For the Model or the Parts ?

[dhc6twinotter]

I tend to buy a model for the parts. I'll buy a set, build it, then take it apart a couple weeks later.

[Wiseman_2]

I buy sets mostly for the model and build experience, but I will sometimes look at buying a set I would otherwise pass on if it has useful or interesting parts. I am not much a fan of cars but I bought 8070 due to its gearing and also the wheel hubs and suspension parts, which I had none of previously. I have not had much opportunity to build MOCs due to limited space for building in - I have no solid surface to build on so building can be a bit of a pain. Having said that, on the occasions when I have been able to build MOCs I have found myself wishing I could do it more often

Still, as all my sets are currently broken down (we're moving house) I don't think it's likely I'll rebuild. Shall probably start MOC'ing once I have a desk

(At that point, I will probably start buying sets for parts )

[D3K]

When I was young I had about a metric ton of Legos, not sorted, and I used to build whatever came to mind.

Now I recently bought the 8053 Mobile Crane, and really liked the look and functionality of that model. Even more recently, I bought the 8043 Motorized Excavator, built it, disassembled it, built the B-model, and then realized that I all of a sudden had a lot of interesting parts I could try to implement into the 8053, which I like better! I am currently putting motors into it to motorize both functions of the outriggers (a task a lot more difficult than I assumed it would be), and will try to post some pictures here when it's done.

I'm still getting used to the studless construction, so the sets I've recently bought have helped me get a bette understanding for the new techniques used, but hopefully, parts wil start to pile up, I'll get them organized, and have some innovative dreations of my own in the not too distant future!

[Nazgarot]

Mostly i buy sets for expensive or rare parts. But a few sets I do buy to display, for example the 8043 excavator. I have bought two of several sets in order to have one display model as well as parting out.

The few models I display are how ever modified, either for better looks, or better functionality. The 8043 has got a jackhammer as well as a new scoop, and a few other mods as well...

I'm thinking on buying more models in the future to part out and sell, but still haven't done so as my collection still needs all the add ons it can get...

-ED-

[Tacker]

I use to buy kits. But then started thinking the cost of Lego kits and what you get in them aren’t worth the money. So now i just buy the bits i need. Can always down load kit instructions

[gifinim]

With Technic, I buy for the model at the moment. Once I'm bored of looking at them or run out of room I'll start breaking them down and see what I can build.

[Paul B Technic]

Parts for me, I buy two of anything I really like. One to display and one for parts.

[CP5670]

It's usually the model for me. I rely on Bricklink and PAB/Lego direct for parts these days, and buy very few sets in the first place. If I do get a set, it's because I like the model itself.

[mescalinum]

99.999% for parts

I often find myself checking inventories on BrickLink to decide buying a set or not.

key aspects to me are rare parts, part count, color palette (I'm sick of red pieces , I'd prefer to have only VLBG, LBG, DBG, black and yellow parts)

models are nice to study, but live up to few hours, then become just parts for my MOCs

[mike_125]

Parts for me, I buy two of anything I really like. One to display and one for parts

Nice if you have the money to spend

I recently got about 20 kg of lego, and spend already 2 weeks with sorting....nothing build yet.

So for me it's parts.

[dandexter]

To people who buy for parts, wouldn't you often run out if a certain part you need, or colours you wanted to use?

[Kronos]

I buy first for the model, then for the parts. I don't buy every model, every year. Just the ones I really like. I, however, will buy any Technic model if it's a great deal cost to parts ratio. Rare, bulk, and specific color parts are available through S@H and BL.

-Mike

Edited September 23, 2012 by camaro365

[Jack-Jedi]

80% for parts and 20% for model, couze for now i had only 2 big sets and partlist is more reasonable

[Sam42]

90% of the time for the parts, i've bought a few sets that didn't even get built! we should have a poll on this subject!

[skylinedan]

I just picked up a back hoe loader set for 70 bucks at TRU, I think That was a good deal considering all the pieces in the set. I,m one of the guys that goes to Bricklink to see the invintory of a set, I got a crawler coming, got a real good deal on it NISB. I didnt realize there were two new style L motors in it, after looking the list over a few times, I knew I had to have one. Back when the Uni Mog was big, I got one, then looking at all the parts, I got one more. One thing I noticed is a lot of the stores on BL are buying new sets and parting them out, I wonder how much of a profit they make over the price of the set ?

Dan

[nychase]

One thing I noticed is a lot of the stores on BL are buying new sets and parting them out, I wonder how much of a profit they make over the price of the set ?

Dan

According to a quick check on brickstore....

If you assign avg 6 month sales value to all the parts in the model and you achieved sales at avg values then the set is worth 375 dollars. Now thats even better if your name is Paul and you picked up a bunch of these sets for 140 bucks at Brickfair. Either way though sellers on BL scavange TRU and ebay for sales to source their parts. Often its not a worthwhile venture but in the case of the crawler there were so many unique parts the prices are sky high until lego starts selling the motors for the normal prices (i.e. under 10 bucks each).

If maximizing value of the set is desired the very best thing you can do is buy a set and sit on it for a few years and then sell it either as a whole or parted out. Often lego will make a usefull part and then stop selling it for reasons no one understands.

I myself? Its a mix. I buy plenty of sets to part-out but I also buy plenty of sets to have the sets. Then again, I buy plenty of humpty dumpty ebay sets that I use my parts to put back together again.

[llenroccc]

For me, it's more for the model. Because I just started playing with Lego and only Technic. I bought some parts from bricklink because i can pick whatever i need and save some money for nice sets in the futures.