Restock: P-51B Mustang – Long-Range Bomber Escort
Our P-51B Mustangs are back in stock. Get yours today before they sell out again!
World War II pushed aircraft design to new levels never before seen in history. As one of the better-known aircraft to come out of WWII, the P-51B Mustang is a part of the larger Mustang line of escort fighter aircraft. These second-generation Mustangs were a vast improvement over the previous model. Equipped with a Packard Rolls Royce Merlin V-1650-7 engine, this variant could outpace the previous design by one hundred miles per hour at its service ceiling.
Given its speed, range and maneuverability, the Mustang was capable of adequately protecting Allied heavy bombers on their missions. Although Allied bombers were equipped with defensive machine guns, these proved to be inadequate as bomber casualty rates climbed over thirty percent. The Mustang as an escort aircraft proved to be an effective defense of slow-moving bombers.
Click to buy a Brickmania P-51B Mustang from store.
Other Brickmania Kits to Accompany Your P-51B Mustang
Fuel your P-51B with the Bedford QLC – Fuel Bowser:
Add a few RAF Ground Crewmen to mind the airfield:
Deliver aircraft parts and weapons with a GMC CCKW:
Repair your plane with a USAAF Ground Crewman or two:
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.
New Release: Add-On Packs for the GMC CCKW – 2 1/2 Ton Cargo Truck
When we released the newest design of the classic GMC CCKW 2 1/2 ton cargo truck, we put together some add-on packs to give you total control over customizing your new kit. Here’s a little bit about each of those sets.
In 1943, the canvas bed cover or “soft top” replaced the hard metal covers on the CCKW. The canvas cover allowed more trucks to be shipped via naval convoys and reduced the overall weight of the vehicle. This also allowed for easy installation and removal of the cover, as the CCKW was commonly fitted with specialization attachments.
Our Canvas Bed Cover kit features:
- Brickmania custom fabric bed cover
- Brick-built support frame for the cover
Accidents and collisions were common on the Red Ball Express. Several versions of the CCKW were outfitted with a winch to assist with vehicle recovery, such as pulling a truck out of a ditch. The canvas cab cover was designed to reduce truck size for shipping and provided a bit of shade for the drivers on their long trips inland.
Canvas Cab Cover and Winch kit features:
- BrickArms M2HB
- Brickmania custom fabric cab cover
- Bumper winch with string
- High-quality custom stickers
The M27 Bomb Service Truck was a CCKW variant outfitted to help load heavy bombs for aircraft. After moved into place by a dolly on a track, the bomb hoist would lift the ordnance. The hoist was mounted on a steel I-beam that allowed it to slid the bomb into the truck. The process was reversed at the airfield, loading it directly into the bay doors of an Allied bomber.
Our Bomb Loader kit features:
- Bomb loader hoist
- Bomb loader cart
- Bomb
If you didn’t get one of your own yet, buy a CCKW soon before we sell out!
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.
Building On the Past: Amiens Concludes
August 8, 1918
In the quiet early morning hours, German forces had little idea of any Allied plans. On the Allied lines, tanks and men prepared for launching the great Amiens offensive, a battle that would forever change the course of history.
3 a.m. local time
Reports from German officers north of the Somme indicate a possible counterattack against Brick Beacon Hill by British forces spotted in no man’s land. Around 3:40 a.m., Captain Rechtern of the 265th Reserve Infantry Regiment ordered an artillery barrage to hold off the British regiment until daylight.
4 a.m. local time
A lone British bomber is heard over the fog-shrouded battlefield. The bomber makes several passes over the German lines, occasionally dropping a bomb here and there. The bombs and the drone of the aircraft make it difficult to listen for enemy movement across no man’s land. The elite German 117th Infantry Division, fresh off several months rest and assigned to relieve the 109th Infantry Division, note that the bomber leaves the area around 4:20 a.m.
4:20 a.m. local time
Allied artillery opens up in a spectacular barrage, catching the Germans completely by surprise. While panicked calls for help go up among the German line, over 400 Allied tanks begin their slow advance toward key positions behind a creeping artillery barrage. Comprised mostly of Mark V and Whippet tanks, the sheer number of armored vehicles rivaled that of the Battle of Cambrai just a year earlier. The Allies are successful in breaking the German lines in several areas.
