Best way / used sets to get a large variety of new-ish (2002+) bricks

[NateStraight]

Hey all. I just pulled all my old space sets (1989-1997 or so I collected) out of the closet and underwent the task of sorting and organizing all my bricks.

I obviously have a ton of bricks in most of the classic brick styles, but since I stopped collecting before what seems to have been a boom of new colors and brick styles in the 2000s, I don't have quite the variety of parts I'd like for building newer / more detailed stuff.

What's the best way to go about getting a variety of the newer styles of bricks (mostly I'm after "modified" basic bricks like wedges, curved bricks, etc) in traditional colors, as well as useful assortments of bricks in some of the newer colors? Any sets that would be cheap and have a good variety to look out for?

I know about BrickLink etc, of course, but since I don't really have anything in particular in mind and just want a variety, putting together an order for just a whole ton of random bricks seems like an aggravating chore. I eBayed a few mixed lots at decent prices, but seems most sellers there still sell by a specific part rather than assortments like I'm after.

Any advice?

Edited September 22, 2014 by NateStraight

[NateStraight]

Some sort of Creator sets probably, eh?

Edited September 22, 2014 by NateStraight

[Andy D]

I look for sets that have colors and shapes that I want in quantity, then the other bricks in the set are just bonus.

You may need to look at some of the modern sets, look at the Bricklink inventory of the set to help you determine what to get. I have found useful parts and colors in Creator, Lord of The Rings, Hobbit, even some Star Wars sets like Jabba's Palace and the new Ewok Village. You just need to look at all the current sets, determine the price vs. value to you and start buying and parting out. Sometimes I build the set just to learn new techniques, then dissassemble and sort, but sometimes I never build the set, just part it out. I buy mainly larger sets usually close to the 1000 piece mark as I feel I get better variety in larger sets.

I believe thw Tower Bridge and new large Sydney Opera House are a good value for parts.

Lots of good sets out the, lots of good parts, but lots of money required.

Andy D

Edited September 22, 2014 by Andy D

[dr_spock]

Do you live near a LEGO Store? The Pick A Brick wall is a good way to acquire various parts and colors. The wall content changes. Discounted or clearance sets are another way without spending too much.

[NateStraight]

Do you live near a LEGO Store? The Pick A Brick wall is a good way to acquire various parts and colors. The wall content changes.

I'd love that, but nope. Not even close.

[PaddyBricksplitter]

Hi. Just stared collecting a few months ago. I didn't know much about Lego in the 21st century. Was not familiar with the huge number of new curved slopes, friction joints etc.

I found that buying new sets sold without mini figs on eBay as a good cost effective way of getting a wide variety of new bricks.

You can check the set inventory on sites like Brick Owl. It has pictures of all the set parts. So you can browse the contents and see what looks interesting.

You can see what the parts are called, what other colours etc. are available . It also lists what sets the parts ship in and how many.

You can also refer to the back of the instructions on new sets, there's an inventory of the parts and their numbers.

[Lego Otaku]

If you're willing to try eBay, try them. A lot of large lots are generally post 2002 so it would have many newer color and parts. Do check picture closely to make sure it's real LEGO and not some junk.

A typical lot of near pure LEGO can go about $5 per pound. Do factor in shipping. If you see (for example) a large 50 pounds lot and seller lists about $50 for shipping, max bid would be about $200 but it's really up to you to decide how much it's worth. Most people who buys to part out and resell usually sticks with $5 a pound. If it's mixed with Hot Wheels, megablocks, etc don't go more than $2 per pound. Lots sold from various sellers that has Goodwill in the name is almost always mixed lot as Goodwill drones don't have the knowledge or expertise to clean it.

On the average it's about 315 pieces per pound so a 50 pound lots would have around 15,750. You would have spent over $1,500 for new LEGO sets at stores to get about 50 pounds.

[rodiziorobs]

I think eBay will be your best bet here. Search for incomplete or partial sets, mixed sets, and sets with no minifigures. But, to repeat what has already been said (because it's worth repeating), be sure to look through the pictures and verify you're getting genuine Lego, and that the price is reasonable.