Opinions on Chrome on a MOC

[Oran]

I was wanting to get opinions about chrome parts on MOCs in general and maybe even specific. I am sure there will be some extreme types like me that think "bling" on a vehicle is wonderful. I may be an exception. Lego has made some chrome parts in the past and some are still available on places like BrickLink. There are stores that sell chrome parts that Lego did not chrome. Then of course if you want to spend the big bucks you can have any Lego part "painted" with a chrome, gold or even copper finish at a place that does that type of thing. Lego made a set 3442 LEGOLAND California Truck which had some nice chrome parts on it. Lego made the tanker part of the Jack Stone series set with chrome sides. I guess one of the parts on both these that I would have chrome would have been the wheels. Chrome wheels on long haul American trucks I know is very popular and even massive chrome front bumpers and fuel tanks. There is the Lego part: 71137b - Vehicle, Exhaust Pipe with Technic Pin and part: 2412b - Tile, Modified 1 x 2 Grille with Bottom Groove/Lip available in chrome that Lego has made. I am not sure if they still make without doing some research. There are the of course the chrome stuff related to Star Wars like the light sabre and I have seen a chrome gold C3P0. There are the swords, shields, etc., in other sets. I actually did a picture comparison on a truck I made:

Ok, some of the opinions I am wondering about.

Should Lego make more chrome parts available?

What about chrome decals?

What about chrome sticky paper?

Other opinions?

Edited February 24, 2012 by Oran

[davee123]

Should Lego make more chrome parts available?

Basically, LEGO has said that the chroming process is expensive for them. So, a set designer is allowed to include a chrome element in his set (say), but if he does, then that's fewer OTHER pieces that he can include in the set (since the set has to meet a particular price point).

That's why we've been seeing various attempts at other chrome/metallic pieces over the last few years. LEGO's been experimenting with cheaper methods of making "metal" looking parts without the expense of full-on chroming. Doesn't mean they're DONE with chrome by any means, but that there's less of it going around these days than there was.

DaveE

[Lyichir]

I was wanting to get opinions about chrome parts on MOCs in general and maybe even specific. I am sure there will be some extreme types like me that think "bling" on a vehicle is wonderful. I may be an exception. Lego has made some chrome parts in the past and some are still available on places like BrickLink. There are stores that sell chrome parts that Lego did not chrome. Then of course if you want to spend the big bucks you can have any Lego part "painted" with a chrome, gold or even copper finish at a place that does that type of thing. Lego made a set 3442 LEGOLAND California Truck which had some nice chrome parts on it. Lego made the tanker part of the Jack Stone series set with chrome sides. I guess one of the parts on both these that I would have chrome would have been the wheels. Chrome wheels on long haul American trucks I know is very popular and even massive chrome front bumpers and fuel tanks. There is the Lego part: 71137b - Vehicle, Exhaust Pipe with Technic Pin and part: 2412b - Tile, Modified 1 x 2 Grille with Bottom Groove/Lip available in chrome that Lego has made. I am not sure if they still make without doing some research. There are the of course the chrome stuff related to Star Wars like the light sabre and I have seen a chrome gold C3P0. There are the swords, shields, etc., in other sets. I actually did a picture comparison on a truck I made:

<snip>

Ok, some of the opinions I am wondering about.

Should Lego make more chrome parts available?

What about chrome decals?

What about chrome sticky paper?

Other opinions?

I'm not actually the hugest fan of chrome parts. Unlike other surface finishes LEGO currently uses (like the lacquered silver used in such themes as Agents), chrome chips somewhat easily and shows scratches. I do appreciate chrome decals used for mirrored surfaces, but only because there is really no better way to replicate a mirror in LEGO. Additionally, I suspect the chroming process makes chrome parts cost a good deal more, which would bump up the price of sets that use it. With these considerations plus the fact that LEGO's non-chrome silver colors continue to get better and better, I have no desire for more chrome parts in sets.

[Brickdoctor]

I usually build from something with source material, so if the 'real' thing uses chrome, I like to use chrome if possible. That being said, I've only encountered one model so far that needed it from Star Wars (the T-16 Skyhopper), so it's not that big a deal if I can't use chrome. The only other major use for it for me is chrome lightsabers (never could get used to the pearl silver ones) or gold chrome elements like coins and crowns. If TLG can give me more of other useful parts, then I'd rather they leave the chrome out, however, in my opinion, none of the metallic plastic colors are or ever will be even close to a replacement for chrome where aesthetics are concerned. I hate stickers, so I wouldn't really want chrome stickers/decals, either.

