How does LEGO count pieces for boxes?

[jonwil]

This picture:

http://www.brickshelf.com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?i=4153759

says that the set contains 43 pieces. How does LEGO count pieces (especially figs)?

I am trying to identify all the pieces in this set so I can try and build one from my collection (with whatever colors I have parts for)

2 more pictures if it helps someone help me identify the 43 pieces in this set:

http://www.brickshelf.com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?i=4153766

http://www.brickshelf.com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?i=4153763

[Big Cam]

Hmm, I can't seem to find this set anywhere, bricklink and peeron don't think it exists.

Usually I'd suggest going to bricklink and just collecting the pieces they show ad often you can get the instructions here

In this case, no site I can think of aknowledges this set exists.

To answer your question, I'm pretty sure the torso and hands is considered one piece.

Then the hair is one piece, the head is one piece and the legs are one piece.

So the minifig in your picture with the briefcase would be 5 pieces.

[jonwil]

Its a new set that hasn't yet been released which is why none of the databases list it yet.

[Milan]

One friend of mine got the big set from Lego, but with 1 piece missing.

He asked them if he could receive that part somehow, They sent him the part in about 1 week.

In the apology note they wrote they have very strict parts number control, as they measure the weight of the individual groups of parts with hi-sensitive electronic scale...so maybe that is the way how they count sets pieces.

[Modulex Guy]

the set is a 2010 set that is not out yet, thats why it is not listed anywhere.

[Big Cam]

Its a new set that hasn't yet been released which is why none of the databases list it yet.

the set is a 2010 set that is not out yet, thats why it is not listed anywhere.

Yes, I believe this was established in a post one up from you.

As for the count question, looking at a similar small set, LEGO does count the minifig as I previously stated.

Hair = 1

Head = 1

Torso w/hands = 1

Legs = 1

Accessories are separate

For example LEGO.com says this set has 45 pieces 6239 Cannon battle

Bricklink shows 36 pieces.

The difference can be found in the figs.

Pirate consists of

Headpiece = 1

head = 1

Torso = 1

Legs = 1

Total = 4

The Imperial consists of

Headpiece = 1

Head = 1

Epaulette = 1

Torso = 1

Legs = 1

Total = 5

You'll notice that LEGO does not count the sword or gun, or map as part of the minifig since they are in fact accessories. You'll also notice that bricklink doesn't count them towrads the fig either, great news, they finally agree.

That gives us the 9 piece unnacounted for in the bricklink listing.

Therefore we have concluded that if a set shows 43 pieces like the one you are questioning, we know that 4 of those pieces are the minifig, another one piece is the briefcase since LEGO does not count accessories in the minifig total. Therefore leaving 38 pieces building the car.