Collecting for MOCs?

[Bran_]

I'm just wondering how people most often go about collecting parts for their MOCs.

I'm pretty new to the AFOL scene and I'm really looking forward to throwing some MOCs together but I'm kind of lacking on the parts front. I've read lots of articles on starting a collection but only a few on collecting with the intention of MOCing.

So what do the folks on EB do more often for a new MOC that you need parts for - buy sets or buy required parts from bricklink etc?

What would you do if you had no parts at all?

(Posted here because it's castle/fantasy themes I'm most interested inl.)

[TheRedViper]

Normally I like to bricklink specific parts for my MOCs, however sometimes I buy I set for pieces (along with figures of course!). You can usually find some good deals on eBay for sets without figures though.

[SirBlake]

I've built up spare bricks a few ways, whether it's buying sets on sale or going to my local used Lego store (Minifigs, Bricks and more in Denton, Tx), but by far the greatest additions have been made by purchasing collections from kids who wanted video game money. One, a friend found at a garage sale and called me, the other was a student of my wife's (high school teacher). I got lucky on those, but they were incredible scores that beat anything eBay or brick link could offer.

[Slobey]

I will generally pick up any castle/LoTR/hobbit set even if I'm not a fan of the particular model as they provide excellent part packs for castle/fantasy MOCing. I've built up enough of a collection of random bricks now that I can Bricklink specific items that I need (2x1 bluish grey bricks mainly )

The current castle is a good place to start building a collection of useful pieces and if you can find Helm's Deep (even 2nd hand) it is one of the best parts packs out there.

[Missing Brick]

The aim should be to avoid purchasing unnecessary parts. I recommend you start building your moc with the parts you have - if necessary using temporary pieces and colours as place holders. Only make a Bricklink order once you've established exactly what parts you need. Often you'll find an alternative way of doing something using the parts you already have; Or one of the pieces you need will just turn-up. If you decide you need a particular part, a good trick is to use the Bricklink catalogue tool to list what sets contain the part; you might discover it's in one of the sets you already have - in which case you might be able to pull it off the set. Also make sure you have all your existing parts sorted and grouped: There's nothing more frustrating than Bricklinking 10 curved slopes only to discover you had a bag of 20 under all your other bricks!

Edited August 17, 2014 by Missing Brick

[Blufiji]

Bricklink and I follow Missing Bricks example..start building first then start ordering.

[Bran_]

Some really great advice there, thank you all.

I've built up spare bricks a few ways, whether it's buying sets on sale or going to my local used Lego store (Minifigs, Bricks and more in Denton, Tx), but by far the greatest additions have been made by purchasing collections from kids who wanted video game money. One, a friend found at a garage sale and called me, the other was a student of my wife's (high school teacher). I got lucky on those, but they were incredible scores that beat anything eBay or brick link could offer.

Used Lego store?? I can think of nothing more glorious. I wish someone would come up with that idea around here.

I was actually one of those kids once upon a time (though it wasn't for video games...). I curse my younger self for lack of foresight!

The current castle is a good place to start building a collection of useful pieces and if you can find Helm's Deep (even 2nd hand) it is one of the best parts packs out there.

I've heard helms deep spoken of in reverence before. I had no idea how many suitable parts it had. Thanks for that! Though finding it for a suitable price will be a challenge.

The aim should be to avoid purchasing unnecessary parts. I recommend you start building your moc with the parts you have - if necessary using temporary pieces and colours as place holders. Only make a Bricklink order once you've established exactly what parts you need. Often you'll find an alternative way of doing something using the parts you already have; Or one of the pieces you need will just turn-up. If you decide you need a particular part, a good trick is to use the Bricklink catalogue tool to list what sets contain the part; you might discover it's in one of the sets you already have [...]

This is all god stuff, many thanks. Using the catalogue tool is a very good idea and I can see it becoming more useful with a growing collection. As it is I only have about 5 sets remaining from the 40+ collection of my childhood - 4 of which are tiny - but you never know, they might contain just what I'm after.

On establishing the parts required: whilst I understand that everyone's going to have their own method, is it generally advised to plan a MOC down to the brick when starting out? Seems liked a good idea if I'm trying to avoid unnecessary parts.

I eagerly await the days of sitting in front of a shelf of hundreds of neatly organised containers and letting my imagination dictate!

[kreimkoek]

All my parts come from the hobbit and lotr sets. I wanted a big uruk hai army so the extra bricks in the 9471 uruk hai army set were verry usefull for mocs.

The colors used in the lotr/hobbit sets are also very usefull for realistic creations (not many bright coloured bricks).

I used bricklink once for a lot of dark grey slopes/bricks and now I can build all the rocks I need.

[fred67]

I have a mental problem that doesn't allow me to buy a set I don't like, and if I like it I must build it and not use the parts for other things (although I often modify and build up sets). If I really needed a part from a set, I'd have to buy two, so that I could at least keep one to build.

