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List of valuable Lego pieces and parts.

Pitfall69Pitfall69 0 miles to Legoboy's houseMember Posts: 11,223
in Buying & Selling Topics
I have several large tubes full of Lego pieces that I am thinking of getting rid of to clear some space. I realize there are rare and expensive parts, but are there common parts through the years I should look out for that are harder to come by and are sought after by MOCers and the like?

Thank You
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Comments

  • Pitfall69Pitfall69 0 miles to Legoboy's houseMember Posts: 11,223
    *tubs
  • luckyrussluckyruss UKMember Posts: 870
    I've found the 1x4 hinge plates (1x2 - 1x2) are useful but sometimes hard to get hold of in colours like white, tan, etc but they are not particularly rare.

    otherwise by colour things like dark blue, dark green are not necessarily "rare" but sometimes harder to get hold of in quantity.  Sand green, sand red, etc obviously are rarer but useful.

    I never seem to have enough 1x1 Bricks with studs on two sides / four sides (other than black), and there are a few particular slopes or bows that are not rare but just harder to find than you think they should be when I've needed them in the past (or even noting how quick they sell if I have one or two spare) - although I can't remember the specific parts which isn't that helpful (white and tan again come to mind)
  • rancorbaitrancorbait Manitoba CanadaMember Posts: 1,850
    Pics?
  • Pitfall69Pitfall69 0 miles to Legoboy's houseMember Posts: 11,223
    ^Pics of the parts he was mentioning or the tubs full of Lego ;)
  • oldtodd33oldtodd33 Denver 4800 miles to BillundMember Posts: 2,356
    Both.
  • Pitfall69Pitfall69 0 miles to Legoboy's houseMember Posts: 11,223
    Hahahahaha. The reason why I am asking because recently I was trying to build a B-Unit for my Santa Fe Super Chief and the light gray curved roof pieces can get expensive. $1.50 used to $3.00 new and you need 28 of them. You are already in $45-60 for just part of the roof.
  • Pitfall69Pitfall69 0 miles to Legoboy's houseMember Posts: 11,223
  • CCCCCC UKMember Posts: 17,199
    Now the whole lot spread over your floor
    BumblepantsGothamConstructionCocatwranglerbobabricksMorkManSumoLegoChrisbstm
  • BrickarmorBrickarmor USAMember Posts: 1,257
    I could be wrong, but I think older specialty parts are dearer to folks trying to complete vintage sets than they are to MOCers. I myself don't list many used parts on BL, but from what I'm told some Classic Space elements are highly sought after. Figuring out which ones is the tough part. 
  • Pitfall69Pitfall69 0 miles to Legoboy's houseMember Posts: 11,223
    CCC said:
    Now the whole lot spread over your floor
    That's not too far off. I will post a pic of that if/when that happens. 
    Sethro3
  • KiwiLegoMeisterKiwiLegoMeister New ZealandMember Posts: 212
    Wouldn't mind getting a shite-load of the old green granule trees and bushes. They always looked far more realistic that the soft green moulded trees. Still got two granule bushes unbroken, but all others have departed to Lego heaven.
    bobabricks
  • KiwiLegoMeisterKiwiLegoMeister New ZealandMember Posts: 212
    Other very rare (unbroken) rare pieces include the turning arms and baseplates for trucks such as #332 and #333.  Also vintage hinges (unbroken) esp the 2 x 8 ones; and even the old 10 x 20 x 1 grey bases (before they had a line of hollow studs along the perimeter). (the ones that came with sets through out the '60s; we had so many (well, maybe 10 or so between 4 boys) but none survived unbroken.
  • IstokgIstokg MichiganMember Posts: 2,082
    edited March 2015
    Thanks a lot @Pitfall69 .... I could spend hours on this discussion... but I'll start out in the 1980s.... there were a lot of LEGO train sets that produced very rare and valuable parts, some only found in 1 train set...

    The one that comes most to mind was the 7740 Intercity Train of 1980.....



    This was the only known source of the 1x2x2 classic windows in gray (10 of them in the engine), and also the only known source of the 3x3 double convex low slopes in yellow (4 on the roof of the engine).

