Cutting LEGO Pieces - Still "Pure"

[Paul B Technic]

Today while I was doing a mod to an official LEGO set (Adding PF drive and steering to 8110) I needed a 4.5L axle, now I don't have any of these and I don't even know if they exist so I got a 5L axle and cut it to the right length. Is using modified pieces still considered "pure" LEGO or is that heading in the direction of custom pieces?

Paul

[1974]

It's a broken defect piece. Some call that custom

The only piece I've cut so far is the tubing in a MSIB 8680

[Luke_likes_Lego]

Hi Paul B,

I tend to defer to car collection as an analogy.

If you take an original Ford Fairlane XP-blah and add a Ford built super charger....I guess it's now a custom Ford, but it's no longer a Fairlane XP-blah

Analogy = adding PF to 8110 means it's not 8110 anymore but it's still a 100% genuine LEGO modified 8110

Now, to your question...

If you now take a Ford wheel flare, and modify it - 'cause you had it handy at the time and didn't want to source the exact one - then attach it to your custom Ford from above:

- I don't think anyone would argue it's no longer a Ford

- most would say it's a 'custom' Fairlane XP-blah

- you wouldn't be able to sell it as pure Ford, or pure Fairlane XP-blah.....but you could go close

Is it pure? No

Is it LEGO? Sorta'

Is it customised LEGO? Yep

Does it matter that much if you're happy, having fun and the mod'ed piece isn't particularly rare? No way!

Cheers,

LLL

[Paul B Technic]

Thanks for the replies, much along the same lines as what I was thinking.

[Junpei]

I cut a CV joint to get a 45 degree turning radius, and I have no regrets, even though they're pretty expensive. I say if you need it and you're ok with it, it's ok cut parts, e.g. a 4-stud diff to get a 24t clutch or cutting a 4l bar to get two 2l bars.