So... my methods are to collect interesting parts from PAB wall at the local LEGO Store... the selections don't seem to be as good anymore, but they often have a lot of the basic building blocks, and it's the cheapest option for new bricks if they have something you want. Over time you can build up quite a collection of basic bricks and a typically a few more interesting ones that can help later on - I've gotten hundreds of flowers, stalks, and tree leaves that way... always nice when building an outdoor scene, even if I don't have a specific idea in mind when I buy them. Otherwise I buy what I want/need from Bricklink, and rarely from S@H PAB (but it is actually sometimes the best option).

I don't plan MOCs down to the brick. If I end up with extra, I consider it a good thing... I have a huge collection of loose LEGO for building that I've built up over the last ten years or so, which often enables me to just build what I want without having to order something. Time is hard to come buy, so if I have time and I have an idea, it's hard for me to stop what I'm doing to order parts.

If that's a problem for you, then yes, I suggest getting good at estimating what you'll need, or just do it in something LDD to know exactly what you'll need.

And yes, like others, I'll often just substitute different colors or similar pieces, and create a new bricklink wanted list for what I didn't have, then I can use those pieces as add-ons to other orders to bulk up orders and save on shipping. I've had MOCs that were built, but with the wrong pieces, that weren't complete with the right pieces for several years.

Edited August 18, 2014 by fred67

[Simon_S]

I think the best way is to just buy sets on sale and sell the figures you don't want. Usually if you get your set 30% off or so and sell all figs (depends on the set, of course) you get enough money back that the pieces are basically for free.

Also, look for hauls. You will find more and more if you start talking with other people who aren't in the LEGO hobby and often they or their grown up kids have huge boxes full of LEGO on the attic.

[Bran_]

I have a mental problem that doesn't allow me to buy a set I don't like, and if I like it I must build it and not use the parts for other things (although I often modify and build up sets). If I really needed a part from a set, I'd have to buy two, so that I could at least keep one to build.

I'm encountering the same problem! Mostly it's to do with funds (my mind reels when I hear of people buying more than one of a set?? ) but even in themes that I love there are some sets I just can't find the will(money) to buy - parts or no. Then I buy something I've really wanted and no longer have the heart to break it up.

I'm a bit stuffed when it comes to PAB too - the nearest Lego store to me is about 80 miles away. The perils of countryside living.

I think the best way is to just buy sets on sale and sell the figures you don't want. Usually if you get your set 30% off or so and sell all figs (depends on the set, of course) you get enough money back that the pieces are basically for free.

Also, look for hauls. You will find more and more if you start talking with other people who aren't in the LEGO hobby and often they or their grown up kids have huge boxes full of LEGO on the attic.

I'd actually not thought of that. I've always been frustrated to find sets I've wanted that don't contain minifigs (although I can more easily justify breaking fig-less sets down for parts I guess). I'd not considered doing the same thing. Do figs really sell for that much? I mean, I see them on for ridiculous prices sometimes but you've got to wonder how many actually sell for that price.

It seems like haul hunting is the way forward. It'll probably be the cheapest option and it means I can smash 'em up without a thought.

Unless I miraculously unearth a mint MMV...

[ElCrab]

I buy sets at work, looking at what pieces come with it and what minifigs do as well. If either there's a lot of "good" pieces (colors, style, etc) and/or the minifigs will recoup most or all of my money (or even net a small profit), I buy them, often times duplicates. But I get 20% off LEGO through work, plus we often have discounts to boot.

I still have yet to build anything, but one of these days...

In the meantime, I have probably quadrupled my LEGO collection, which I used to think was good-sized when I was a kid. ;)

Edited August 18, 2014 by ElCrab

[Bran_]

Well ElCrab, you've certainly succeeded in making me jealous!

[Spud The Viking]

Bran_ , be patient. "Good things come to those who are patient" someone said. Look around for great deals. I've walked into shops and seen awesome sets for 50-90% off of them, so just have a nosy about some shops! works for me (sometimes).

P.S.

You are not the only one who has to save up the pennies for good-looking sets!

[ElCrab]

You'd be even more jealous if you saw what I've taken home in the past week!

Mos Eisley Cantina x 4

King's Castle

Arctic Base Camp

Dol Guldur Battle x 2

Bike Shop/Café Creator

Pirate Ship Ambush

Not to mention a few polybags from Target, though when you're buying nearly a dozen 70-100 dollar sets in a short period of time, what's a 3.99 polybag or 4?

It helps that I'm getting married, oddly enough. We have been saving money for months to pay for it, but always figuring her family would pitch in for some or all of it. Her dad paid for the whole thing (plus extra), and her aunts and uncles gave us a check at the same time for a gift, so we divvied up the pile of cash we saved and I splurged a bit. And when I got paid a few days later (and had a lot more than usual, since we weren't saving anymore), I splurged a little more.

This method is the same I've used to fund my crippling book collecting habit as well. I got into buying and selling for profit, and finding ways to get the books I wanted for free, essentially. That skillset has now translated over to my renewed crippling addiction to LEGO.