    The yellow 3x3 double convex slopes are not quite that rare, because model shop excess inventory gets into Bricklink from time to time....
    http://www.bricklink.com/catalogPG.asp?P=3675&colorID=3

    But those light gray 1x2x2 windows have all been discontinued since 2003, so no model shop inventory for gray ones to refill Bricklink...
    http://www.bricklink.com/catalogPG.asp?P=7026&colorID=9

    And even rarer are the black 1x2x2 windows... as well as black 1x1x2 and blue 1x3x2 (only found in the 7760 Diesel Shunter Locomotive)....
    http://www.bricklink.com/catalogPG.asp?P=7026&colorID=11
    http://www.bricklink.com/catalogPG.asp?P=29&colorID=11
    http://www.bricklink.com/catalogPG.asp?P=31&colorID=7

    I could go on and on in train parts alone.... :|
    KiwiLegoMeisterChrisbstm
  • Pitfall69Pitfall69 0 miles to Legoboy's houseMember Posts: 11,223
    edited March 2015
    See, this is the type of info I need. I happen to have a couple of those light gray windows somewhere.

    I will add my own entry:

    http://www.bricklink.com/catalogItemIn.asp?P=30562&colorID=11&in=A

    Only available in 2 sets. 4 in the Darth Maul Sculpture and only 1 in Ogel's Control Center.
    Chrisbstm
  • LostInTranslationLostInTranslation UKMember Posts: 5,490
    A couple of fellow Brickish members were talking about this part today at our AGM:

    http://www.bricklink.com/catalogPG.asp?P=3063&colorID=48
  • binaryeyebinaryeye USMember Posts: 1,733
    So is the discussion here about rare parts or more common parts that are worth more than parts with similar availability? Because a lot of the stuff being mentioned is simply rare, thus accordingly expensive.

    The bright green Exo-Force hair was in several Exo-Force sets but runs about USD $4.50. I'm sure this is mostly because it's in Market Street, but it's also in demand for use as trees in microscale MOCs.
  • IstokgIstokg MichiganMember Posts: 2,082
    I've been wondering about the 1x4x5 half arches.... there are now 2 versions... the older one called "continuous bow" (introduced in 1986), and a newer version called "irregular bow" (introduced in 2008).

    Because the continuous bow was found in the 10189 Taj Mahal Set (8 of them), and because the newer "irregular bow" version appeared to be replacing it... the older version jumped up in price to several dollars per 1/2 arch piece.

    But suddenly in 2014 the continuous bow half arch in white made a re-appearance in 2 sets, the quantity available jumped quite a bit, and the value dropped.  This may have been due to the quantity still in inventory... but with TLG one never knows.

    So as of right now... TLG has 2 almost identical pieces in sets...
    http://www.bricklink.com/catalogItem.asp?P=2339
    http://www.bricklink.com/catalogItem.asp?P=76768

    If the older continuous bow version does disappear from sets in the future, then we'll know that they did retire that mold, and the fact that 8 of these are found in the Taj Mahal... that will increase their value, like they did about 8 months ago when they were going for $2.50+ each.

    This is one I'm keeping an eye out on... since I have about 100 of the mint white continuous bow arches.

    Also, another item I am watching are the Maersk blue parts.  With Medium Azure replacing Maersk blue on all future Maersk ships and other product... it seems likely that the Maersk blue LEGO parts supply will eventually dry up, or become quite pricey.


  • Pitfall69Pitfall69 0 miles to Legoboy's houseMember Posts: 11,223
    I wanted my discussion to be more about parts that are more "valuable" and/or more sought after than other parts. I realize that rare doesn't necessarily mean expensive and I know certain colors are more sought after. That's why I gave an example of the roof slopes for the Santa Fe Super Chief. I had no idea these parts were worth dollars and nor cents :)
  • bobabricksbobabricks Vancouver, BC, CanadaMember Posts: 1,836
    The only price guide info for this piece was my purchase. ;)
    http://www.bricklink.com/catalogPG.asp?P=57099&colorID=1

    By the way if anybody has the gold soccer ball or the sticker sheet for this set I've been searching for quite a while. XD
  • GallardoLUGallardoLU USAMember Posts: 644
    edited March 2015
    next consider one off printed parts, for example: http://www.bricklink.com/catalogItem.asp?P=48933pb01 appears in only 1 set, a Kabaya mini Slave I. the set its self runs around 15-45 bucks but that 1 piece accounts for 90% of that cost at 11 to 13 USD.

    and then there is the widely known radar dish for the UCS MF which goes into the hundreds on its own!

