brick, Round 1 x 1 d. 90 degrees Elbow Macaroni - No Stud - Type 1
Parts: Brick, Round

but they also discontinued this one.
Now they use

62462 Technic, Pin Connector Round 2L with Slot (Pin Joiner Round)
Parts: Technic, Connector

with pins.

You can also use

18654 Technic, Liftarm Thick 1 x 1 (Spacer)
Parts: Technic, Liftarm

with a

4274 Technic, Pin 1/2 without Friction Ridges
Parts: Technic, Pin

Author:

SylvainLS

Posted:

Nov 1, 2018 09:35

Subject:

Re: Part 3062old in projects AFOL

Viewed:

36 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, Biglesdug writes:

In Suggestions, jpascual writes:

Allow use of part 3062old in the projects for AFOL. It is prettier than the current
3062 and allows to make thinner columns more elegant.

Are you not allowed to use them now?

jpascual is talking about the Studio contest.

And 3062old is not an “active” part allowed in submissions. It’s not been produced
for more than 50 years!

Author:

SylvainLS

Posted:

Nov 1, 2018 09:25

Subject:

Re: Catalog Project Request "Bar" vs. "Weapon"

Viewed:

27 times

Topic:

In Catalog, Teup writes:

[…]
And, the 4L Bar is called "Bar 4L (Lightsaber Blade / Wand)", so I'd say
the other one is something like "Bar 1L with top and bottom stud (Lightsaber
Hilt)"

Actually, it’s 1.6L long if you don’t count the studs. That is, between two
plates attached to the studs, there’s room for 4 plates.

Author:

SylvainLS

Posted:

Oct 31, 2018 21:33

Subject:

Re: Catalog Project Request "Bar" vs. "Weapon"

Viewed:

29 times

Topic:

In Catalog, StormChaser writes:

[…]
To make an attempt at answering your question: this project will not launch until
we have clear written definitions for every single part category. At that time
any parts which do not fit their category definitions will be moved. Again,
I have no idea how long any of this will take or exactly how disruptive it will
be.

Hmm, that means some of the “(Other)” parts that are being categorized right
now might end up being moved again in a few weeks.

Author:

SylvainLS

Posted:

Oct 31, 2018 21:00

Subject:

Re: Second Catalog Project Underway

Viewed:

23 times

Topic:

In Catalog, brikomania writes:

[…]
Same goes for the hilt. The standard hilt is only used as a minifig hilt, right?

Wrong. It’s used for many things, just look at the pictures of the sets it has
been used this year alone: https://www.bricklink.com/catalogItemIn.asp?P=64567&in=S&itemYear=2018&ov=Y

However that hilt-looking bar is used for other things so it makes sense for
it to be a bar.

Author:

SylvainLS

Posted:

Oct 31, 2018 18:51

Subject:

Re: Second Catalog Project Underway

Viewed:

33 times

Topic:

Okay, okay, I can’t refrain myself anymore:

Why is there a project for a second catalogue? The first one isn’t finished
yet.

There. I feel better. Sorry to unburden here. I’m out.

Author:

SylvainLS

Posted:

Oct 29, 2018 19:50

Subject:

Re: Some recessed studs are recessed.

Viewed:

39 times

Topic:

In Catalog, mfav writes:

[…]
I'll attach the first image without lines. If you think it's easier to
tell the difference without the lines please let me know.

*facepalm*
I see it now: I wrongly understood the stud was deeper, not also lower, so I
saw what I wanted to see.
Too many lines for my feeble mind

The last “two-halves” picture you posted is perfect.

Author:

SylvainLS

Posted:

Oct 29, 2018 18:38

Subject:

Re: Some recessed studs are recessed.

Viewed:

32 times

Topic:

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.)

Author:

SylvainLS

Posted:

Oct 27, 2018 11:29

Subject:

Re: Where to find new parts for this year?

Viewed:

29 times

Topic:

In Catalog, Leftoverbricks writes:

If I remember correctly, there is a way to find recently added new parts to the
catalogue. Where do I find it?

Open the Catalogue’s main page ( https://www.bricklink.com/catalog.asp ), and
scroll down a little to see “What’s New.”
For parts: https://www.bricklink.com/catalogList.asp?sortBy=D&sortAsc=D&catType=P

Author:

SylvainLS

Posted:

Oct 26, 2018 19:27

Subject:

Re: New Catalog Roadmap

Viewed:

62 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 don’t see the “World domination” bullet.

