Technic Parts Slowly Disappearing

[DrJB]

Some might not object, especially those who're pure 'studless'. However, one of the key building blocks of Technic is no more (or almost). Yes, I'm talking about the 1×16 technic brick/beam ... It is slowly/aggressively being phased out as it shows in fewer sets ... One reason must be because it used twice the plastic of the 1×15 liftarm.

What pieces do you see slowly becoming extinct?

I know some are gone already (the 8070 spindle) ... but the 1x16 brick?

Edited December 12, 2014 by DrJB

[Rishab N]

The thing about this topic is that many parts may seem extinct but actually aren't. For instance red and yellow 5x11 panels seemed gone and expensive yet they came back. The 8070 suspension arms were extremely expensive yet they came back last year. Heck even the rare 19 L white flex axle is back in the 42039; however, to answer your question currently it seems that #3 red connectors, metal hooks, 14L and 16 L red flex axles, etc.

Edited December 12, 2014 by Rishab N

[DrJB]

We need to re-focus here. Granted, some parts come and go, especially in different colors. However, the 1×16 technic brick is slowly disappearing ... in ALL colors.

Edited December 12, 2014 by DrJB

[Paul Boratko]

The 1 x 16 Brick isn't dissappearing.. It was in about 15 sets in 2014...

Granted the only Technic set that used any was the Volvo wheel loader...

Edited December 12, 2014 by Paul Boratko

[DrJB]

Well, if you see how frequent it is being used ... it seems it's becoming less frequent. It'll be interesting to plot/graph in how many sets it's been showing up over the past few years and 'estimate' a trend. The 42009 Mk II Crane also used it, but it's 2013.

Edited December 12, 2014 by DrJB

[D3K]

It'll be interesting to plot/graph in how many sets it's been showing up over the past few years

Check this out

[Saberwing40k]

Going by that graph, we're actually at a high point for 1x16 Technic beams.

[DrJB]

Check this out

Interesting ... I guess I was going merely by Technic sets ... where it does not show up that often... and it used to be present in large quantities in Technic.

[bonox]

I think it's especially telling that what you think you see and what is actually true can be quite different, particularly if you are familiar only with one theme.

This one links nicely to this post: http://www.eurobricks.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=103267entry2074566

where the Technic guys may think some part or class of parts is unused, but they show up by the squillions in other themes.

[1974]

I don't get it?

You've obviously been giving this subject some serious thought, but you couldn't be bothered to look it up on Bricklink to varify? That would take less than 10 seconds, probably faster than actually typing the OP?

Technic _bricks_ are not often used in Technic sets as it's all about studless and have been for what +15 years? I'm quite sure you are aware of that

They are however, commonly used in many other themes like City, Creator, Chima/Ninjago, SW etc

Yes, LEGO is not just Technic. Crazy, I know

So more research, less typing my friend

[andythenorth]

Nice victory of facts over perception Would the world be a better place if there was more of this?

Edited December 12, 2014 by andythenorth

[1974]

Has anyone claimed that? I like all these random threads that the OP comes up with, but that was just lazy, imho

Cheers,

Ole

[D3K]

Has anyone claimed that? I like all these random threads that the OP comes up with, but that was just lazy, imho

Cheers,

Ole

I too find a lot of it interesting, though some things less than others.. But OP seems to come up with question formulations that most of us never even think of! Perhaps he is doing research for a book titled "Absolutely everything you ever could possibly wonder about Lego Technic, and people's opinions on the matters"

[DrJB]

I too find a lot of it interesting, though some things less than others.. But OP seems to come up with question formulations that most of us never even think of! Perhaps he is doing research for a book titled "Absolutely everything you ever could possibly wonder about Lego Technic, and people's opinions on the matters"

Hahaha, that is very funny. Seriously though, my intention is not to flood the forum with useless discussions. I used to take part in a couple of other forums where there was frequent 'common/social' threads of the sort, just not too serious discussions. I'm an engineer (by day) and most of my hours are spent doing 'serious/technical' discussions. If my 'style' offends/irritates some, my apologies and I'll try very hard to 'restrain' myself.