    EDIT: and I just saw the line about "for MOCs" oh well leaving it here, as there may be printed parts mocers love to have (none come to my mind at the moment though)
  • Pitfall69Pitfall69 0 miles to Legoboy's houseMember Posts: 11,223
    We might have to start another thread "Rare and Valuable Lego Pieces and Their Secondary Market Value." ;) Yeah, I was mostly looking for input on what pieces people find valuable for MOC's and maybe parts that have significantly more value than others. The UCS MF Radar Dish is very expensive.
  • TheLoneTensorTheLoneTensor MericaMember Posts: 3,950
    Regarding the MF dish, technically I suppose it is, but I don't know if I'd call a little over $100 to be "into the hundreds," but maybe that's just me.
  • bobabricksbobabricks Vancouver, BC, CanadaMember Posts: 1,836
    I saw a MOC that used 10 of those dishes, my jaw dropped. ;)
  • IstokgIstokg MichiganMember Posts: 2,082
    edited March 2015
    Like trees?    :)


    juggles7Chrisbstm
  • IstokgIstokg MichiganMember Posts: 2,082
    edited March 2015
    Sometimes there is a big difference between USED and NEW parts of the same type.  So if you're talking about building MOCs... that difference is important... price wise...

    For example...

    http://www.bricklink.com/catalogPG.asp?P=2339&colorID=3
    http://www.bricklink.com/catalogPG.asp?P=3853&colorID=3


  • timinchicagotiminchicago USAMember Posts: 239
    I know that many people use this part in Trans-Medium Blue for water/ice.  Availability has dried up quite a bit recently leading to very high prices.

    http://www.bricklink.com/catalogItem.asp?P=41539 
  • BrickDancerBrickDancer Dunes of TatooineMember Posts: 3,639
    ^I saw that one ahead of time and stocked up 1.5 years ago when they were still current.
  • timinchicagotiminchicago USAMember Posts: 239
    BrickDancer said:
    ^I saw that one ahead of time and stocked up 1.5 years ago when they were still current.
    Thankfully I did too, whew!
  • IstokgIstokg MichiganMember Posts: 2,082
    If I had to pick 1 LEGO item (not made of precious metals or rare 1:87 HO vehicles) that I wish I had... I think that it would be one (or better yet a pair)... of the these 822 type LEGO garage doors in gray.....
    http://www.bricklink.com/catalogList.asp?pg=1&catString=79&catType=P&v=1

    They were produced as prototypes, and used in this 1955 image in the yard behind Ole Kirk Christiansen's house in Billund, with 3 of his grandchildren (LEGO owner Kjeld on the left) posing with the Billund traffic policeman.   The Town Plan scene shown here was used for 3 years (1955-58) on LEGO spare parts pack boxes.

    Those 2 gray garage doors on that very early design Esso Service Garage were never seen again, none are known in private hands, and none have ever been found in the Billund Archives/Collection in any color except red white, yellow or clear....

    For my Danish LEGO friends.... perhaps they're hiding in an attic near you!! :)



    All my collector friends would be green with envy.... and probably offer well over $1000 for one! :smiley: 

    From my LEGO collectors guide chapter on LEGO specialty parts.
  • madforLEGOmadforLEGO Chicagoland USMember Posts: 9,172
    edited April 2015
    If I could one, or rather a few, of a rare part it would likely be the white pigtails minifig hairpiece
    http://www.bricklink.com/catalogItem.asp?P=x103


  • prevereprevere North of Bellville, East of Heartlake, South of Bricksburg, West of Ninjago City Member Posts: 2,874
    edited April 2015
    I was bummed when a rare trans-black hinge (for the UCS Snowspeeder) popped up on BL a few days ago for $25. It was el-gonna instantly. Been trying to finish one.
  • BrickDancerBrickDancer Dunes of TatooineMember Posts: 3,639
    About a week or two ago, got a BL want item notice and instantly leaped at a #10019 sticker sheet for $80. On paper, that's *ouch* for a small sheet of stickers. But if you were to see how bad it was looking on ship with half of them starting to curl up and a couple actually crumbling to dust, then you'd understand why it was necessary to obtain. This was the cheapest I've seen in a long while, most are around $120-$140.
  • 77ncaachamps77ncaachamps Aspiring Time Traveler Stuck in the West (US)Member Posts: 2,423
    I wonder how much luck people have had searching for a rare part in a brick pile (at a flea market, etc.) or in a purchased bulk lot.
  • madforLEGOmadforLEGO Chicagoland USMember Posts: 9,172
    77ncaachamps said:
    I wonder how much luck people have had searching for a rare part in a brick pile (at a flea market, etc.) or in a purchased bulk lot.
    Found a black sword from the #6041 armor shop Castle set in a parts lot, though to be fair I saw it in the picture of the lot before buying the lot.
    Pitfall69
  • Pitfall69Pitfall69 0 miles to Legoboy's houseMember Posts: 11,223
    @BrickDancer , what I would do is make a high quality scan of the sticker sheet once you obtain it and put it in a protective sleeve. Then I would print out the sheet and make your own stickers then apply them to your model.
    Sethro3dougts
  • Pitfall69Pitfall69 0 miles to Legoboy's houseMember Posts: 11,223
    I guess I would consider sticker sheets to be a "part" of a Lego model and I know some sticker sheets can be quite expensive. I would still like to see sticker sheets in their own category though.
  • legogallegogal USMember Posts: 755
    Our SW Watto arrived handless, and a long dream has been to find the original med blue hands. (Unfortunately they go for over 25US per hand on BL. ) While they are not as rare as the garage doors above, they are moving up the rare list. It would be great if they would produce lots of figs with med blue hands so we could use newer ones to bring our Ol' Watto back to life. It warms my heart to see exorbitantly high prices of rare parts collapse when LEGO decides to reintroduce the part in a large volume. 
    Eric
  • IstokgIstokg MichiganMember Posts: 2,082
    legogal said:
    It warms my heart to see exorbitantly high prices of rare parts collapse when LEGO decides to reintroduce the part in a large volume. 

