BrickLink Discussion Forum

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?

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Topic:

In Catalog, kislibricks writes:

We would need a dozen photos....

To find those exact bricks the buyer would need to buy bricks with the "Samsonite
Open O" logo. They can be found in the USA and Canada... This logo was never
used on bricks in Europe.

Author:

WoutR

Posted:

Sep 9, 2018 14:05

Subject:

Re: 3001old mold variations

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Topic:

In Catalog, kislibricks writes:

Hello!

It seems there exists several variations/molds of the 3001old part (at least
2), which are neither 3001special, 3001f1, bhol04, 3001oldf1 or 3001oldb.

3001old Brick 2 x 4 without Cross Supports
Parts: Brick

The 3001old we have are without Cross Supports, but seems newer than the one
pictured, as they don't have the old LEGO logo. They come from old sets from
the 70's that we part outed. The 3001old period ranges from 1954 to 2006
(though I doubt for the last year, I think it ended sooner).

We had an issue with a customer, who already owns some 3001old with the old logo,
and newer 3001old he ordered in our store.

Should we put a notice on the item page? Should the 3001old reference be splitted
into 2 references?

Opinions welcome!

Vincent

There are many different versions of 3001old. They were used from 1958 to the
early 1980s so it not strange that there are many different versions and stud
logos. The 2006 date in our catalog is correct because Maersk blue 3001old were
used in that year.

Author:

WoutR

Posted:

Sep 5, 2018 15:44

Subject:

Re: Update: Part Assemblies in Inventories

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Topic:

In Catalog, SylvainLS writes:

In Catalog, WoutR writes:

[…]

According to the part I emphasized, I’d say it’s because 3830c01 doesn’t break
when one tries to get them apart.

Maybe...

Well, I didn’t break either but, when a kid and when brick separators didn’t
exist, I had to use a butter knife to disassemble 3937c01 while I always could
disassemble 3830c01 easily by hand.

I remember using a knife to separate plates, I do not remember separating either
of these hinges as a kid.

Next question:

How much sense does it make to mark this part for deletion after stating to be
on the sidelines of this discussion, after the discussion in this thread concluded
that we need a better definition for counterparts, and after the inventory admins
decided to add these parts to inventories for now.

No sense at all, but the two hinges are still different.

looking at https://www.bricklink.com/help.asp?helpID=1562 I am not sure if that
difference is relevant.

Author:

WoutR

Posted:

Sep 5, 2018 14:52

Subject:

Re: Update: Part Assemblies in Inventories

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Topic:

In Catalog, SylvainLS writes:

In Catalog, WoutR writes:

[…]

I've been on the sidelines of this issue this time around (I have previously
been right in the middle of it) but I have to mention that this little 1 x 2
hinge is something I've long thought was a worthy counterpart, because of
how many of them I have destroyed trying to get them apart:

3937c01 (Inv) Hinge Brick 1 x 2 with (Same Color) Top Plate (3937 / 3938)
Parts: Hinge

Could you explain why 3830c01 is different?

3830c01 Hinge Brick 1 x 4 Swivel
Parts: Hinge
Marked for Deletion

According to the part I emphasized, I’d say it’s because 3830c01 doesn’t break
when one tries to get them apart.

Maybe...
Next question:

How much sense does it make to mark this part for deletion after stating to be
on the sidelines of this discussion, after the discussion in this thread concluded
that we need a better definition for counterparts, and after the inventory admins
decided to add these parts to inventories for now.

Author:

WoutR

Posted:

Sep 5, 2018 12:27

Subject:

Re: Bricktober sets: still pending?

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Topic:

In Catalog, Reki_Lobsheek writes:

I was wondering why the Bricktober sets (HP and Jurassic World) are still pending
to be added to the BL catalog?

Seems they are being sold on Ebay and other venues for quite a while now and
in serious quantities, so they must be released in some countries.

Even on BL they are already being sold:
https://www.bricklink.com/v2/search.page?q=5005254#T=A

As we have no Toys'r'Us in Belgium I have no idea whether they were already
in the stores last week (perhaps some German members can fill in?).
Is BL awaiting some kind of "official" release or waiting for the US release?

Reki

I think they are waiting on any official release.

