CCBS New Shell Ideas/Speculation

[MakutaDreadscythe]

I did post this in the 2015 speculation topic, but it was dropped pretty quickly. I feel this could be an interesting discussion, considering the possibilities of new moulds and the issue of back coverage, so I made it a topic.

I mentioned as a new piece for Bionicle that putting minifig bars on the sides of the shells would open up a lot of options. This motif would be spread for various sizes of shell, most notably 5 long and torso shells. [i did get a comment saying it was hard to visualise. Imagine a gap/minifig bar at the ends of where the shells extend back on the sides.] This has multiple purposes.

1. For Bionicle this means the return of the piston aesthetic that defined it.
   
2. Allowing further integration with LEGO system, something that LEGO action figures struggle with somewhat.
   
3. Another new piece could be introduced. A flat version of said shell piece with no ball connection and two minifig clips on each side corresponding to the bars on the shell. This would mean back coverage would no longer be an issue and due to the generic nature of the piece could be used in system sets as well, for example the bonnet of a sci fi car or as plating for a more system-oriented mech.
   

One could argue that this would devalue the original shell, but the old shells still have the advantage of a clean look and can be used where the new shells would be redundant or to save costs, for example upper arms/legs or on the back of a creature build, like say a dragon or turtle.

The cost of the new moulds would be significant, but the versatility for MOCing and ability to make LEGO figures look more complete would probably justify it in the long run.

In any case, what do you guys think? Any other ideas to add?

[Timeline15]

This sounds like a great idea. Not only would it fix the overly smooth aesthetic of the H pieces, but would also allow the shells to wrap all the way around the limbs, like they do in the tv shows.

[Aanchir]

It's an interesting idea, but as you say it would require a lot of new molds. And it's hard to say how much more expensive each mold might be than the current variety, since I don't know how complex the molds for Hero Factory beams are currently. Remember that the more steel sections have to come together to mold a piece, the more expensive the mold is to produce and maintain. So for example, a Hero Factory torso beam or Toa Nuva leg beam would be a fairly inexpensive mold, since it only needs to be molded in the front and the back. But a Toa Mata torso or Toa Metru torso would be a much more expensive mold, since it has to be molded from the front, back, top, and both sides.

Personally, I would not be especially interested in a new shell design like this, since I'm never bothered by the smooth, clean aesthetic of Hero Factory pieces, and rarely bothered by exposed beams. It's not that I don't think it would have any use. I just don't perceive any pressing need for it.

[MakutaDreadscythe]

It's an interesting idea, but as you say it would require a lot of new molds. And it's hard to say how much more expensive each mold might be than the current variety, since I don't know how complex the molds for Hero Factory beams are currently. Remember that the more steel sections have to come together to mold a piece, the more expensive the mold is to produce and maintain. So for example, a Hero Factory torso beam or Toa Nuva leg beam would be a fairly inexpensive mold, since it only needs to be molded in the front and the back. But a Toa Mata torso or Toa Metru torso would be a much more expensive mold, since it has to be molded from the front, back, top, and both sides.

Personally, I would not be especially interested in a new shell design like this, since I'm never bothered by the smooth, clean aesthetic of Hero Factory pieces, and rarely bothered by exposed beams. It's not that I don't think it would have any use. I just don't perceive any pressing need for it.

I get what you mean, and it's one of the reasons it'd be unlikely. However the though of the new pieces is exciting. If this was done it'd probably be a large shell design due to requiring back coverage more than smaller shells.

[Taaron]

While I'd be surprised to see it happen with Bionicle, but I've always wanted to see Lego release some CCBS shells with stud connection points on them.

If Lego could do that, i could see them doing pistons and whatnot to connect to the studs for more Bionicle style, and also release them with regular Lego sets for...whatsitcalled. greeblies?

[Chro]

Great concept, Dread. Disappointing that it's unlikely to take shape, I guess.

Greebles, Taaron. ;)

[blancrgaza]

this was done it'd probably be a large shell design due to requiring back coverage more than smaller shells.

Edited July 21, 2014 by blancrgaza

[ATBro]

I love this idea, it could mean new accessories and it could be used in a system build as well. Have you emailed LEGO about this idea?