    Hehehe I agree @legogal ...... I remember when the Maersk Train came out and those Maersk blue helmets took a giant nosedive from hundreds of dollars downwards!  Although you can tell which is the old versus the new....
    http://www.bricklink.com/catalogPG.asp?P=3833&colorID=72
    prevere
  • Gavin83Gavin83 Member Posts: 251
    The 5x5 yellow technic brick is starting to become quite hard to find and therefore expensive. Doesn't help that the UCS Falcon uses 16 of them.
  • CCCCCC UKMember Posts: 17,199
    Istokg said:
    Sometimes there is a big difference between USED and NEW parts of the same type.  So if you're talking about building MOCs... that difference is important... price wise...

    For example...

    http://www.bricklink.com/catalogPG.asp?P=2339&colorID=3
    http://www.bricklink.com/catalogPG.asp?P=3853&colorID=3



    The good old yellow legs follow a similar pattern. New is 10x the cost of used.

    http://www.bricklink.com/catalogPG.asp?P=970c00&colorID=3

  • Pitfall69Pitfall69 0 miles to Legoboy's houseMember Posts: 11,223
    See, I had no idea. That is why I started the thread. I have several of these and did not think anything about it :)
  • CCCCCC UKMember Posts: 17,199
    They are handy for sauna scenes ...



    And also hoarded by perverts for other nude scenes. :-)
  • prevereprevere North of Bellville, East of Heartlake, South of Bricksburg, West of Ninjago City Member Posts: 2,874
    ^That includes LEGO itself for taking us down the minifigure reality show path.


  • dragon114dragon114 United StatesMember Posts: 624
    I have raised baseplate worth $40
  • bobabricksbobabricks Vancouver, BC, CanadaMember Posts: 1,836
    I have a sealed space set and I looked up the part out worth just out of curiosity and to my surprise the part out is more than the set in the box!

    http://www.bricklink.com/catalogItemInv.asp?S=6930-1
  • VorpalRyuVorpalRyu AustraliaMember Posts: 2,151
    ^ Seriously? Hmmm, I wonder which other space sets I have that is true of...
    xiahna
  • Sethro3Sethro3 United StatesMember Posts: 819
    It seems most sets part out at higher prices than buying new. Or at least the ones I've looked up. You can buy a brand new set at MSRP and part it out and it will go for much more than MSRP is (if you actually are able to sell all of the pieces). Very interesting the aftermarket is.
  • prevereprevere North of Bellville, East of Heartlake, South of Bricksburg, West of Ninjago City Member Posts: 2,874
    bobabricks said:
    I have a sealed space set and I looked up the part out worth just out of curiosity and to my surprise the part out is more than the set in the box!

    http://www.bricklink.com/catalogItemInv.asp?S=6930-1
    Maybe. Selling new condition "old" parts at high values probably takes years.

    bobabricks
  • VorpalRyuVorpalRyu AustraliaMember Posts: 2,151
    ^ Just found that interesting as I have that set, hopefully complete. I really do need to get on with cleaning all my old Lego pieces & re-assembling all the sets to check for completion... I already know that some of the sets, particularly the Futuron & Blacktron I stuff is missing bits, suspicions a family member may have sold off bits their collector friends were after.
    xiahna
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