All the Best to you and yours, over the holidays.

I don't get it?

You've obviously been giving this subject some serious thought, but you couldn't be bothered to look it up on Bricklink to verify? That would take less than 10 seconds, probably faster than actually typing the OP?

Technic _bricks_ are not often used in Technic sets as it's all about studless and have been for what +15 years? I'm quite sure you are aware of that

They are however, commonly used in many other themes like City, Creator, Chima/Ninjago, SW etc

Yes, LEGO is not just Technic. Crazy, I know

So more research, less typing my friend

Not that crazy in fact. In my 'defense' (defence), I've been placing several bricklink orders recently for specific parts, and to 'complete' my orders, I often try to get useful technic pieces (1x16). Incidentally, many of the vendors I go to, have bricks up to 1x14, but none in 1x16. It's as if there is either a high demand for them, or a short supply (or maybe both). So, while an honest mis-perception, it does not qualify to be called 'lazy'.

Also, and while those bricks are still being manufactured/available, they seem to to be less frequenct on BrickLink. This simply means that the sets they come in may not be targets for parting-out. How many on here have wanted specific parts (yellow slide from friends) and yet it is NOT available on BL. Yes, it's a recent part and SHOULD be available, but only if you buy the whole set.

My point is: The part might be available in original sets, it is not necessarily true it's available on BL. How about this for a 're-focus' of the discussion? It's not that 'crazy' after all.

Edited December 12, 2014 by DrJB

[Erik Leppen]

Incidentally, many of the vendors I go to, have bricks up to 1x14, but none in 1x16.

This is an interesting note. If I look in my "long technic bricks" box I notice most of them by far are 1x14. It seems that a few Creator cars from recent years, and the VW van, used connected 1x14 beams for the frame, rather than 1x16s. (Interestingly, the Mini 10242 uses 1x12s) Also the large City tower crane 7905 uses 1x14s everywhere. What could be a reason for that choice?

The 1x16s I have all seem to be from the studded era, sixteen yellow ones from 8421 and a few singular ones from some other Technic sets.

Edited December 12, 2014 by Erik Leppen

[DrJB]

Check this out

Thank you, very interesting tool indeed. I have been wondering/pondering what additional/statistical/factual data one can extract from such data bases. For example:

1. Parts unique to a set (type, color, or both)

2. When was a given part introduced, how long it lasted, and when was it last seen (kind of like the N-curve typically seen in patents)

3. How successful some parts are, when they replaced prior generations (e.g. the old/new spindle/hub on 8466/8070 )

4. many more.

Edited December 12, 2014 by DrJB

[5imon]

The 1x16s I have all seem to be from the studded era, sixteen yellow ones from 8421 and a few singular ones from some other Technic sets.

I wouldn't be astonished about this. Thinking back to my childhood Technic days, I remember only 1x16s. And right, according to Bricklink, the 1x14 only came in 1997. So if you wanted to build something really large in the studded era, there had to be the 1x16. Later on the building style changed, so the large Technic models used liftarms, and for smaller models from other themes, the 1x14 was long enough.

BTW, the 1x14 probably having a newer mold than the old 1x16, it might be much cheaper to produce and therefore preferred by the set designers.

[nerdsforprez]

So another way to perhaps look at things is to not consider the absolute number of 1x16 bricks, but the relative number compared to other bricks, such as the 1x14. In instances where perception is very different from factual data, relative values are often to blame. That is, it seems or appears that there are much less 1x16 bricks not because there actually are less, but because compared to other bricks, such as the 1x14, the ratio of 1x16 to 1x14 is less. Perhaps, like has been demonstrated in this post, the absolute number of 1x16's is not declining, but the relative number compared to other parts is. If this is the case, then the OP's perception is still accurate, despite absolute values remaining more or less stable.