Author:

SylvainLS

Posted:

Oct 26, 2018 16:18

Subject:

Re: We have a new Catalog Admin!

Viewed:

62 times

Topic:

Congrats StormChaser!

In Catalog, Rainey writes:

[…]
But I was just wondering if this job pays anything or if it is still a volunteer
job. I just don't see how you can manage to find all the time to do all
the work you do while still paying the bills! If this job doesn't pay anything,
I think it should!

October, 23rd 2018, a single player won $1,537,000,000 in the Mega Millions lotery.
October, 25th 2018, StormChaser is appointed Catalog Administrator.

Coincidence? You decide….

Author:

SylvainLS

Posted:

Oct 21, 2018 06:51

Subject:

Re: Inventory Change Request for Set 6927-1

Viewed:

21 times

Topic:

In Inventories Requests, Hygrotus writes:

[…]
Hard to tell now if it is instruction mistake in printing or really both color
variant were included in set in different periond in time. I think we can add
Light Gray as an alternate to Yellow one.

I don’t know about the LG one but I can vouch for the Yellow one.

Author:

SylvainLS

Posted:

Oct 15, 2018 16:38

Subject:

Re: Dimensions vs studs vs CM vs MM

Viewed:

30 times

Topic:

In Catalog, cosmicray writes:

[…]

Anyway, we, users, don’t have any way to change “2 x 2 x 1 in studs” to “2 studs
x 2 studs x 1 brick.”

I am ok with the above if it were labeled as 'Logical Dimensions'. What
appears to missing here is the 'Physical Dimensions', i.e. the specific
numbers in metric measurement. Before you tell me how easy it is to convert,
it's not. The above examples illustrate the problem.

Something must be lost in translation:

You: There are inconsistencies and confusion.
  Yorbrick: System studs and Duplo studs differ.
    Me: There are other problems too.
      You: No, the catalogue is confusing!
        Me: Yes, I just said that.
          StormChaser: Just contribute!
            Me: We can’t change the website.
              You: That solution won’t do!

It wasn’t a proposition for a solution. It was an example of what users can’t
do.
If users can’t change a wording, how could they add information?

Author:

SylvainLS

Posted:

Oct 15, 2018 12:47

Subject:

Re: Dimensions vs studs vs CM vs MM

Viewed:

25 times

Topic:

In Catalog, StormChaser writes:

In Catalog, SylvainLS writes:

My point exactly: WE know that but the website (catalogue, IC info…) is obscure,
confusing, and inconsistent.

Yet some of us are working every day to make it less so. There's still plenty
of work to be done if you'd like to help.

Your (personal and group) work on the inventories is highly appreciated. You
can verify I have already contributed several times when I could but for me to
contribute more, you’ll have to send me free sets to inventory.

Anyway, we, users, don’t have any way to change “2 x 2 x 1 in studs” to “2 studs
x 2 studs x 1 brick.”

Author:

SylvainLS

Posted:

Oct 15, 2018 12:33

Subject:

Re: Dimensions vs studs vs CM vs MM

Viewed:

19 times

Topic:

In Catalog, cosmicray writes:

[…]

There are two other big problems:

1. The dimensions aren’t given in “studs,” there are given in “studs x studs
x brick-height.”

2. Dimensions in studs are “width x depth x height,” others are “width x height
x depth” (Y is often up in 3D software).

I know that, you know that, but the catalog pages (for either of them) represent
all three as studs.

My point exactly: WE know that but the website (catalogue, IC info…) is obscure,
confusing, and inconsistent.

Author:

SylvainLS

Posted:

Oct 15, 2018 12:03

Subject:

Re: Dimensions vs studs vs CM vs MM

Viewed:

23 times

Topic:

In Catalog, yorbrick writes:

In Catalog, cosmicray writes:

I am incrementally becoming more confused about the issue of catalog dimensions.

I know that bricks are supposed to be stored as studs. and set/books/gear are
stored as cm.

When I look at the catalog page for

3003 Brick 2 x 2
Parts: Brick

I see 'Size: 2 x 2 x 1 in studs'

When I look at the catalog page for

3437 Duplo, Brick 2 x 2
Parts: DUPLO, Brick

I see 'Size: 2 x 2 x 1 in studs'

When I look at the dimensions in a catalog XML file I see (for both) …
ITEMDIMX 2 /ITEMDIMX
ITEMDIMY 2 /ITEMDIMY
ITEMDIMZ 1 /ITEMDIMZ

When I look at the values beneath an actual listed lot (3003) I see: 16mm 11.2mm
16mm

When I look at the values beneath an actual listed lot (3437) I see: 32mm 23.6mm
32mm

So that suggests that the XML download file does not actually represent the values
being used by IC … or does it? I don't mind the values I'm receiving,
but I would like access to the real numbers as well.