5:15 a.m. local time
Lieutenant J. Robertson and his Mark V Oblivis Caris reach German trenches at the town of Marcelcave. Ahead of schedule, the Allied tanks approach is covered by a morning mist. They capture the town almost 45 minutes ahead of schedule.
12 p.m. local time
A single Whippet tank, Musical Box, penetrates German lines. Commanded by Lieutenant Clement Arnold, Musical Box goes on a six-hour rampage harassing convoys, retreating soldiers, and supply trucks. Eventually captured, the tank crew inflicted hundreds of German casualties and destroyed several tons of supplies.
2–3 p.m. local time
The 5th Australian Dragoon Division spots a 28cm German “Bruno” railway gun near Harbonnieres. Several British Sopwith Camels move in and drop bombs on the train as it tries to escape, setting it on fire. After a brief engagement with the remaining German soldiers, the Australians capture the massive weapon. Most of the train is in flames, but the railway gun is undamaged. The Dragoons continue to move forward while the 8th Engineer Field Company move the Bruno behind Allied lines. Marshal Ferdinand Foch would later have the gun displayed in Paris as a war trophy.
Described as a “the blackest day for the German Army” by General Erich Ludendorff, the battle of Amiens dashed any hope of German victory.
New Release: WWII USAAF Ground Crewman
A behind the scenes job, the ground crewman was responsible for maintaining and preparing aircraft for upcoming missions. This job often required long hours, as World War II-era aircraft could be finicky and full of bullet holes. From loading bombs to refueling, the ground crewman was an essential piece of the American war machine.
This custom LEGO® minifigure is available in our store now!
LEGO and the LEGO Minifigure are trademarks of the LEGO Group, which does not sponsor, authorize or endorse this site or these products.
New Release: 40mm Ammunition Crate
This one sold out over the weekend, but we want to tell you about it anyway!
This custom-printed ammunition crate holds several cartridges of 40mm rounds designed for the Bofors Anti-Aircraft Gun.
The crate includes six BrickArms four-round 40mm cartridges.
New Release: WWII Red Ball Express Driver
A logistics miracle, the Red Ball Express deployed thousands of trucks on a one-way loop supplying troops at the front. Because of unit segregation, 75% of the drivers were African-American, many of whom had never driven a truck before. After only a few hours of instruction, these men became the backbone of the Express. Operating 24 hours a day, it is estimated that over 900 trucks were moving on the route at any given hour.
The WWII Red Ball Express Driver comes with a BrickArms OD Green M1 Steel Pot helmet.
This custom minifigure is available in our store now!
LEGO and the LEGO Minifigure are trademarks of the LEGO Group, which does not sponsor, authorize or endorse this site or these products.
Building On the Past: Amiens
By the beginning of August 1918, four years had passed since the beginning of the Great War. On the Western Front, trench warfare continued to destroy a whole generation of young men. The spring and summer of 1918 saw the failed German offensive Operation Michael, an event that threatened Paris and nearly succeeded in capturing the French capital.
Although a failure overall, the near-success of Operation Michael due to excellent German tactics convinced the Allies that they needed go on the offensive soon. In planning what would be known as the “Hundred Days Offensive”, Allied commanders planned on a long, bloody slog all the way to the German border. Even with this offensive, they figured the war would last until 1919 or 1920.
The offensive would begin on the morning of August 8, 1918.
August 6, 1918
4 a.m. local time
A huge barrage of German shells began to rain down on the British 18th Eastern Division just as the 58th London Division came up to relieve them. The men of the German 27th Wurttemberg Division overwhelmed the British forces and recaptured a location known as Brick Beacon Hill. The small raid threatened to reveal Allied plans that a major offensive was being planned.
6 p.m. local time
That evening, British Whippet tanks began lining up under the trees on Boulevard Pont-Noyelles in the town of Amiens.
9:30 p.m. local time
From a German soldier in the 26th Reserve Regiment, “After August 4th there could no longer exist any doubt of the enemy intentions. From 9:30 p.m. onwards throughout the whole night not only heavy train and road traffic, sounds of voices and neighing of horses, but actually the strong noise of motor-engines at Cachy and Villers-Bretonneux were heard by all sections of troops in the forward lines”. (Amiens, Dawn of Victory, page 101)
Despite frontline reports of Allied movements, German commanders remain unconvinced that any Allied tanks are in the region.
