Army Men Green M24 Chaffee Kit (Kickstarter Exclusive)
Introduced at the end of World War II to replace the worn out and undergunned M3/M5 Stuart tanks, the M24 Chaffee first saw action against the German Ardennes offensive known the Battle of the Bulge. Lightly armored and fast, the M24 was a nimble scout vehicle that packed the same punch as the M4 Sherman tank. The M24 Chaffee was retired from US service after the Korean War (being replaced by the Walker Bulldog) but has soldiered on in other countries armed serives to modern times. during the Vietnam way, the AVRN (South Vietnamese Army) used Chaffee tanks that were left behind when the French Colonial Army withdrew in the late 1950s.
Additional information about this Brickmania custom Lego® kit:
This Brickmania custom kit is only being offered as an exclusive reward for helping to launch the Brickmania Track Links™ on Kickstarter. All photos are shown using LEGO Technic track links, which will be replaced with the more realistic Brickmania Track Links when the kit is delivered. The only way to order this kit now s to pledge now for delivery when the new tracks are ready (we are aiming for sometime in July). Your opportunity to own one of these kits ends Saturday Jun 8, at 12:25pm CDT.
M24 Chaffee with Brickmania Track Links
The M24 Chaffee kit has the following features:
- Fully rotating turret and elevating main gun
- Opening commander’s hatch and tank commander minifig
- Rare green M1919 machine guns from BrickArms
- Built to the same 1/35 scale as other Brickmania kits
- Includes 380 new condition elements from Lego, Brickmania, BrickArms
- Comes with signed and number certificate of authenticity
- Sophomore Skill Level (2-4 years experience with LEGO is recommended)
All Brickmania model kits are made of new-condition LEGO bricks and this one includes compatable weapons by BrickArms. This model comes disassembled and includes completed printed building instructions and comes packaged in a sealed box.
More Images of the M24 Chaffee
M106 Mortar Carrier Kit (Kickstarter Exclusive)
The M106 Mortar Carrier is based on the M113 armored personnel carrier mounting a 120mm mortar. The M106 provides mobile fire support with a degree of protection for it’s crew. The mortar is mounted on a rotating platform in the rear of the vehicle. The concept is to provide a mobile launch platform that can be moved from various firing position rather than being set up in a static location. The 120mm mortar can also removed from the vehicle and mounted on a large swivel base. The M106 has been in operation since the 1960’s and the latest version, the M106A4, is still in use today.
Additional information about this Brickmania custom Lego® kit:
This Brickmania custom kit is only being offered as an exclusive reward for helping to launch the Brickmania Track Links™ on Kickstarter. All photos are shown using LEGO Technic track links, which will be replaced with the more realistic Brickmania Track Links when the kit is delivered. The only way to order this kit now s to pledge now for delivery when the new tracks are ready (we are aiming for sometime in July). Your opportunity to own one of these kits ends Saturday Jun 8, at 12:25pm CDT.
Digital mock-up shown with Brickmania Track Links
The M106 kit has the following features:
- Easy access to internal compartments with detailed crew area
- Four opening crew hatches, rear ramp and deployable trim vane
- Detailed 120mm mortar with built in launch turntable and stowed external base.
- 2 x minifigures with LEGO flak vests and BrickArms Modern Combat Helmets
- 2 x ARC rifles from BrickArms mounted on internal gun racks
- Built to the same 1/35 scale as other Brickmania kits
- Includes 498 new condition elements from Lego, Brickmania, BrickArms
- Comes with signed and number certificate of authenticity
- Intermediate Skill Level (4-6 years experience with LEGO is recommended)
All Brickmania model kits are made of new-condition LEGO bricks and this one includes compatable weapons by BrickArms. This model comes disassembled and includes completed printed building instructions and comes packaged in a sealed box.
More Images of the M106 Mortar Carrier
M4 Sherman with Double-Wide Brickmania Track Links!
After receiving the LDraw files for the double wide track links, I couldn’t help but to (virtually) fit them to one of Brickmania’s M4 Sherman tanks. We’ll have to consider offering an alternate version of the Sherman with these wider tracks, or at least instructions on how to convert the existing kit.
Brickmania Track Links™ Kickstarter Project
The video promo for our new Kickstarter Project posted to YouTube. Full information: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/brickmania/brickmania-track-links-custom-add-on-for-the-lego More updates to follow.
Brickmania Track Links™ Update: Ldraw Files Now Created
Hello project supporters!
We’re not even a week into this Brickmania Track Links™ Kickstarter campaign and we’re already almost half way to goal! Well, I have some exciting news, in that I have received completed LDraw files of the new links for use in the reward kits’ instruction manuals.
Ldraw is the virtual building program created by and for the international LEGO community. Chris Dee, one of the long-time gurus of the LDraw community, has authored both single-wide and double-wide versions of the chevron pattern links. I plan to make the LDraw files available for use by the community once the real pieces are put into actual production.
Here are some screen captures of models made for the instructions manuals that will be included as pledge rewards. Images of the models using the double-wide tracks will be posted soon.
Thanks for your continued support and for helping to make this project happen!
– Dan
KettenKrad
M106 Mortar Carrier
M24 Chaffee Tank
P.S. This project has recently been blogged by Brothers Brick and is gaining traction (har! har!) in other LEGO fan forums as well. Let’s roll!
Brickmania’s M113 ACAV reviewed at Brothers Brick!
Brothers Brick head editor Andrew Becraft reviews Brickmania’s M113 ACAV kit. Click image to read the review.
2013 Lego Military Build Competition
I am sure many of you will be looking forward to the annual Lego Military Build Competition. I know I am. I was a participant in 2008 and 2009 (with some success) and helped organise and judge it in the last few years. This year it is being run by Magnus Lauglo, D-Town Cracka, -Mainman- and Aleksander Stein, all of whom will be familiar to military builders and to long-term readers of this blog.
If you are interested, you should make your way to the special contest group on flickr for more information. The contest starts today and runs until July 10th. In previous years, the quality of many of the entries in this competition was excellent and I am eagerly looking forward to seeing the results this year.
By Ralph – Reposted from Bothers Brick.
World War II Pacific / Peleliu Landing Diorama at Brick Fair NE
We set up the newly expanded diorama today at BrickFair New England in Manchester, NH. It will be on display through Sunday afternoon. Thanks to all the helpful folks that lent a hand setting it up! You may be able to spot some of the new over-molded Japanese prototype weapons from BrickArms in some of the pictures. Enjoy…
Add On Kits Now Available for Brickmania Track Links Kickstarter Campaign
Many people have been asking if they can obtain additional exclusive Brickmania kits from this campaign. Unfortunately, the default Kickstarter pledge system will only allow you to pledge at one level at a time. In order to allow our supporters to purchase additional rewards, we are offering many to be purchased as “Add Ons” to your pledge.
How to get Add Ons:
1. Add ons are available to anyone who has pledge $33 or more (Sergeant level pledge). If you have not pledged at this level you do not qualify for Add-Ons!
2. Calculate the value of the items you desire from the Add Ons Menu. Be sure to included overseas postage if you live outside the USA.
3. On the main Brickmania Tracks Links™ Kickstarter Page select the “Manage My Pledge” button. The Pledge Amount field should show your current commitment level. Add the cost of your desired Add Ons to the original amount, and this will be your new total pledge level. Your Pledge Amount should equal the original pledge PLUS your Add Ons.
4. When the campaign is over, we will send out a survey to all contributors. When you complete the survey you will let us know all of the add ons you purchased. Please be aware that YOU are responsible for keeping track of your add-on items. Write it down, keep it safe!
As of this writing we are more than 25% on our way towards the project goal. Once our inititial project funding goal is reached, we will unlock additional Add-Ons and Stretch Goals.
Thanks for your support!
Dan
Free MTC Bus Rides to Brickmania During Art-A-Whirl + Updates
We are happy to announce that there will be free Metro Transit bus rides available on Saturday and Sunday of Art-A-Whirl thanks to a special partnership between NEMAA and MTC. Click HERE for more information and to download your free bus passes!
NEW ARTIST ANNOUNCED
We are pleased to announce the addition of local woodcarver Brandt LaFave to our lineup of guest artists at Brickania Toyworks.
SATURDAY NIGHT ENTERTAINMENT
We will be having some dinnertime entertainment at the Toyworks on Saturday evening. This is the schedule for Saturday night:
5-6pm and 7-8pm:
The Dang Ol Trio (local bluegrass)
6-7pm:
Liquor Store Apostle (local acoustic folk punk)
Latest Brickmania® Release