[Bricktrain]

I am a fan of trucks that are bright and shiny as anyone who has seen my 8285 collection will know, and the reaction of most people who see these actual models is firstly "is that really lego", of course I have to tell them most of the chrome is aftermarket just like on real trucks, but all the parts were original Lego pieces. It is a shame that Lego cant do more but if it is at the expense of developing the many new parts we have seen lately then it is best left for the other parties. There will always be the problem of distinguishing the Lego chrome parts for collectors of only genuine ones but unfortunately that is something that happens in most things not just Lego, and especially on BL that is policy that non genuine parts can not be listed if genuine chrome are made.

Nice trucks Oran, I might have to build some for my train layout/town.

[MetroiD]

It is a shame that Lego cant do more but if it is at the expense of developing the many new parts we have seen lately then it is best left for the other parties.

I totally agree. And that's not just because you've got an awesome St. Bernard , although he (she?) probably has some part to play as well.

I'm not too big on chrome elements either, but when I do end up needing those for MOCs, I'd have no problem ordering the stuff I need off Bricklink or some other LEGO-chroming-place, if I really do need the chrome look that much. That said, you said it best, Oran - big trucks just ain't the same without that bit of bling... to warns oncoming traffic that a wall is moving in the opposite direction from miles away

[Hrw-Amen]

I can't say I am a huge fan of too much chrome. When I was younger with long hair and a big moustache (No longer fortunately!)I had a custome low rider that was nearly all chrome apart from the tank and seat, it was a nightmare to keep the thing clean!!

As for LEGO I don't mind a little bit if it is in an appropriate place on a model that it would be expected to be on, like the wheels of a truck or the grill and so on, but I would try and limit it to maybe just the grill or just the bumper or something otherwise it can look overpowering. I would prefer to have proper genuine LEGO bits rather than ones chromed later, but that is down to my preference. I know that there are not that many bits made by LEGO and as said i suspect it is down to cost. Maybe they will find a better way of doing it in the future?

So to sum up, it is OK in its place, but little highlights are definately better than a huge amount.

[Lyichir]

I usually build from something with source material, so if the 'real' thing uses chrome, I like to use chrome if possible. That being said, I've only encountered one model so far that needed it from Star Wars (the T-16 Skyhopper), so it's not that big a deal if I can't use chrome. The only other major use for it for me is chrome lightsabers (never could get used to the pearl silver ones) or gold chrome elements like coins and crowns. If TLG can give me more of other useful parts, then I'd rather they leave the chrome out, however, in my opinion, none of the metallic plastic colors are or ever will be even close to a replacement for chrome where aesthetics are concerned. I hate stickers, so I wouldn't really want chrome stickers/decals, either.

I just want to point out that the only pearl-silver lightsabers ever released were the built-in "light-up" lightsabers. The non-chrome color used for lightsabers was a lacquered silver color that I believe matched those in the movies far better than the chrome ones (I don't ever remember any lightsabers reflecting light like a mirror). I dislike the term "pearl-silver" anyway, since it's used to refer to at least three colors. The newest of these is, in my opinion, one of LEGO's best silver colors yet, as it effectively looks like burnished steel and as such is great for metallic details. Contrast that with its predecessor, which had inconsistent coloration and in most cases failed to look at all metallic.

[brickmack]

Personally I think the chrome parts are good in MOCs (but only in small amounts). They look nice, and add realistic details to MOCs based on actual source material. Unfortunately the chrome parts cost a lot for TLG to make so they aren't in many sets and not many part types, and custom-made chrome parts are often even more expensive. Also, the chrome does tend to chip away kinda easily (Related question: what color are chrome parts underneath? I have some but I don't want to remove it since I don't have many). I would like to see more chrome parts from TLG, but only if they could do it in a way that doesn't mean reducing other parts from the set (maybe a pack of just chrome parts? It would probably be rather expensive, but kinda cool...) and also reduce the chipping.

[Oran]

A little addition of some examples for consideration as to some of the comments of a little bit of chrome:

A little chrome -

A little more chrome -

No chrome at all -

I would like to get more of the tanker parts that I was able to get to make this:

Anyone ever check out chromebricks.com a store on BrickLink?

Edited February 25, 2012 by Oran

[jonwil]

Anyone got information on all these different metallic treatments?

I know of Chrome (which is the shiny stuff seen on gold coins etc), Perl (which is where stuff is mixed in with the plastic to make it look metallic or whatever and is seen on e.g. some castle weapons) and Lacquered (which is what is used for things like the silver wheels on any number of Technic cars or the 1 x 2 tile gold bars from any of the various City sets) but is it that simple or are there more varieties out there?