August 7, 1918
10 p.m. local time
German and Australian patrols skirmish near Accroche Wood. A short firefight breaks out, but both patrols withdraw and no prisoners are captured.
The story of Amiens continues on Wednesday, August 8th. Check back!
New Release: WWII Jeep With US Airborne Soldier
About the WWII Jeep With US Airborne Soldier:
The ubiquitous Army Jeep saw widespread production and deployment across all fronts in World War II. Before American entry into the war, thousands of Jeeps were sent to Britain and the Soviet Union under the Lend-Lease Act. After American entry into the war, the Jeep became the most-produced vehicle in the Second World War.
Specifications:
- Crew: 1 driver, 4 passengers
- Speed: 60 mph (96 km/h)
- Range: 200 mi (321 km)
- Armament: Optional machine gun or small arms
Additional information about this Brickmania building kit:
The WWII Jeep With US Airborne Soldier kit comes with the following features
- Easy design for beginner builders
- Includes BrickArms M1919 Machine Gun
- Custom-printed WWII US Airborne minifigure
- Custom-printed white star tile
- Trailer hitch
- 1/35 scale to match other Brickmania models
- Includes 81 genuine LEGO® and BrickArms® elements
Our new custom LEGO® WWII Jeep With US Airborne Soldier kits is available in our store today!
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.
New Release: Bofors – 40mm Automatic Gun M1
About the Bofors – 40mm Automatic Gun M1:
A true utilitarian weapon, the Bofors 40mm gun saw widespread use during the Second World War as naval armament, anti-aircraft gun, and defensive ground weapon. The gun was equipped with an automatic firing mechanism that sustained an excellent rate of fire. The barrel had an elevation range of -6 to + 90 degrees, affording the ability to engage both air and ground targets.
Specifications:
- Ammunition: Armor-piercing and high-explosive two pound shells
- Crew: 4
- Rate of Fire: 120 rounds per minute
- Muzzle velocity: 2,700 ft (822 m) per second
- Effective range: 3,000 yds (2743 m)
Additional information about this Brickmania building kit:
The Bofors – 40mm Automatic Gun M1 kit comes with the following features
- Elevating gun
- BrickArms 40mm shells
- Raising wheels
- Deployable outriggers
- Gun stay frame to secure barrel for traveling
- 1/35 scale to match Brickmania’s other WWII kits
Pick up your own custom LEGO® Bofors – 40mm Automatic Gun M1 kits in our shop today
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.
New Release: GMC CCKW – 2 1/2 Ton Cargo Truck
About the CCKW – 2 1/2 Ton Cargo Truck:
The GMC CCKW 2 1/2 ton 6×6 Truck was the crucial piece of logistics hardware in the Allied arsenal during World War II. Examples include a long (164-inch) and short (145-inch) wheelbase. The short version was designed to tow 75mm and 105mm field artillery and the long version was typically used for personnel and cargo.
The famous “deuce and a half” saw service worldwide. The CCKW was the main transport vehicle for the famous Red Ball Express. Operated from August through November 1944, the Express was developed to deliver the required supplies to rapidly advancing Allied divisions. The route was essentially a one-way loop using existing roads in France.
Because of unit segregation, over 75% of the soldiers operating the convoys were African-American. Many had never driven a truck before. Despite receiving only a few hours of training, these men ensured the success of this logistics miracle. Operating 24 hours a day, they drove day and night on narrow roads through bad weather to deliver badly-needed supplies to the men at the front. It is estimated that over 900 trucks were moving on the Express at any given time. Around 5,400 trucks were involved in the operation, delivering over 400,000 tons.
By the end of production in 1945, 562,750 in all variants had been built.
Specifications:
- Crew: 2
- Speed: 45 mph (governed)
- Engine: GMC 270 gasoline
- Range: 200–300 miles
Additional information about this Brickmania building kit:
The CCKW – 2 1/2 Ton Cargo Truck kit comes with the following features
- Brickmania Track Links
- High-quality sticker sheet
- Spare tire
- Functional tailgate
- 1/35th scale to match other Brickmania products
Our new GMC CCKW – 2 1/2 Ton Cargo Truck custom LEGO® kit is available in our store now!
Add-on packs for the GMC CCKW – 2 1/2 Ton Cargo Truck:
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.
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