Brickmania Blog

About the Panther – Panzerkampfwagen V Ausf D:

After the beginning of Operation Barbarossa in 1941, as German Panzers streamed across the Soviet Union, they were slowed by the appearance of a Soviet tank, the new T-34. The Germans found the Panzer IV’s low-velocity 75mm gun lacking against the T-34. A mildly panicked German High Command ordered the development of a new tank to combat this threat: Enter the Panzerkampfwagen V, better known as the “Panther”.

The Panther was deployed as a medium tank on all German fronts from mid-1943 to the war’s end in 1945. The Panther is often categorized into three major variants: Ausf. A, D, and G. Small adjustments were made between variants, including improvements to the commander’s cupola and the addition of a hull machine gun. The Ausf. G variant (1944) saw a complete overhaul of the hull to provide the tank with better survivability.

While having essentially the same Maybach engine as the Tiger I, the Panther had more efficient frontal hull armor and better gun penetration. The trade-off was weaker side armor, which made it vulnerable to flanking fire. Despite being classified as a medium tank by the Germans, the Panther’s weight was comparable to that of the heaviest Allied tanks.

Considered one of the best tanks in WWII for its excellent firepower and protection, its reliability was less impressive. When the Panther first deployed at Kursk, many broke down and were abandoned by their crews. Among those recovered, the complex engineering made the Panther difficult and time consuming to repair. Much like many other German tanks, the Panther outperformed comparable Allied tanks in combat — when it was actually functioning. Its high velocity 75mm main cannon and excellent maneuverability had no trouble dealing with both the T-34 and M4 Sherman.

Over 6000 Panthers in all variants were produced during the war. Despite their excellent performance, the Panthers and their crews were simply overwhelmed by the sheer number of Allied tanks produced — roughly 50,000 of both the M4 Sherman and T-34. This numerical advantage coupled with the loss of experienced tank crews in 1944-45 contributed to the eventual fall of the Third Reich.

Specifications:

• Weight: 44 tons
• Crew: 5
• Front armor: 80mm
• Main armament: 1 x 7.5 cm KwK 42 L/70
• Secondary armament: 7.92 mm MG34 machine gun (2x on later models)
• Engine: V-12 petrol Maybach HL230 P30
• Maximum operational range: 160 mi (250 km)
• Speed: 28 mph (45 km/h)

Additional information about this Brickmania building kit:

The Panther – Panzerkampfwagen V Ausf D kit comes with the following features

• Accurately detailed early production Panther tank
• Hull can be opened to access detailed driver and engine compartments
• Opening hatches for drivers, commander, and engine compartment
• Contains numerous custom-printed elements
• Includes three premium custom-printed Panther crewman minifigures
• Hull-mounted BrickArms MG34 machine gun
• Comes with full-body camouflage sticker sheets
• 1/35 scale to match other Brickmania models

All Brickmania model kits are made of new-condition LEGO bricks. This model comes disassembled and includes complete printed building instructions and comes packaged in a sealed box. This is a limited-edition kit and production may be discontinued at any time.

Click here!

About the WWII German Pak 40 / StuG III Muzzle Brake

Used to reduce recoil and increase accuracy, a muzzle brake redirects propellant gasses produced when the shell is fired. Take your Brickmania Pak 40 or StuG III creation to the next level with our 3D printed muzzle brake. This custom piece easily connects to your model using a LEGO® bar or axle connection.

Give your creations added realism and detail with Brickmania’s growing line of custom elements, all designed and made right here at Brickmania HQ. Muzzle brakes, wheels, tires and more!

Click here to get yours!

This crudely-applied camouflage pattern was seen during the Rhodesian Bush War on the NATO (FAL) battle rifle. Often referred to as “baby poo” camo by collectors, it was hand painted in the field with everyday materials, resulting in a wide range of styles.

The new Brickmania Perfect Caliber™ project takes BrickArms® prototypes and enhances them by printing fine details on the weapons, adding realism and excitement to your creations. You’ll find everything from famous historical guns up to advanced modern rifles and more.

Get yours today!

Perfect Caliber Bakelite MG34

Developed in 1909, Bakelite was the first non-conductive synthetic plastic designed for commercial use. During the Second World War, this material was used in applications ranging from pilot’s goggles to radio parts. Due to scarcity of resources, Bakelite stocks replaced wooden stocks on several widely deployed weapons, including the German MG34.

The new Brickmania Perfect Caliber™ project takes BrickArms® prototypes and enhances them by printing fine details on the weapons, adding realism and excitement to your creations. You’ll find everything from famous historical guns up to advanced modern rifles and more.

Get one while they last!

The hand-injected, prototype BrickArms M27 IAR – Infantry Automatic Rifle, carried by the US Marines infantry soldiers, now with custom detail printing! This is a close to the real thing you are going to get for your Gung Ho minifigures!

The new Brickmania Perfect Caliber™ project takes BrickArms® prototypes and enhances them by printing fine details on the weapons, adding realism and excitement to your creations. You’ll find everything from famous historical guns up to advanced modern rifles and more.

Check it out!

Designed for quick movement, this 75mm gun could be broken down into several pieces to enable ease of transport by simple wheeled carriages or pack animals when traveling over rough terrain. As period artillery was difficult and heavy to move, this gun’s mobility meant it could be deployed in operations where heavier artillery was impossible to use, namely amphibious and airborne missions. It was even deployed with British gliders during Operation Market Garden in 1944.

Specifications:

• Crew: 6
• Production: 5,000
• Range: 5 mi (9 km)

Features:

• Fully posable gun with elevating barrel
• Opening breech on cannon
• Can be broken down for transport
• 1/35th scale to match other Brickmania models

All Brickmania model kits are made of new-condition LEGO bricks. This model comes disassembled and includes complete printed building instructions and comes packaged in a sealed box. This is a limited-edition kit and production may be discontinued at any time.

Get one here!

Features of the M3A1 Half Track:

Brickmania’s M3A1 Half Track was modeled after the standardized half track armored personnel carrier used by the US Army during the later years of World War II and the Korean War. The model includes M2HB and M1919 machine guns from BrickArms as standard. There are attachment points for up to two additional machine guns. The model also includes detachable fuel cans, functional front winch, opening driver doors, fold down cargo shelves, and racks for up to 16 anti-tank mines (sold separately in the US Mine Pack). Includes a trailer hitch to tow a variety of trailers or towed weapons. This model is specially designed for future add-on packs.

Model Statistics:

• Designed by Daniel Siskind
• High-quality sticker sheet
• Contains 401 LEGO®, Brickmania™ & BrickArms® elements
• Includes full-color printed building instructions
• Recommended for Intermediate Level builders (4–6 years experience)
• 1/35th scale to match other Brickmania models

All Brickmania model kits are made of new-condition LEGO bricks. This model comes disassembled and includes complete printed building instructions and comes packaged in a sealed box. This is a limited-edition kit and production may be discontinued at any time.

Get yours here!