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In lugnet.general, Chris Phillips writes:
> In lugnet.general, David Simmons writes:
> > This is my word for TLG's recent penchant for inserting random color bricks
> > SW sets. Here's the excerpt from the FBTB site interview:
> >
> > > What exactly is behind LEGO randomly inserting colored bricks into models? • I'm referring to things like the green brick in the Shuttle.
> > >
> > > For all LEGO models, we are hoping to provide kids with a great building
> > > experience. We have learned over the years that it is difficult for kids to
> > > build certain models in which there is a large number of one colored bricks.
> > > To help make the experience better for kids of all ages, we have inserted
> > > certain color changes into the sets to make this easier.
> >
> > I just want to say that I think this explanation is poo...
>
> Actually, this explanation makes a lot of sense. I was recently looking at
> the instructions for the Millenium Falcon, which inexplicably uses a few
> odd-colored bricks at various points, pondering this very issue. Then I
> remembered building the 1300-piece Technic Space Shuttle, and squinting at
> the instructions trying to figure out what had changed between step N and
> step N+1, knowing that I had three more 1x2 plates to put SOMEWHERE..! This
> took several minutes in a few cases.
>
> Using a few choice odd-colored pieces can make things much easier to see in
> the printed instructions, and provides a visual reference for placement of
> nearby pieces. Maybe you or I wouldn't build an MOC that way, but if you're
> holding stock LEGO models to that standard, you'd better get used to
> disappointment.
>
> Having now actually spent some time trying to draw up some building
> instructions for some of my own models, I have a new-found appreciation for
> how hard it can be to clearly illustrate how a model should be built.
I agree with the explanation too. Have you noticed how a lot of kids jumped
on the K'nex system, but not Lego's own Znap? The big difference was that
K'nex colour-coded the function of each element. There were no duplications
of the same piece in a different colour. This made the instructions easier
to follow, and the function of the pieces easy to learn. Kids don't mind
that the resulting models have odd colours all over them - look at a MOC
from any seven-year old if you don't believe me.
My next point, is have you noticed that Lego are starting to do this with
individual sets? Look at any current minifig theme set, and you'll find
little duplication of elements in different colours. It's rare you'll find
bricks or plates of the same size in two different colours. This again
makes it less likely for a young builder to make mistakes. It must be
pretty hard to design a set that can have an inventory like this.
As for outward colours, would the imperial shuttle look as interesting if it
was all one colour? Or the Tie Fighters? The Tie Fighters in the film were
subject to all sorts of spot lighting to get reflections - but this doesn't
happen with Lego. So, they go for blues and greys as part of the design.
I'll admit the latest Tie takes this a bit far, but Darth's was a good
example of added colours.
Jason J Railton
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Message has 2 Replies:
 | | Re: TLG and "Seeding"
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| On Sun, 11 Mar 2001, Jason J. Railton (<GA16vs.2CB@lugnet.com>) wrote at 11:35:52 (...) This is quite an interesting point, and perhaps another explanation for the proliferation of POOPs. If you've already used a black 2x4, and you need a stack of (...) (24 years ago, 11-Mar-01, to lugnet.general, lugnet.starwars)
| | | Re: TLG and "Seeding"
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| (...) Perhaps its time for a 'random surprise bucket', you get 2 lbs of parts, no two buckets the same. No instructions. The 'Jackson Pollock'[1] style of set/MOC layout. (...) Same concept, taken differently: large sets that do have the same parts (...) (24 years ago, 11-Mar-01, to lugnet.general)
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Message is in Reply To:
| | Re: TLG and "Seeding"
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| (...) Actually, this explanation makes a lot of sense. I was recently looking at the instructions for the Millenium Falcon, which inexplicably uses a few odd-colored bricks at various points, pondering this very issue. Then I remembered building the (...) (24 years ago, 2-Mar-01, to lugnet.general, lugnet.starwars)
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