Remember that LEGO bricks are measured in lego studs, whereas Duplo bricks are
measured in duplo studs. So while both are 2x2x1 in studs, they are measured
in different stud units.

The metric measurements make sense, as the duplo piece is 2x bigger in all dimensions
than the LEGO brick.

Author:

SylvainLS

Posted:

Oct 12, 2018 13:22

Subject:

Re: Block buyers with a different country email p

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Topic:

In Suggestions, matejo writes:

Attempting to associate emails with countries sounds messy, however it seems
that BrickLink could verify member's country addresses against their IP address
location.

I know this is imperfect, not to mention a little big brother-ish, however it
would clean up the accuracy of members' locations and probably reduce order
problems.

People move. Either for years or only months or even weeks. And the Internet
has no frontier.
Will you force buyers to open a new e-mail account in the country they are while
they had had one for years that works pretty well anywhere in the world?

Do IBAN transfers use a particular service? I guess I need to conduct such a
transaction to see how they work. If they can decrease fraud with greater payee
control over funds, that sounds nice.

So-called “IBAN transfers” are just bank transfers.

When you do a bank transfer, you need to identify the accounts (more precisely,
the banks and the accounts within the banks), so that the banks can talk to each
other. IBAN (International Bank Account Number), is just a scheme to identify
accounts, it’s an international standard, ISO 13616.

One other identifier that’s often used is BIC (Business Identifier Code), which
identifies the bank in the Swift network (an agreement network between banks).

In the olden times (and in remote locations), transfers were (still are) a PITA,
involving letters and faxes to correctly identify and verify who’s who. When
it’s at all possible.
In the modern times (and enlightened countries

), you just need an IBAN.

There are services that proxies for the banks, like iDEAL (NL-based), making
bank transfers a bit easier than from the bank’s own website, and “instant” (meaning
they can immediately tell the receiver the transfer has been entered).

What’s great in EU is that we created an(other) agreement: SEPA, which states,
among other things, that any payment in Euro in the SEP-Area has to be treated
the same way as a local payment. And as local bank transfers have mostly become
free in the past decades (especially online), that means they are mostly free
for the whole SEP-Area

So, see if you have an IBAN somewhere in your bank papers, or ask your bank if
you can easily (and cheaply) receive or send international bank transfers with
just an IBAN.
And if your bank can’t or won’t, you can still see if another one does. Opening
an account shouldn’t be expensive, even in the USA. (Don’t you get a free toaster
when you do? That’s what I learned watching US shows

)

Author:

SylvainLS

Posted:

Oct 12, 2018 08:31

Subject:

Re: Need help to determine gray color

Viewed:

27 times

Topic:

Colors

In Help, bricks2you writes:

there is a very light gray, in limited pieces, looks like that might be what
you have.

Jim

In Help, Black_Armor writes:

Hi

I just opened a sealed set 9470, released in 2012. There seem to be two shades
of gray. There is Light Bluish Gray and I cannot determine the other. It is not
the same as the Old Light Gray(not shown in picture). Bricklink catalog stated
Light Bluish Gray but the parts look more like Pearl Light Gray. Any idea? Thanks.

9470-1 (Inv) Shelob Attacks
214 Parts, 3 Minifigures, 2012
Sets: The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings: The Lord of the Rings

No, it’s not Very Light Gray, nor Very LBG, because very few parts were made
with these colours:
https://www.bricklink.com/catalogList.asp?catType=P&colorPart=49
https://www.bricklink.com/catalogList.asp?catType=P&colorPart=99

IMHO, it’s just a light batch of LBG: not enough dye in the plastic.
TLG’s quality control doesn’t care much about colours

Author:

SylvainLS

Posted:

Oct 7, 2018 17:47

Subject:

Re: technic pins

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Topic:

In LEGO, Skylar2010 writes:

how are technic pins measured? or how do i know I am looking at right size?

Ah, yes, BL’s catalogue measure them in “pins.”
That is, “full” pins are:

2780 Technic, Pin with Short Friction Ridges
Parts: Technic, Pin

3673 Technic, Pin without Friction Ridges
Parts: Technic, Pin

They are 2 studs-long (= 2L). (1L = 1 stud = the width of a brick = LEGO’s “Module”
or “M”.)