Edited August 19, 2014 by ElCrab

[TheLazyChicken]

I would like to ask here if there are any good LOTR or The Hobbit sets that are good for parts?

[CastleDefender]

Always start small on yr MOC and slowly expand, then you will know wat parts and how much u need. More economical. But of coz on the way, if encountered interesting or rare parts, it is always good to keep a few pieces for future usage.

[-Carson Haupt-]

On establishing the parts required: whilst I understand that everyone's going to have their own method, is it generally advised to plan a MOC down to the brick when starting out? Seems liked a good idea if I'm trying to avoid unnecessary parts.

I eagerly await the days of sitting in front of a shelf of hundreds of neatly organised containers and letting my imagination dictate!

I usually get an image in my head of what I want to build, sometimes I even sketch it, but I never plan down to the brick. To me that takes part of the challenge out of building.

[mccoyed]

I usually get an image in my head of what I want to build, sometimes I even sketch it, but I never plan down to the brick. To me that takes part of the challenge out of building.

Agreed. I don't part for builds. I probably could have improved a build or added more ideas if I had looked at my entire collection for inspiration, but I usually run with a visual in my head and then hunt down pieces that I think will be appropriate. I make Bricklink orders more to patch my collection with stuff I don't have enough of, basic plates and bricks of certain colors, and to get accessories and minifig parts that are either:

a) cheap

b) needed for an idea I have

c) something I don't have but like

I respect the heck out of people who LDD and then build gigantic layouts that take months or years and require incremental BL orders to sustain. I respect it but I don't think I could ever personally do it. Who knows though.

[Bran_]

Bran_ , be patient. "Good things come to those who are patient" someone said. Look around for great deals. I've walked into shops and seen awesome sets for 50-90% off of them, so just have a nosy about some shops! works for me (sometimes).

P.S.

You are not the only one who has to save up the pennies for good-looking sets!

Good to know I'm not alone! Patience I can do. It's the only remedy for expensive tastes!

You'd be even more jealous if you saw what I've taken home in the past week!

Mos Eisley Cantina x 4, King's Castle, Arctic Base Camp, Dol Guldur Battle x 2, Bike Shop/Café Creator, Pirate Ship Ambush

[...]

This method is the same I've used to fund my crippling book collecting habit as well. I got into buying and selling for profit, and finding ways to get the books I wanted for free, essentially. That skillset has now translated over to my renewed crippling addiction to LEGO.

A. You're right, I am more jealous.

B. You're going to have to teach me all of your tricks! Don't make it public though... wouldn't want everyone cashing in now would we?

I usually get an image in my head of what I want to build, sometimes I even sketch it, but I never plan down to the brick. To me that takes part of the challenge out of building.

I'm exactly the same I think. That's the challenge though; my imagination is tempered by my lack of resources! Which is why this is sound advice that I shall definitely be sticking to:

Always start small on yr MOC and slowly expand, then you will know wat parts and how much u need.[...]

And finally

[...] I respect the heck out of people who LDD and then build gigantic layouts that take months or years and require incremental BL orders to sustain. I respect it but I don't think I could ever personally do it. Who knows though.

Yep, I'm with you completely. The massive builds are where I'd like to end up but that's one of those "twenty years down the line" goals I think

[mccoyed]

TWENTY YEARS!? Man, we'll be building Lego out of smart matter using telepathic nodes attached to our foreheads by then. Lego will be an amorphous intelligent gelatin that can transmogriphy into any shape we need so you'd just buy bags of goo.

Set your sights in the nearer future bro.

[TheLegoDr]

^Then what will people say about specialty molds if any goo can be any shape you need!?!? haha

I have only made a few small bricklink orders and only for specific things I may need at that given time. I wouldn't mind making a few orders of more generic pieces I could use more of in my builds, but there are too many specifics I need also, that seem to take up the bulk of the cost. And don't get me started on minifigures...

I wanted to start building more snowy scenes. I originally joined Avalonia for GoH, but since watching Game of Thrones, I'm more of a northerner at heart so I want to build more snow castles. Although I prefer the Avalonia color scheme...

[-Carson Haupt-]

^Then what will people say about specialty molds if any goo can be any shape you need!?!? haha

I have only made a few small bricklink orders and only for specific things I may need at that given time. I wouldn't mind making a few orders of more generic pieces I could use more of in my builds, but there are too many specifics I need also, that seem to take up the bulk of the cost. And don't get me started on minifigures...

I wanted to start building more snowy scenes. I originally joined Avalonia for GoH, but since watching Game of Thrones, I'm more of a northerner at heart so I want to build more snow castles. Although I prefer the Avalonia color scheme...

It snows in Avalonia too, and there's no reason your character couldn't take an extended trip to Mitgardia either!

[mccoyed]

GoH is pretty loose about those kinds of restrictions. Heck, I'm the only non-Nocturnian to participate in Warlords of Nocturnus just because so many people assumed it was a closed community build. Ha, I say!

[CastleDefender]

I believe the challenge and wat always refrain us from starting a MOC is we always have a worrying mindset that we do not have enough/right bricks.