Defective arch pieces in new set?

[Johnny1360]

Just obtained Creator set 31071 Drone Explorer. According to the parts list it comes with 4 white arches part number 4581717, 1x6 arch two bricks high. However under close examination two of them are different, the curved part is stepped up slightly, like 1mm. Also the flat part on top with the two studs is slightly longer and the lettering runs parallel with the length instead of the usual  perpendicular direction. Other than that they are identical in every way. 

So are these defective or just from a different/new mould? It seems strange that there would be such a difference in one set, I could see this happening from two different sets years apart. 

I find it more than just a minor annoyance, as I bought this set specifically to get these parts and it is very noticeable when they are placed next to one another. 

Anyway just wondering if anyone else has this set and also has the same issue or it's just a one off anomaly. 

[fred67]

I've had sets with different style arches - exactly what you are describing with the 1x6x1:

It doesn't seem odd, in my case, because it was during crossover times.  According to bricklink, the top version is used in sets up until 2011; the newer version started being used in 2009.  So, in my case, it made sense - it's when they were transitioning from the top (older) one to the bottom (newer) style.

Now they are perhaps transitioning the 1x6x2 in a similar fashion?

[Johnny1360]

Just seems strange there would be two different in one new set, also these are the curved top arches two bricks high, not those. I do understand there are slight changes in moulds over the years, it just doesn't make sense to put two new ones and two old ones in the same, small 109 piece set. 

[imvanya]

Here’s a photo from Bricklink which illustrates the differences between existing variants of the 1 x 6 x 2 arches:

You can check Bricklink for more info: https://www.bricklink.com/v2/catalog/catalogitem.page?P=15254#T=C

[MAB]

Presumably they just take it as the same part even though there is a change of mold. It has happened before with the arches above, also jumpers. I've had sets with the two types of jumpers in (grooved and without grooves).

[fred67]

13 hours ago, Johnny1360 said:

Just seems strange there would be two different in one new set, also these are the curved top arches two bricks high, not those. I do understand there are slight changes in moulds over the years, it just doesn't make sense to put two new ones and two old ones in the same, small 109 piece set. 

OK, I knew what you had was different, I was just showing an example. I'm just saying it happens, and that TLG will just consider it the same part.

Edited February 9, 2018 by fred67

[ShaydDeGrai]

The New Elementary did an article a few years back on the new/transitioning arch molds.  Discussion of the changes to the 1x6x2 start about the 3rd paragraph down, if anyone's interested.

As for getting a mix of old part new part in the same kit, what can I say, it happens.  For me, I experienced it most with jumper plates, probably because they're a common part, distributed in quantity within a given kit and have gone through a couple design changes over the years.  While, as a seasoned MOC designer and builder with occasional OCD tendencies, I find it a bit annoying, I have to agree with fred67 (above) that TLG likely does _not_ consider it a defect as far as their kits are concerned.

 

[Johnny1360]

Well it's not any of those pieces, I guess I am not explaining it well enough, sorry. It's more a bow arch and the difference is on the outside, making impossible to use them next to each other even though they have the same part number 4581717.

Anyway apparently this is totally acceptable and should even be expected occasionally. Makes me rethink quality claims of Lego parts. 

Really need to learn how to post pictures and thanks everyone for setting me straight on this. I am going to go build something now. 

Edit

To add further insult to injury, two of them line up perfect with the curved hinge panels from set 31066 Space Shuttle Explorer and two do not. 

Edited February 9, 2018 by Johnny1360
Added some stuff

[Tron Of Black]

Do you mean this piece here? https://www.bricklink.com/v2/catalog/catalogitem.page?id=1474&idColor=1#T=S&C=1&O={"color":1,"iconly":0}

I haven’t heard of any part variations for this piece, but of course it’s possible that TLG has updated the molds recently.

[Johnny1360]

Yes that is the piece. I really would like to hear from other people, who have bought set 31071, if they have noticed the same difference,  or did I just get lucky and get a one off set. 

The thing that strikes me really strange about it, is how the word Lego on the studs are oriented parallel to the length axis of the oddball pieces. Where as on the proper ones they are oriented perpendicular to the length axis, as with most every other Lego piece I've seen.

Thanks for that link @Tron Of Black

Edited February 10, 2018 by Johnny1360
Spelling

[Johnny1360]

Okay did some further research, not that anyone really cares, I think this is a case of a new mould for this piece. I managed to find one of these in my part collection, the Lego logo is parallel to the length and it does not match up to the curved plate with hinge. Making this apparently older version undesirable to me. The other version has the perpendicular logo and does match up with the curved panel on the space shuttle. I stated just the opposite in my previous post, sorry for creating confusion over this. 

So I think the second one is a new mould and I'm glad they changed it, so it matches other parts. 

[FunWithBricks]

4 hours ago, Johnny1360 said:

Okay did some further research, not that anyone really cares, 

I care. I read this thread with interest. Thank you for raising the issue. And to fred67, imvanya, MAB, ShaydDeGrai and Tron Of Black for pointing out how similar changes in bricks have been phased out in sets before. Good stuff.

I haven't purchased that particular set, so I'm sorry not to have any further insight into the matter.