So, the “half pin”,

4274 Technic, Pin 1/2 without Friction Ridges
Parts: Technic, Pin

is actually a 1 stud-long “thing that goes in technic holes” with a stud on top.

And the “¾ pin” is a 1½ stud-long part = a 1-stud-long thing that goes in technic
holes and a half-stud-long one that goes in thin/half beams

32002 Technic, Pin 3/4
Parts: Technic, Pin

Then, when “L” is used, it’s in studs.
So, if the catalogue were coherent, the following parts would be called “1½ pins”

6558 Technic, Pin 3L with Friction Ridges
Parts: Technic, Pin

32556 Technic, Pin 3L without Friction Ridges
Parts: Technic, Pin

11214 Technic, Axle 1L with Pin 2L with Friction Ridges
Parts: Technic, Axle

18651 Technic, Axle 2L with Pin with Friction Ridges
Parts: Technic, Axle

Axles are in studs.

Author:

SylvainLS

Posted:

Oct 7, 2018 09:52

Subject:

Re: Correct yellow for old hands

Viewed:

35 times

Topic:

Colors

In Colors, SylvainLS writes:

In Colors, Hunny1 writes:

hi there,

I have here several yellow hands from the old former minifigs.
Looks mor "plastic".

What is the correct description of this yellow? I want to add to my inventory.

Thanks,
Markus

No idea?

The catalogue doesn’t differentiate the yellows.
It also doesn’t differentiate the hands variants ( https://www.leggodt.nl/items/lego/themes-minifigs.php?language=en
), unless you’re talking about the maxifig hands:

3614a Plate, Round 1 x 1 with Tow Ball with Round Hole (Homemaker Figure / Maxifigure Hand)
Parts: Plate, Round

3614b Plate, Round 1 x 1 with Tow Ball with Hexagon Shaped Hole (Homemaker Figure / Maxifigure Hand)
Parts: Plate, Round

As for your inventory, you might add a note on the items.

Author:

SylvainLS

Posted:

Oct 6, 2018 14:05

Subject:

Re: What about meeting the Buyers?

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Topic:

In Suggestions, WhiteVanMan writes:

In Suggestions, SylvainLS writes:

In Suggestions, WhiteVanMan writes:

Now I know your in California as I am —I’ll be right over !!!

Maybe do a detour to the UK, and bring a UCS Y-wing instruction book with ya....

I'll let you build my Eiffel Tower if you want....

Looks like the “special ads” section in some 1980’s newspaper

Now you are showing your age... lol

Nah, it’s only second hand knowledge

What it shows though is I think “dirty” otherwise I’d have referred to spy stuff,
like 1940’s BBC’s “Les Français parlent aux Français” (French speak to French,
résistance’s coded messages).

Author:

SylvainLS

Posted:

Oct 6, 2018 12:20

Subject:

Re: What about meeting the Buyers?

Viewed:

47 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, WhiteVanMan writes:

Now I know your in California as I am —I’ll be right over !!!

Maybe do a detour to the UK, and bring a UCS Y-wing instruction book with ya....

I'll let you build my Eiffel Tower if you want....

Looks like the “special ads” section in some 1980’s newspaper

Author:

SylvainLS

Posted:

Oct 5, 2018 13:08

Subject:

Re: Restrictions kill sales! I'm outta here!

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50 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, Teup writes:

[…]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=THNPmhBl-8I

Perfect

Author:

SylvainLS

Posted:

Oct 5, 2018 12:45

Subject:

Re: Restrictions kill sales! I'm outta here!

Viewed:

40 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, tEoS writes:

No, I'm simply stating that the "rocket science" argument is flawed. It
implies that you don't need the intellect of a very scientific person, as
if said person has the capacity to know how to do everything very well.

Er, no. The “rocket science” argument means it’s intellectually difficult and
outside the capabilities of average people. It doesn’t imply that the person
should be very scientific, just very intelligent. And it doesn’t imply a “rocket
scientist” would have the capacity to know to do everything very well, just rockets.
The same argument is often rendered as “it’s not brain surgery.”

