The Parts Draft Topic (ideas and rules discussion)

[Vedauwoo]

Like many other LUGs and LEGO groups, we general hold a small parts draft at each of our meetings (usually every other month).

For those not familiar, a "Parts Draft" is (usually) an activity where 3-30 folks purchase and bring an agreed upon set to the meeting. There, we open all the sets and separate the different parts into piles of like parts. A random order of participants is chosen and then we take turns picking bags (or lots) of individual parts we are interested in.

(depending on attendance levels and interest, usually its about 7-12 participants)

There are several "special situations" for certain types of parts, and various groups have come up with a variety of different rules and methods for holding a parts draft.

I am curious about the various rules and methods you all use....to sort of build a "Guide" for others seeking ideas for, or an understanding of, Parts Drafts.

For instance, we commonly (not always) use the following:

1.) Minifigures in set are assembled and count as one "lot" or pick for a turn (A "minifigure" here would consist of Legs, Torso, head, head covering and any worn accessories)

2.) Minifigure utensils/weapons are grouped as their own individual lots of parts

3.) Detailed animals (dogs, cats, baby dragons, hamsters, etc.) are individual lots

4.) Simple animals and food items (frogs, snakes, fish, apples, bananas, etc.) are grouped in lots of parts by type.

5.) pick order is chosen by random number generator (usually an iphone app, but dice would also work)

6.) list order is down and then back up, with the last and first names on the list getting two choices when the order flips (That is, with 4 participants: A picks 1, B picks 1, C picks 1, D picks 2, C picks 1, B picks 1, A picks 2, B picks 1, C picks 1, etc until lots are gone)

7.) stickers are sometimes grouped as a lot (usually decided for each draft)

8.) Tires and wheels are separately grouped lots of parts.

9.) When one part is present in "huge" quantities, it may be subdivided into multiple, equal sized lots at the discretion of the draft group.

There may be some others, but you get the idea...

We usually use a set that is $24.99 or less that is decided either by an individual running the draft or a poll of members. in the month between meetings. However, I have heard that some groups plan drafts months in advance, sometimes using pricier sets....I've also heard of groups that take advantage of sales to purchase larger quantities of sets and then offer a "buy in" to members that want to participate....

So, what methods do you use? What have you found works...what have you found does not work?

Let's share knowledge and learn from each other!

Edited July 26, 2016 by Vedauwoo

[dr_spock]

We sometimes have one person buy the draft sets and participants pay him/her to be in the draft.