Living History: Omaha Beach
Diorama by Yitzy Kasowitz & Cody Osell Vehicles by Daniel Siskind
Omaha Beach was the Allied code name for part of the invasion of German-occupied France. The invasion began on June 6th, 1944 (D-Day) and it was the beginning of the end for Germany’s stranglehold on Europe. The primary objective at Omaha was to secure a beachhead 5 miles deep, between Port-en-Bessin and the Vire River. Fight- ing raged from sunrise until well into the afternoon. The allied forces began to secure the beach at 1:00 pm, and General Huebner’s command post was established at 7:00 that evening.
This diorama takes place on D-Day + 1, when the Allied Forces destroyed the scattered remnants of enemy groups which still held positions on the perimeter of the beachhead. The foothold gained at Omaha was the most tenuous across all the D-Day beaches. With the original objective yet to be achieved, the priority for the allies was to link up all the Normandy beachheads. During the course of June 7, while still under random shellfire, the beach was prepared as a supply area. Surplus cargo ships were deliberately sunk to form an artificial breakwater and, while still less than planned, 1,429 tons of stores were landed that day.
Once the beachhead had been secured, Omaha became the location of one of the two Mulberry harbours, prefabricated artificial harbors towed in pieces across the English Channel and assembled just off shore. Construction of ‘Mulberry A’ at Omaha began the day after D-Day with the scuttling of ships to form a breakwater.
Today at Omaha jagged remains of the harbor can be seen at low tide. At the top of the bluff overlooking Omaha near Colleville is the American cemetery. As late as 1988, particles of shrapnel, as well as glass and iron beads resulting from munitions explosions, have been found in the sand of the beach.
You can see this display (as well as meet 2 of the builders) this weekend at BrickUniverse Raleigh. Come visit the Brickmania Road Team and experience some amazing MOCs!
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New Release: Russian Officer Custom Minifig
Our latest custom minifig is now available. The WWII Russian Officer in Dark Tan. Featuring custom pad printed art by our very own Landon Reimer. Get some for your Red Army MOC today!
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Save on BrickArms Vests All Month Long!
For the entire month of April, all of our BrickArms vests are 10% off!
- ALL styles
- ALL colors
- ALL Eras
Check out the online store or visit our storefront at Mall of America and see all the great options!
New Release: A27M Cromwell IV
The A27M “Cromwell” Cruiser Tank, named for English Civil War leader – Oliver Cromwell, was the first tank put into service by the British to combine a dual-purpose gun, high speed from the powerful and reliable Meteor engine, and reasonable armor, in a balanced package. The Cromwell first saw action in the Battle of Normandy in June 1944. The tank equipped the armoured reconnaissance regiments of the Royal Armoured Corps (part of the Royal Tank Regiment), within the 7th, 11th and Guards Armoured Divisions. While the armoured regiments of the latter two divisions were equipped with M4 Shermans, the armoured regiments of the 7th Armoured Division were equipped with Cromwell tanks. The Cromwell IV was the most numerous variant with over 1,935 units produced. It was not uncommon for this variant to be modified into an observation post. This entailed fitting the tank with 4 portable radios – no. 19 and no. 38. There are currently at least 25 Cromwell IV that exist in the world, many of them in running condition.
A Cromwell tank leads a British Army column after landing on D-Day
This Brickmania Kit includes:
• Custom Printed British Tank Commander minifig
• Two opening turret hatches
• 360° turret rotation with posable gun
• Genuine LEGO® Shovel, Axe & Sledge Hammer accessories
• 1/35 scale matches other Brickmania models
• The over-all color scheme of this model is dark gray
• Includes 510 genuine Brickmania, BrickArms® & LEGO® elements
• Intermediate skill level (4-6 years building experience recommended)
For a limited time only, we will include a free fully outfitted WWII British Infantry Custom Minifig with every Cromwell IV kit. Offer good while supplies last.
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Have You Gotten Tickets for WWB Yet?
World War Brick, or as we style it – WWB, is the world’s premier event for HIstoric Military LEGO Modelers and Customizers. We had a blast at WWB 2016 in Anaheim, and we’re excited to see you all at WWB Minneapolis and WWB Hartford!
Last chance before these kits go out of stock!
Stalingrad ’42 Motherland Defense Pack
Here is a quick heads-up for Brickmania fans. All of the following kits are almost Out-of-Stock! There is less than 10 of these kits left in stock. Due to our busy production schedule putting out new releases there is no saying when, if ever we will release these kits again. So if these kits are on your wish list be sure to get yours today. Check out the complete list.
North Carolina, Here We Come!
Brickmania is on the road again, this time we’re headed to BrickUniverse in Raleigh, NC. Come visit us this weekend and see what the show has to offer!
BrickUniverse offers a wide variety of activities, from The Fan Zone – where you can view MOCs to The Challenge Zone where builders can test their skills under pressure. There’s even an area for little builders that features Duplo bricks. Come see brick artists, and then come visit Brickmania in the “Brick Market” and pick up a new kit to take home!
There’s something for everyone, and more than enough activities to fill up your whole weekend.
As of today (Monday 3/28) tickets are sold out for Saturday April 2nd, but there are still tickets available for Sunday! Get yours while they are still available!
Order Your New Release Cromwell IV Today get a Free minifig
Order your A27M Cromwell IV – British Cruiser Tank before Sunday 4/3/2016 or while supplies last, and receive a Free fully outfitted British Infantry minifig.
The A27M “Cromwell” Cruiser Tank, named for English Civil War leader – Oliver Cromwell, was the first tank put into service by the British to combine a dual-purpose gun, high speed from the powerful and reliable Meteor engine, and reasonable armor, in a balanced package. (more…)
Restock Special: T-34/76 Soviet Medium Tank
A Brickmania fan favorite, the T-34/76 Soviet Medium Tank kit is restocked. Order your T-34/76 Soviet Medium Tank before 4/3/2016 and receive a Free Russian Infantry with PPSH, while supplies last.
Latest Brickmania® Release
