40178 VIP Set - Discolouration of parts

eMJeeNL

I received my copy of the #40178 VIP Set yesterday, and set about putting it together yesterday evening.

During the build I noticed basically all of the 1x1 white tiles and most of the 4x2 white tiles are very yellowed, and after finishing I took a second look at the entire model and came to the conclusion almost all the white pieces are yellowed, except for the 4x1 bricks and maybe the 2x1 tiles:



Is there anyone else experiencing the same; and would it be worth contacting Lego CS for?

I know its quite hard for Lego to get all the pieces the same colour as they stem from different factories/machines/etc, but I've never experienced this so clearly. It's almost like the set was put together out of used bricks.

sid3windr

Wow. Sounds/looks like something I'd definitely send a message to CS for.

omnium

I find most white bricks are coloured strangely, yellow being the most common tint. But I have a load that are quite pink, for example.

Cyberdragon

This looks like what happens when white plastic sits out in the sun too long (UV damage). There is something called RetroBrite that can restore white plastic (#savethelego).

sid3windr

^ Sure, but this is a brand new set of a few days old...

Cyberdragon

Not saying UV damage was the cause, but given the similar look, maybe it could be fixed the same way?

eMJeeNL

Exactly. Also, look at a pic of a copy of the set from a friend of mine (not as clear as my pic's due to the lighting-conditions):


Compare the tiles on the top of the wall on the right with the bricks underneath, for example.
Again, a just-opened set a few days old.

MattPetersen

Ugh, I'll have to open mine and check it out tonight. 
I didn't notice off white colors but I really didn't pay attention when I took it out of the shopping bag. 

Renny

I would contact Lego. Those bricks are far from white. 

eMJeeNL

Just did so. Let's see what comes from it - will keep you all posted.

snowhitie

^ I've found the same thing. Big difference in the tiles. And some really look 'yellowed'. 2
Iwas wondering to contact them as well but then seeing as it's a 'freebie' anyway I've not done so. I've had it with light blues and browns as well in one set but this was quite startling.

DB361

Don't know if it would have any affect but I wonder if the fact that it comes in a big yellow polybag rather than an opaque cardboard box is causing some of it? Can't say I've ever noticed it with a polybag but just a thought?

MAGNINOMINISUMBRA

Imagine if you'd just dropped hundreds on a great big white set with this kind of colour variation.  Yes UCS Imperial Shuttle, I'm looking at you!
Fighting the urge to post a "post 2006 White LEGO - NOW WITH EXTRA CREAM" meme...

Paperballpark

Pretty standard for sets with a lot of white these days tbh.

Kerre

^Indeed. I thought it was common knowledge by now noticeable variations in colour for white bricks are to be expected? My #21309 Saturn V,  #75094 Shuttle Tydirium and the white sections of #70620 Ninjago City suffered from the same issue. I'm definitely not the only one.

My guess is it has something to do with a changed chemical composition of white LEGO bricks. Or global warming, dunno.

catwrangler

@DB361 I don't think it's the bag - I had this happen with a boxed set from last year, and it seems to be pretty common in sets with a lot of white bricks. 

Cyberdragon

If it's some form of bromine problem (not sure why LEGO would have bromine though, it's a fire-retardant) then retrobrite (or similar) will work. Is there any info on whether LEGO has become heat-resistant or something?