Also, I will say this. The OP was kind of harassed for posting this question. Simply my opinion here, but I am not sure the harassment was necessary. Yes, DrB could have done more research; however, it looks like he is employed already, does research and everything during the day, is pressed for time, etc. In other words....HE IS JUST LIKE MOST OF US. In addition, for most of us... his LEGO obsession is a hobby... so short cuts have to be somewhat accepted b/c we all have a limited time that we can dedicate to our hobbies. Taking a somewhat easy way out, or simply asking people instead of spending gobs of time researching, is what a hobby is all about. It is the reason why there is a forum..... yes, I could do research if I had a question regarding third party tires for LEGO... but why when there is a forum? Why re-create the wheel?

[5imon]

Totally agree with your last paragraph, nerdsforprez. After all it's a forum and this lives from discussion. Though I haven't been on the forum for a long time, so I don't know if this is a recurring discussion here that is boring the older members.

Interesting remark with the relative numbers. When I look at the rebrickable tool (interesting, I didn't know this function before) the numbers for 1x14 and 1x16 seem quite similar over the past few years. It seems however that roughly between 2000 and 2005, the 1x14 was used much more. What the little graph doesn't show, however, is how common these sets are. If the 1x14s were in very popular sets, their absolute number might still be much higher than the 1x16.

[DrJB]

... his LEGO obsession is a hobby...

Thank you for a very eloquent post.

This thread has focused primarily on the 1x16, yet one now has a tool (per link above from D3K) to track availability/life of any given lego part.

Edited December 12, 2014 by DrJB

[Meatman]

You could always just order the 1x16 Technic Bricks from Lego. They probably have more than enough to go around.

[nerdsforprez]

Are they available on pick a brick? If not, you cannot order then. And PAB has very limited Technic- I doubt they have then... and if they do, they will be incredibly expensive. Also, the OP's post is concerning the relative or possible extinction of the 1x16 brick, which, if it ever does occur, then it definitely will not be available on PAB. Even if it it only getting more rare, then it also decreases the changes that the 1x16 is available on PAB.

[camaudio]

I came here for the Red #3

Edited December 12, 2014 by camaudio

[Richard Dower]

The Yellow 1x16 parts are very rare now and hard to find brand new. I am building Technic 8275 from brand new parts.

It was VERY hard to find new 1x16 bricks in Yellow....but managed to get 7 eventually.

I agree with the OP...these bricks are increasingly rare and becoming more expensive!

I think it's especially telling that what you think you see and what is actually true can be quite different, particularly if you are familiar only with one theme.

This one links nicely to this post: http://www.eurobrick...7

where the Technic guys may think some part or class of parts is unused, but they show up by the squillions in other themes.

Agreed....often times rare parts/colours dont show up in Technic sets but they do appear often in other lego sets.

Which is why its important to review and look over the part lists for other sets Lego release each year.

I woudlnt have discovered those new Flat Silver panels had i not looed at other non Technic sets: http://www.bricklink.com/catalogItemInv.asp?S=76021-1

I came here for the Red #3

LOL!....amazing how sought after these connectors are!....there are 8141 sets available on Ebay, they have 2 of these Red #3 + other cool parts.

[D3K]

Are they available on pick a brick? If not, you cannot order then. And PAB has very limited Technic- I doubt they have then... and if they do, they will be incredibly expensive. Also, the OP's post is concerning the relative or possible extinction of the 1x16 brick, which, if it ever does occur, then it definitely will not be available on PAB. Even if it it only getting more rare, then it also decreases the changes that the 1x16 is available on PAB.

They also have something called "Bricks & Pieces", where you can buy pretty much any part you want, as long as they have it in stock. Yellow 1x16 Technic Bricks are currently out of stock, but they have them in white, red, blue, black, LBG and DBG. Price is about 7 NOK per piece, which translates into a little less than 1 Euro and a little more than one US dollar