Are there actually more than 3 types of metallic part out there or are there only the 3 above with each of them being improved and replaced with a newer version of the same thing?

[Flipz]

I personally think that true chrome is cool in limited amounts--it makes the piece itself that much more special and unique. I have a single TLG-original chrome version of this piece, and it is the most epic thing ever (IMO). If there were tons of chrome minifig accessories and the like, it wouldn't be as special.

That being said, if TLG were to decide to choose a bunch of parts to release in chrome, I'd prefer them to be some sort of minifig accessory--I wouldn't be able to bring myself to actually build with chrome regular bricks, I'd be too scared of scrtching them or otherwise runing them.

[Hrw-Amen]

Is there any way as an alternative to chroming plastic bricks they could make actual bricks but out of some sort of steel or other metal that would shine up? Would they be too heavy or lack clutch power, get finger-printy more than the platic ones or simply be too expensive?

[L@go]

I agree with the others who have said that it can look good if there's not too much of it - a couple of chromed bricks can make a creation stand out. I've built a few minifig-sized hot rods lately, and some hot rods really need a bit of chrome to look good :) I've also bought a few chrome silver sticker sheets that I'm planning on cutting up and using when I need a little chrome touch here and there - it works quite well.

I've got my chrome parts from BL stores ChromeBricks and Chrome Block City. ChromeBricks might just be a tiny bit better on quality, but Chrome Block City has a much bigger assortment of bricks and offers super quick shipping and very good service. I'd recommend them both without hesitation.

[Oran]

I agree with the others who have said that it can look good if there's not too much of it - a couple of chromed bricks can make a creation stand out. I've built a few minifig-sized hot rods lately, and some hot rods really need a bit of chrome to look good :) I've also bought a few chrome silver sticker sheets that I'm planning on cutting up and using when I need a little chrome touch here and there - it works quite well.

I've got my chrome parts from BL stores ChromeBricks and Chrome Block City. ChromeBricks might just be a tiny bit better on quality, but Chrome Block City has a much bigger assortment of bricks and offers super quick shipping and very good service. I'd recommend them both without hesitation.

Believe it or not but you just made my day! I have been buying from ChromeBricks for a while and I never came accross the Chrome Block City! Duh! They have the parts I have been looking for and even have a statement about making a request of a part. I really want to get some more of those tanker parts.

Anyone got information on all these different metallic treatments?

I know of Chrome (which is the shiny stuff seen on gold coins etc), Perl (which is where stuff is mixed in with the plastic to make it look metallic or whatever and is seen on e.g. some castle weapons) and Lacquered (which is what is used for things like the silver wheels on any number of Technic cars or the 1 x 2 tile gold bars from any of the various City sets) but is it that simple or are there more varieties out there?

Are there actually more than 3 types of metallic part out there or are there only the 3 above with each of them being improved and replaced with a newer version of the same thing?

I hope this is the right answer for you - I have seen the terms chrome silver, chrome black, chrome pink, and more on BrickLink when you go to an advanced search and look at the color selections. And after some research because I have been wanting the tanker parts in chrome silver I found this one place that calls their way of doing it "Using a three stage vacuum metallizing plating process". Link: Their site.

Edited February 25, 2012 by Oran

[Oran]

Another opinion I think I will add for discussion is if Lego gets a part "chromed" or has a sticker made from where ever they get their parts, and you as an individual goes to maybe even the same company to get your Lego parts chromed, or get stickers made, what is really the big difference? And back to my problem with wanting to get more of the Jack Stone chrome tanker parts, which are really hard to find new or used, if I could have the opportunity to say "rare". If Lego, because of the cost, which I saw someone here mention, does not do it, and you as an individual goes somewhere to get it done so you can have a chrome tanker, is that really a big deal? Please do not get angry or upset or anything like that with your comments.

Edited February 25, 2012 by Oran

[brickmack]

Is there any way as an alternative to chroming plastic bricks they could make actual bricks but out of some sort of steel or other metal that would shine up? Would they be too heavy or lack clutch power, get finger-printy more than the platic ones or simply be too expensive?

They probably couldn't do it for various reasons. Metal is more expensive than plastic, and more difficult to mould (Which they would need special machines for that cost a lot of money as well). They would probably lack clutch power because they can't bend as easily as plastic parts. Also there might be a safety concern, the metal parts might be easier for kids to hurt themselves with. Also I doubt they would be very popular, at least I know I don't like the idea of mixing plastic and metal parts.