If you think a task needs someone with rare abilities, then it is “rocket science.”
Otherwise, that means you think anyone could do the task, and then “it’s not
rocket science” applies.
Well, you could also think that it both doesn’t need someone with rare abilities
but it also demands attention and time. Then, it’s both not “rocket science”
and not “not rocket science”

Author:

SylvainLS

Posted:

Oct 4, 2018 07:55

Subject:

Re: Lego 10214 Tower Bridge 2 types of blue

Viewed:

40 times

Topic:

Colors

In Colors, Brick_Buyers writes:

Hi, I recently purchased The Tower Bridge and have noticed that the medium blue
4x8 plates are actually 2 different colour. I have shown pictures below that
outline this. The instructions say there are 18 4587271 plates, actually there
are two slightly darker plates. The lighter 16 say 4-35 on the bottom but the
darker 2 say 2-35. Can someone explain this? It is the same with some of the
other medium blue colours in the set as well.

2-35 and 4-35 are just numbers indicating from which mould and from where in
the mould the piece came.

Either the parts come from two different colour batches, or there was a dye error
(one wrong batch), or it’s a different colour that was wrongly stored.

Anyway, fine example of LEGO quality control

You can always try and call LEGO, they have a good customer service and might
offer free replacement.

Author:

SylvainLS

Posted:

Sep 30, 2018 18:58

Subject:

Re: Classic Space - SP005

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56 times

Topic:

In Catalog Identification, Crafteewon writes:

I am wondering if there is a way to identify period specific legs for the original
classic space minifigures.

No logo / number in the legs or the hips.

Also wondering if the solid stud head should be the squared off version as opposed
to the rounded version?

I’m not sure when they were rounded but I find them difficult to differentiate.

I have a couple unmarked yellow heads from old figs (the ones that had their
hands in their pockets and their feet like Charlie Chaplin) that look more square.
I have new heads (2010-) that look rounder.
In between, I have old classic grin heads that seem rounder than the unmarked
ones but squarer than the newer ones

Anything to look for with the tanks?

There’s at least two versions / two plastics from that time:
https://www.leggodt.nl/items/lego/themes-minifigs.php?language=en

But:
— no logo / number under the “collar”
— no ridge inside the bottles / same diameter all the way up.

I only checked on a dozen or so old airtanks but the pip seems to always be
on the right of the bar on top of the bottles (right = the right of the MF, so
near its right shoulder).
On the 5 new ones I have, it’s on the left.
Could be chance though.

I am comfortable identifying the original helmets and torsos.

Trying to re-assemble original versions and want to make sure I am doing it right.

Author:

SylvainLS

Posted:

Sep 29, 2018 19:24

Subject:

Re: Inventory Change Request for Set 7789-1

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Topic:

In Inventories Requests, axaday writes:

[…]

Neither Stretch nor Lotso came preassembled. The Committee for Obvious Things agrees.

Why isn't Lotso a minifig?

*ducks

Isn’t it Obvious or do you not want Things to Change?

Author:

SylvainLS

Posted:

Sep 25, 2018 14:07

Subject:

Re: 3626bpb0318 - head

Viewed:

31 times

Topic:

In Catalog, goldknight writes:

[…]

A blocked open stud is totally open, except there is what looks like a Mercedes
Logo made of plastic in the hole.

Yes—I call it the drain head

The two best descriptions I’ve ever read

Author:

SylvainLS

Posted:

Sep 24, 2018 10:22

Subject:

Re: Inventory Change Request for Set 1371-1

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Topic:

In Inventories, stephannie writes:

hello to all ! i am currently building the 1371 set

1371-1 (Inv) Spinosaurus Attack Studio
172 Parts, 2 Minifigures, 2001
Sets: Studios: Jurassic Park III

and, according to the official
instruction, 6 Black Brick, Modified 1 x 1 with Headlight ref 4070 are needed
(1 page 10, 1 page 11, 1 page 12, 1 page 14 and 2 page 16. But the BL parts inventory
says we need 5 to build the set. It's not enough. Can we change this ? have
a good day !

Hmm, I count only 5:
1 on step 6 page 8,
1 on step 7 page 9,
1 on step 10 page 12,
2 on step 12 page 14.

From https://www.lego.com/biassets/bi/4161787.pdf

Author:

SylvainLS

Posted:

Sep 23, 2018 18:50

Subject:

Re: White brick with holes?

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63 times

Topic:

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.

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:

SylvainLS

Posted:

Sep 23, 2018 17:55

Subject:

Re: White brick with holes?

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77 times

Topic:

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?

Author:

SylvainLS

Posted:

Sep 22, 2018 19:45

Subject:

Re: set 7676

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28 times

Topic: