Not sure if this would go here or somewhere else... Feel free to move if needed.

Anyway, I've sort of turned more towards collecting minifigures over the past few years, and I noticed that there's some variations on elements that Bricklink doesn't separate, and as I rely on Bricklink's catalog quite a bit, it makes me wonder what else is out there that they haven't noticed and cataloged.

For example, LEGO recently replaced the old skull print with a slightly revised version. I don't actually have the new version in my collection yet, but LDD has both, here's a comparison:

However, Bricklink doesn't seem to know the difference between the two, so I'm not sure how to buy some individually and get the kind I want (the new kind).

Similarly, Bricklink doesn't distinguish between the two old solid stud head molds. It's a bit hard to capture in a photo, but the first minifigure heads weren't as rounded on the top and bottom. Some time after the release of Pirates they rounded the top and bottom a bit more, then some time later switched to hollow studs. And of course, more recently, they got rid of the vents in the hollow studs. Here's some comparison pictures of the four types I took a while back, showing two heads of each type:

http://www.brickshel...er/img_0011.jpg

http://www.brickshel...er/img_0008.jpg

http://www.brickshel...er/img_0013.jpg <- It's a bit easier to notice on the pirate heads, as the beard makes the difference in curvature more apparent.

So when exactly did this change take place? Are there more variations of these things I don't know of yet because online catalogs have some gaps?

I've seen other discussions here on Eurobricks about part variations, often in the context of LEGO history or "duplicates" in LDD, but I'm mainly interested in minifigures and such. Bricklink cataloged some minor variations in classic Ninja torsos, and even some misprints from Adventurers, Pirates, and Western if I remember right, but seeing as they've also missed the ones posted here I'm left wondering what else is as of yet uncataloged.

Basically, I'd be interesting in hearing any more information you might have on these sorts of things.

Edit: Oh yeah, this is pretty common knowledge, but the collectible minifigures and other china-produced minifigures use different molds, plastic, and printing methods, including accessories and whatever else is produced there. Some examples:

http://www.brickshel...ry.cgi?f=401807

http://www.brickshel...ry.cgi?f=401814

Edited July 12, 201410 yr by jamesster

I knew that something about skulls from hobbit was off!

Thanks for confirmation!

Hi, you could open discussion on Bricklink forum too and suggest adding those variations into catalog.

I got this from build a mini at the Lego store in the annapolis mall. I guess this is another uncataloged skull. I have noticed a few variations which are not listed on bricklink, such as certain bricks with newer support ridges which make certain building techniques impossible.

@zux, I probably will some time.

@Bioslayer, wow, interesting. Thanks for sharing. Why on Earth would something like that be produced and sent to stores...?

Edited July 14, 201410 yr by jamesster

There were only 2 of the skulls, so it's not an isolated misprint, but also not a exactly a new part type. Possibly something on the level of the princess leia with smooth hair.