I found a Dutch website showing an image from Promobricks stating the dates of
release:

5005254 - August 27 to September 02
5005255 - September 03 to September 09
5005257 - September 10 to September 16
5005256 - September 17 to September 23

https://www.bouwsteentjes.info/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/LEGO-Bricktober-2018-sets.png

Not sure why these sets are called "Bricktober"

Author:

WoutR

Posted:

Sep 5, 2018 11:31

Subject:

Re: Update: Part Assemblies in Inventories

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Topic:

In Catalog, Admin_Russell writes:

In Catalog, mhortar writes:

In Catalog, StormChaser writes:

In Catalog, mhortar writes:

In Catalog, StormChaser writes:
For the instances of this assembly where the top color is different than the
base, do these all need to be added to the catalog individually? For example:

Please go here and look at the catalog items pending approval from me and the
images pending approval from me:

https://www.bricklink.com/catalogPend.asp

If you (or anyone else) can provide images for the ones I couldn't, then
please do.

Looking at it a bit further, I guess it's actually not too bad. Since the
top would be the only fixed color, there's only a max of 16 new entries that
would (currently) need to be added.

I only counted 14 new entries. After you take a look at what I have pending,
please let me know which two I missed.

I always forget about the pending catalog page. I should have realized you were
already on top of things! There's a few of them I can probably take pictures
of. I'll try and do that tonight if I can find them. I know I can at least
do the Brown one if nothing else.

I came up with 16 possible new items just by looking at the number of different
colored top plates there are. Upon further review on my part (which I should
have done originally), the Maersk and Sand Green colors are matched, so that
just leaves the 14 that you already came up with.

Josh

3937c01 (Inv) Hinge Brick 1 x 2 with (Same Color) Top Plate (3937 / 3938)
Parts: Hinge

Could you explain why 3830c01 is different?

3830c01 Hinge Brick 1 x 4 Swivel
Parts: Hinge
Marked for Deletion

Author:

WoutR

Posted:

Sep 5, 2018 09:42

Subject:

Re: Modulex baseplate 8x8 ?

Viewed:

41 times

Topic:

Modulex

In Modulex, novabrick writes:

In Modulex, WoutR writes:

I frequently see Modulex baseplates 8x8 in used lots.

They seem to be so common in different lots that I would be surprised if they
were all custom made from larger baseplates by the users.

Does anyone know:
- If these were actually made by Modulex?
- How these were used?

Many early LEGO Base plates appear to be cut to size. Given the many Modulex
letters avialible they might be used as door tags or name tags with changeble
letters. I've also seen huge planing boards with those letters based on modulex.
However I have never actually seen architectual use of Modulex bricks but I can't
see any use for an 8 x 8 square for this use in particular.

Christian

novabrick-team

They could be from the Planning board era, but I am not certain about that.

Author:

WoutR

Posted:

Sep 5, 2018 09:27

Subject:

Modulex baseplate 8x8 ?

Viewed:

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Topic:

Modulex

Status:

Open

Author:

WoutR

Posted:

Sep 1, 2018 16:54

Subject:

Re: Update: Part Assemblies in Inventories

Viewed:

48 times

Topic:

https://www.bricklink.com/messageThread.asp?ID=241320

In Catalog, 62Bricks writes:

In Catalog, mhortar writes:

In Catalog, 62Bricks writes:

In Catalog, paulvdb writes:

In Catalog, StormChaser writes:

In this extreme example, I trust that you can see the part was included for reasons
of commerce. To me, it's no different than the extreme example at the other
end of the spectrum of this part (which never came assembled in any set):

3830c01 Hinge Brick 1 x 4 Swivel
Parts: Hinge
Marked for Deletion

I see that this part is marked for deletion. Since the counterpart policy has
changed it seems like it should not be.

Great.

I give up.

Yeah. Can't tell if it's just a case of 'left hand doesn't know
what the right hand is doing' or some sort of turf war.

Josh

I did not see any catalog admins taking part in this discussion, but I do not
think it is a coincidence that after 16 years in the catalog, this part is suddenly
deemed a bad "precedent."

Incidentally, looking at just the black version as an example, it appears that
the complete hinge sells at about three times the rate as the individual parts.
It is pretty clear that people prefer to buy this hinge as a unit. It's my
opinion that the number would be even higher if the hinge were in the counterpart
section of inventories.

Author:

WoutR

Posted:

Aug 31, 2018 16:26

Subject:

Re: Update: Part Assemblies in Inventories

Viewed:

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Topic:

In Catalog, StormChaser writes:

In Catalog, 62Bricks writes:

I am grateful, but also mindful of the resentment that seems to accompany the
decision.

It sounds as though you're saying I should keep my opinions to myself.

I'm not sure what you mean by a "commercial assembly."

I define a commercial assembly as any assemblage of individual parts which did
not come in the package already assembled. The only reason for having catalog
entries for assemblies which originally came unassembled is to facilitate the
ease of buying and selling them. I would make an exception to that definition,
however, for minifigures.

