Computer graphics in catalogs
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Computer graphics in catalogs Axel Eng 02-04-2007
Posted by Axel Eng on February 4, 2007, 7:57 am
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Am I the only who has noted that most (if not all) the pictures in
catalogs and box art nowadays are computer graphics rather than
photographs of actual models? I can see it has some advantages, as
it's easier to get a perfectly sharp picture, and that it might be
necessary to get not-yet-in-production models in the catalog. But I
still think it's questionable, as it's too easy to hide unsightly
details (like poor-fitting non-ABS chinese parts), and also is abused
to give impression that the model has features it doesn't have. One
typical example is robot/mecha models, which often are posed in
positions the joints doesn't actually permit. A worse example is the
new 4939 (yellow cars) set, on the box art you get a clear impression
the car has steering, which I don't think it has (haven't bought the
set yet).

Another example is the 7781 Batmobile set - both in the instructions
and the box art the canopy has been moved half a stud forward from its
actual position, so it intersects the studs on the mounting brackets.
Just a minor mistake, but it shows that the box art is made from the
same 3D models as the instructions. Some of the pics on the box and
instructions are real photographs though, as those who shows the
afterburner.

What's your opinion on computer pics, and have you ever been seriously
disappointed with a set cause of misleading box art? I believe 8458
Silver Champion is a notorious example (didn't have it myself), the
box shows what seems to be a special-purpose driver's helmet part that
wasn't in the set (and only a *tiny* disclaimer that said so).

Axel

Posted by Axel Eng on February 8, 2007, 1:21 am
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I bought the 4939 set a few days ago, and can confirm that it doesn't
have steering (even if the CGI box art makes it look so). But apart
from that it is a nice little set, kinda like a minifig-scale Model
Team car. And yes, it is possible to cram one minifig inside, even if
he got his butt at the wheel.

One odd detail is the windshield, a smoke-colored 3x6x1 classic space
type. In the catalog and on the box it has the carateristic vertical
lines on the sides, like this:
____________
|o|________|0|
| | | |
|_|________|_|

While the actual part included looks like this:
____________
|o__________0|
|_ _|
|_|________|_|

While I have no problem with this itself (it gives a clearer window
and more interior space), it is a different part than shown on the
box. This set is bought in Oslo and is marked "Components made in
DENMARK, and GERMANY" (the pure, undiluted stuff!). Has anyone else
here bought this set, and can tell what part they got?

I also tried to file the usual report to www.acnielsen.aim.dk/lego,
but they would not accept the set number 4939 (they didn't mention the
site in the instructions). Does this mean that Lego intend to stop
taking these suveys?

Axel

Posted by Jacob Sparre Andersen on February 11, 2007, 5:33 am
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Axel Eng wrote:

> I bought the 4939 set a few days ago, and can confirm that it
> doesn't have steering (even if the CGI box art makes it look
> so).

I made the same - rather disappointing - discovery yesterday.

I consider it extremely bad style (and probably illegal here in
Denmark).

> But apart from that it is a nice little set, kinda like a
> minifig-scale Model Team car. And yes, it is possible to cram one
> minifig inside, even if he got his butt at the wheel.

Ahh! I just made my driver lie down across the two seats.

> One odd detail is the windshield, a smoke-colored 3x6x1 classic space
> type. In the catalog and on the box it has the carateristic vertical
> lines on the sides, like this:
> ____________
> |o|________|0|
> | | | |
> |_|________|_|
>
> While the actual part included looks like this:
> ____________
> |o__________0|
> |_ _|
> |_|________|_|
>
> While I have no problem with this itself (it gives a clearer window
> and more interior space), it is a different part than shown on the
> box. This set is bought in Oslo and is marked "Components made in
> DENMARK, and GERMANY" (the pure, undiluted stuff!). Has anyone else
> here bought this set, and can tell what part they got?

I got the same part as you. And the same box graphics.

I think I'll give our friends in Billund a call tomorrow.

Play well,

Jacob
--
City X'ers mail van (building instructions):
http://lego.jacob-sparre.dk/CityXers/Postbil/

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