Usage of no-longer produced and rare parts/colors in your MOCs

[Erik Leppen]

Fun topic. :)

I once used that 3x8x2 beam in my Chiron rebuild, which I got comments on that that was an old part so someone suggested replacing that with a build using only current parts. I thought that was indeed a good suggestion. I sometimes use old parts (or old colors), but I do try to minimize it. But if old parts add functionalty that is missing in new parts, I use the old part. But for example I wouldn't mix old and new pneumatic system in the same model.

• The 3x8x2 beam pictured first in the topic is one of my favorite old parts, so I use it frequently.
• I sometimes use rare parts, such as the technic cam.
• I use thin beams much more than sets do, even though they aren't super rare. (although black 1x7 thin beams are expensive on BL)
• I have long used the old thin 14t gears after they were replaced by the 12t ones, because they worked well with the then-used 1x4 gear racks in the studded system.
• I have also once used the "1L worm gear with bushes" that was used for one year before the large-radius worm came out.
• When bricklinking, I sometimes grab old turquoise or purple parts from the Competition subtheme, and I have used both in mocs. I figure that color schemes are replaceable anyway, and I like funky colors.
• I used metallic green panelling from 8465/8466 in one of my mocs, and I keep those parts for later usage. For the rest I try to avoid the old panels, simply because I like them less than the current style panels.

On 1/3/2021 at 2:03 AM, MajklSpajkl said:

I don't see what good would it bring to someone, if he dismissed all the parts, that are not produced anymore. I think MOCs are primarily built for builders themselves and not for others to reproduce their MOCs. At least that is my logic. If the builder makes instructions and people want to build it, they'll get the parts on the market. Unless the builders agenda is to be more likeable to wider public which buys the instructions. But I can't agree with such thinking. I build for my pleasure, not others.

I find it a personally fun challenge to see if I can show "what TLC could have made with their current parts, instead of what they are making.". Then, restricting oneself to current parts is part of the "building for myself" and adds to the fun. That said though, I actually think some parts like the 3x8x2 beam should have been kept in production, it's so useful :)

Edit: for competitions, I'd just follow the rules of the competition. So if old parts are allowed, why no use them? :)

Edited January 4, 2021 by Erik Leppen

[Lira_Bricks]

13 hours ago, Erik Leppen said:

I find it a personally fun challenge to see if I can show "what TLC could have made with their current parts, instead of what they are making.". Then, restricting oneself to current parts is part of the "building for myself" and adds to the fun. That said though, I actually think some parts like the 3x8x2 beam should have been kept in production, it's so useful :)

But TLC would just make new parts if they need them ;p

Also, "The 3x8x2 beam" refers to https://www.bricklink.com/v2/catalog/catalogitem.page?P=50904&idColor=86#T=C&C=86 I assume? :P