Variations of Grey in the 10188 Death Star?

JBricks27 · July 2012

While building my 10188 death star, I've been noticing that the light grey bricks vary in shade. I've seen atleast 4 variations of the shade of light grey and it really sticks out like a sore thumb, especially in the taller "walls" that are built from bricks of this color. Has anyone else noticed this in their death star or other set with light grey bricks?

drdavewatford · July 2012

I can't say I've noticed, to be honest... I've seen substantial colour variation with certain colours, not least yellow and dark red, but light bluish grey seems to be relatively consistent, at least in my experience.

JBricks27 · July 2012

I'm just not sure if I should accept it as normal or contact LEGO support about it. I wouldn't be making as much noise about this if it wasn't a $400 set

JBricks27 · July 2012

I know it's a terrible joke, but I bet theres almost "50
shades of grey" in this set. Hahaha

Legoboy · July 2012

It was a while ago I built this, but I recall a coiple.of shades in the brown used for ghe trash compactor walls. As with you, couldn't let it lie and requested replacements. However, on receipt didn't end up using them.since I came to the conclusion that it gave a better effect having the odd 2 x 1 with a slightly different shade.

Rainstorm26 · July 2012

I bet some of the bricks are made in China. I was very surprised to find out that there are Chinese made components in this expensive set. My grey plates had some that were shiny front and back and some that were dull on the back. This is the "[email protected]!$%" look. I was not very happy, especially after spending so much on this set.

LegoFanTexas · July 2012

My understanding is that Lego recently started mixing their own colors, rather than ordering ABS pre-colored...

Saves them money, but they have less experience in getting color right and there have been QC issues regarding color. I expect they'll get better at it over time, but there is indeed a learning curve.

I have noticed the same thing as the above posters, color isn't as good as it used to be. Lego needs to be careful, quality is the one big thing that stands out over everyone else. Keep it, at all costs, or pay the price...

JBricks27 · July 2012

Here's some pics:

Uploaded with Imgupr

JBricks27 · July 2012

Turning out to be a crazy mess... LEGO is giving me the option to replace certain bricks or replace the set completely. I'm leaning towards swapping out the entire set and avoiding the mess of picking out which bricks are "more grey" than others...

khmellymel · July 2012

^ I would too, especially for a big set, sounds like a nightmare.

LegoFanTexas · July 2012

If it were me, I'd replace the whole set if it bothered me.

Not sure it would, since it adds texture and detail to otherwise boring gray walls, but in person it may look different.

But the idea of having to change out small parts just sounds nuts, just get a whole new set.

JBricks27 · July 2012

One LEGO store in my state had a set with a different batch number and it's being transferred to the store down the street from me. Hope this is the solution

JBricks27 · July 2012

Makes me wonder about those unopened sets I have that are close to EOL

Farmer_John · July 2012

What is the batch number on the box? When did you purchase it?

LegoFanTexas · July 2012

jvdrummer182 said:
Makes me wonder about those unopened sets I have that are close to EOL

That is always a risk with sealed box sets sold after EOL...

However, this is just another reason to sell within 2 years. Lego has committed to supporting EOL sets for 2 years after they retire with parts and service, after that it is only whatever they have left.

So if you sell EOL sets 18 months after retirement and this problem comes up, your customer at least has a possible solution, which is service from TLG.

I can say from my own personal experience as well, when I buy a sealed set from someone that is EOL, if I have a problem with it, I don't blame the seller, after all they didn't make the thing. Only with used sets where the seller knows the contents would I hold him or her accountable.

My 2 cents worth...

JBricks27 · July 2012

Got it last month. I'll post the batch number later

Toyfast · July 2012

S**t.. this seems quite bad !

monkeyhanger · July 2012

No such variations on my DS, but the white variations on the IS are very noticeable.

luckyruss · July 2012

The difference with reddish brown bricks is really noticeable. I pulled a bunch of 1x4 bricks off the PaB wall in store today and there were clearly two or three "shades". I don't recall if i have anything pn my DS, although I think it generally looks ok on buildings, for example, where you might want a more textured or rusted fashion, but it's not ideal for everything.

JBricks27 · July 2012

The batch number for my funky death star is 23R2

JBricks27 · July 2012

The variation of shade is just between brick type but it's also varies between the same type of bricks. The worst I saw is in the 2x2 grey bricks

BrickDancer · July 2012

^^Noticed same as you for Reddish-brown, @luckyruss, mine were 1x6 bricks from Creator Log Cabin that I purchased new and sealed.

JBricks27 · July 2012

Does anyone else have a 10188 with the same batch number (23R2)?

JBricks27 · July 2012

Going to pick up my new death star tonight. Hope this one is much better.

Rainstorm26 · July 2012

@jvdrummer182

Any news. Is it better?

JBricks27 · July 2012

I haven't been able to start the build yet. I checked some 2x2 bricks in one of the bags real quick and they seemed very uniform in color. I'll reply when I have more info.

Rainstorm26 · July 2012

Did you get the same lot #?

JBricks27 · July 2012

New lot number I got is 45R1. The grey seems a lot more uniform and acceptable. I'll post pictures tomorrow.

I also noticed that instead of a glossy front and back cover of the instruction book, the replacement has a matte finish. And again, the sticker sheet was mangled and crinkled up. It's really not a good idea to just through a sticker sheet between bags of bricks. Come on, LEGO