Yes, they fit together. Yes, they were intended to be assembled by the end user.
Yes, they were intended by TLG to be used as one part. Yes, in the wild you're
likely to find them already assembled. Yes, sellers and buyers would prefer
to have the ability to sell them as a unit instead of individual parts. None
of those facts make the reasons for including them in the catalog any less commercial.

Several of those criteria accurately describe this part:

spa0008 (Inv) Jurassic World Gate - Set 10758
Parts: Special Assembly

3830c01 Hinge Brick 1 x 4 Swivel
Parts: Hinge
Marked for Deletion

There is one important difference. Parts assemblies like 3830c01 form a "functional
element" that is used in many sets. Part assemblies like spa0008 are a "minibuild"
that is used in one set only. (The names of those categories are not perfect,
but I think you'll understand what I mean.)

I do see the "minibuild" category as commercial only.
I do not see the "functional element" category in the same way, they are suited
for a more intuitive approach to the parts in our catalog and I do see added
value in that. (I agree with you that they should not be in the main inventory,
and that it is an uneasy exception to include them in the counterpart section)

Author:

WoutR

Posted:

Aug 30, 2018 12:13

Subject:

Re: Update: Part Assemblies in Inventories

Viewed:

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Topic:

In Catalog, StormChaser writes:

In Catalog, WoutR writes:

Is there any chance of updating the definition? I would prefer a strict definition
with a lot of exceptions over the current vague definition.

Yes, of course it should be updated if the situation is ever corrected. However,
as long as the counterparts section is being used as a catch-all for a variety
of items, then I don't think it really matters. We'll just throw everything
in there and call it good - no definition needed.

I do not agree with you on that.
It is good to know what should be in there, and what are the exceptions.

Author:

WoutR

Posted:

Aug 29, 2018 17:42

Subject:

Re: Crappy pictures for similar parts.

Viewed:

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Topic:

In Catalog, Hygrotus writes:

In Catalog, zux writes:

Just found out someone has added two parts that need to be distinguished as they
are slightly different but pictures doesn't provide any visual clue. Basically
pictures are useless since there is no difference whatsoever.

Parts in questions:

44301a Hinge Plate 1 x 2 Locking with 1 Finger on End with Bottom Groove
Parts: Hinge

44301b Hinge Plate 1 x 2 Locking with 1 Finger on End without Bottom Groove
Parts: Hinge

These are slightly better, but difference is barely visible:
[P=44302a]
[P=44302b]

Why there's no picture with both items placed side by side helping in distinguishing
the difference?

How did this slip into catalog?

Difference is clearly visible.
Some unedited ones
Didn't add them because in both variants on them are in different color.

It is the same difference as in

44567a Hinge Plate 1 x 2 Locking with 1 Finger on Side with Bottom Groove
Parts: Hinge

and

44567b Hinge Plate 1 x 2 Locking with 1 Finger on Side without Bottom Groove
Parts: Hinge

Perfect, thanks!

Author:

WoutR

Posted:

Aug 29, 2018 07:24

Subject:

Re: Update: Part Assemblies in Inventories

Viewed:

42 times

Topic:

In Catalog, StormChaser writes:

There has been inconsistency for many years regarding when part assemblies should
or should not be included as counterparts in set inventories.

Thank you all for the opinions expressed. You made it feel like a community
again.

Together we discovered a good solution which I am quite confident would please
all of us - adding a new section to inventories for commercial assemblies and
creating a strict definition for counterparts. However, getting BrickLink to
implement that solution appears to be troublesome.

I'm sorry to hear that.

Is there any chance of updating the definition? I would prefer a strict definition
with a lot of exceptions over the current vague definition.

These orphan parts have bothered me for years and I have decided to take the
unpopular route of adding them all to inventories as counterparts. From now
on the counterparts section of inventories may be considered a junk drawer into
which everything nonstandard is thrown.

This situation may be fixed at some point in the future. If it is, then there
are many things which are already wrongly classified as counterparts which will
need to be moved. Adding a few thousand moves to the mix won't change much.

I am not happy with what I'm about to do, but it is (and has been for many
years) rather petty to keep these parts out of inventories. Yes, there should
be rules for part assemblies and yes, older assemblies should not be grandfathered
in if they don't fit the rules. There are no rules, though, so whatever
assemblies are added to the catalog will be thrown into the counterparts section
for the time being.

Please do not submit ICRs for now. I don't want to flood the forum with
change requests. I'll simply add these assemblies as I have time and should
be done within a couple of months. After I finish, I will likely ask for volunteers
to look through and see if I've missed anything.

Thank you all again for the lively discussion and I'm sorry that we could
not get the problem properly solved.

Author:

WoutR

Posted:

Aug 28, 2018 13:18

Subject:

Re: The plight of part 44567

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Topic: