Cody and Lando talk about our new M4 High Speed Tractor and M1A1 155mm Howitzer, available Monday, July 18th!

BrickJournal #40 (84 full-color pages, $8.95), the magazine for LEGO enthusiasts, returns to mechas and giant robots with builder BENJAMIN CHEH MING HANN, and shows you how to build mechs with builder KELVIN LOW! Then, SETH HIGGINS shows us his amazing transforming LEGO robots! Plus: Even cyborgs will love our regular features on Minifigure Customization by JARED K. BURKS, AFOLs by cartoonist GREG HYLAND, step-by-step “You Can Build It” instructions by CHRISTOPHER DECK, DIY Fan Art by BrickNerd TOMMY WILLIAMSON, MINDSTORMS robotics lessons, and more! Edited by Joe Meno.

Brickmania model designer Daniel Siskind has donated another rare prototype model to be auctioned at World War Brick Hartford. This is the first prototype of the Messerschmitt Bf-109 Kurfürst that was eventually put into production (in other colors) in 2014. This is your chance to own a rare piece of Brickmania and a piece of history – and it’s the only one of it’s kind! Only weekend pass holders will be eligible to bid. If you can’t make it than too bad! Proceed will be donated to Wounded Warrior Project.

We’re having an unannounced flash sale at Brickmania on everything in the store! Use the coupon code MADMINUTE1776 to receive 20% off your purchase at Brickmania.com.

Sale ends Sunday Night  (July 17th) at midnight CST.

Coupon CAN be combined with sale prices
Coupon CAN be combined with Brickmania Elite discount
Coupon CAN NOT be used on prior purchases or WWB Passes

NO MINIMUM ORDER!

*****

“In the Vietnam War, the term was used to describe a drill involving intense automatic weapons fire, intended to flush out infiltrators or ambushes. ”Mad Minute” has remained in military parlance as a term to describe any short period of intense weapons fire.”

We now have the light gray version of our WW2 German Heer Soldiers available for separate purchase. These custom printed torsos are designed to perfectly fit the BrickArms WW2 German Field Gear.

New Release Special Offer

Buy the M1A1 Battle Pack by July 24th and get free shipping on your entire order* plus 10% off the MSRP!

*Within the USA free shipping mean delivery by the United States Postal Service using First Class Mail (packages up to 8 ounces) and Priority Mail (packages over 8 ounces). Select Countries: Free Economy Mail delivery (4-8 weeks) is also being offered to Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Japan, Luxemburg, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan and the United Kingdom.

About the M1A1 155mm Howitzer:

The M1 155mm Howitzer was one of the main “Heavy” guns used by the US Army during World War II (M1A1 specifically refers to the most common carriage type mated to the M1 Howitzer). This powerful weapon was to destroy buildings, entrenchments and moderately dug-in artillery pieces. Its high arcing fire made it ideal for neutralizing enemy in defilade positions. There were 163 battalions equipped with the 155mm Howitzer during World War II, making it the third numerous type after the lighter 105mm and 75mm howitzers. It’s ability to fire a 100 pound shell in excess of 16000 yards , plus a sustained a rate of fire eight rounds per minute, gave the 155mm howitzer a much more powerful punch than it’s smaller cousins. The effectiveness of the 155mm howitzer is often cited as a major factor in Allied victory in Europe and its modern day equivalent (M777) still provides the back bone of US artillery support to this day.

Additional information about this Brickmania custom building kit:

The M1A1 155mm Howitzer kit includes the following features:

• Fully elevating gun, in excess of 45°
• Deployable carriage with firing pedestal, split tails, and deployable spades.
• Made from 126 genuine LEGO® and BrickArms® elements
• 1/35 scale matches other Brickmania models
• Intermediate Skill Level (4-6 years of building experience recommended)

About the M4 Hight Speed Tractor:

A need developed for a specialized vehicle to tow heavy artillery pieces to keep pace with the expected rapid pace of the mechanized armies during the liberation of Europe during World War II. The M4 High Speed Tractor was one such vehicle, designed with a 16-ton towing capacity, intended for towing medium to heavy artillery pieces. It was built on the chassis of the M3 Stuart medium tank, taking advantage of proven equipment and simplifying maintenance requirements. The M4 was equipped with a powerful towing winch, enclosed cab for the gun crew, and stowage bins for ready ammunition. Typically, when available, the M4 would be equipped two per gun, with one to tow the gun itself and the other with an additional ammunition trailer in tow.

Additional information about this Brickmania custom Lego® kit:

The M4 High Speed Tractor kit includes the following features:

• Includes BrickArms® M2HB .50 caliber machine gun
• Functional tow winch and hoist
• Crew cab with space for up to six minifigures
• Stowage racks for up to eleven artillery shells
• 1/35 scale matches other Brickmania models
• Intermediate Skill Level (4-6 years of building experience recommended)

Battle Pack Features and Extras:

• 4 genuine LEGO® minifigures, with custom printed US Army uniforms, plus weapons and accessories from BrickArms®
• 11 howitzer shells from BrickArms®
• 751 total pieces from LEGO®, Brickmania, and BrickArms®
• Only 50 copies available!

This Brickmania model kit is made from genuine unused LEGO, Brickmania, and BrickArms elements and is shipped disassembled. Also included are full-color printed building instructions and is packaged in a sealed box. All Brickmania building kits are limited production and may be discontinued at any time.

The M1A1 Howitzer is also available as a stand-alone kit.

Additional Photos:

Preview Video:

New Release Special Offer

Buy the M2/M3 Bradley by July 17th and get free shipping on your entire order* plus 10% off the MSRP!

*Within the USA free shipping mean delivery by the United States Postal Service using First Class Mail (packages up to 8 ounces) and Priority Mail (packages over 8 ounces). Select Countries: Free Economy Mail delivery (4-8 weeks) is also being offered to Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Japan, Luxemburg, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan and the United Kingdom.

About the M2/M3 Bradley

The M2/M3 Bradley is a tracked fighting vehicle designed to transport armored infantry at speeds matching the M1 Abrams tanks. The M2 Infantry Fighting Vehicle configuration has a crew of three and space for six infantry men, while the M3 version is designed as an armored cavalry vehicle with a crew of three, two scout troopers and space for additional ammunition. Both vehicles are armed with a powerful 25mm chain cannon, a 7.62mm coaxal machine gun, and twin TOW anti-tank rocket launchers. This model is based on the A3 upgrade package that includes reactive ERA armor and advance targeting and communications electronics.

Additional information about this Brickmania custom building kit:

This is the first premium level model in Brickmania’s new line of modern AFV kits. Features include:

• Eight opening hatches, door and ramp
• Fully articulated Brickmania tracklinks
• Rotating turret with elevating main gun and deployable TOW launcher
• The interior is semi-detailed and includes accessible driver’s and troop compartments
• Includes 3 minifigs with BrickArms weapons, vests and helmets.
• This model is the same 1/35 scale as other Brickmania kits.
• Over all color scheme is tan
• Intermediate difficulty level (4-6 years with LEGO suggested)

This Brickmania model kit is made from genuine unused LEGO bricks and is shipped disassembled. Also included are full-color printed building instructions and is packaged in a sealed box.

All Brickmania building kits are limited production and may be discontinued at any time.

Additional Images of the M2/M3 Bradley

Preview Video

Brickmania will be releasing the M4 High Speed Tractor / M1A1 155mm Howitzer Battle Pack on Monday, July 18th. The Howitzer will also be available as a separate kit. Of course this is being released during MURICA Month, so both items will be 10% off through the end of July (or until they sell out)

Here is the teaser video released earlier today on Instagram:

Below are a few “work in progress” pictures of the prototype models. Keep in mind these are early prototype pictures taken on Dan’s desk and there have been many additional refinements to the final model!

If you would like to keep up to date with new models in the works, follow us on Instagram: @brickmaniatoys

Cody and Lando show off the all new Apache Longbow, coming soon!

Dan and Lando discuss the F-15 Eagle Minikit, available soon!

We have just completed our last World War Brick event for 2016 in Hartford, CT. We are making the few leftover event kits—this limited edition WW2 Motorcycle—available to those unfortunate souls for who could not attend. Sorry, you’ll have to provide your own Captain America figure.

The F-15 “Eagle” is an all-weather, air-superiority fighter developed for the United States Air Force in the late 1960’s. First flown in 1972, it has proven to be one of the most versatile successful fighter aircraft of all time, and will have an expected service life well into the 21st century. The twin Pratt and Whitney F100 after-burning turbofan engines gives the Eagle an outstanding thrust-to-weight ratio and top speed in excess of Mach 2. It’s large wings and twin stabilizers give it exceptional maneuverability at all altitudes. Originally configured as a single seat fighter, a two seat “Strike Eagle” variant was rolled out in the 1980’s, giving the Eagle an enhanced ground attack capability. The F-15 is armed with an internally mounted M61 20mm Vulcan Cannon and can carry a wide array of Air-to-Air missiles and/or bombs.

Brickmania’s F-15 kit is made to 1:72 scale, which is roughly half the scale of our other “minifig” scale model. While it is much smaller than our other models, its 286 piece parts count ensure that it is still a fun and challenging build. It also has some cool added features like deployable air brake and pivoting horizontal stabilizers.

Additional information about this Brickmania custom building kit:

The F-15 Eagle kit includes the following features:

• Deployable airbrake and posable horizontal stabilizers
• Underwing pylons with external fuel tanks and air-to-air missiles
• Made from 286 genuine LEGO® and elements
• New 1/17 scale
• Intermediate Skill Level (4-6 years of building experience recommended)

This Brickmania model kit is made from genuine unused LEG elements and is shipped disassembled. Also included are full-color printed building instructions and is packaged in a sealed box. All Brickmania building kits are limited production and may be discontinued at any time.

New Release Special Offer

Buy the AH-64 Apache Longbow by July July 31st and get free shipping on your entire order* plus 10% off the MSRP!

*Within the USA free shipping mean delivery by the United States Postal Service using First Class Mail (packages up to 8 ounces) and Priority Mail (packages over 8 ounces). Select Countries: Free Economy Mail delivery (4-8 weeks) is also being offered to Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Japan, Luxemburg, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan and the United Kingdom.

About the AH-64 Apache Longbow:

The AH-64 Apache was developed in the 1970’s as replacement for the AH-1 Cobra gunship helicopter, with the first production models delivered to the US Army in 1986.  The Apache has a tandem seat configuration, with pilot and gunner each provided with a complete set of controls in sit in separate armored cockpits. It’s large four-blade rotor is powered by twin turboshaft engines and has four hard points for weapons stations mounted on stub wings. An upgraded AH-64D Apache Longbow version was introduced in 1997, with advanced avionics, targeting systems and the Longbow radar dome over the main rotor. The Apache is armed with a 30mm chain gun mounted underneath the fuselage, which can be targeted via link with the gunner’s helmet. a wide array of additional weapons can be slung from its stub wing, most commonly the 70mm Hydra Rocket Pods, AGM 114 Hellfire Missiles, and/or AIM-92 Stinger Missiles.

The AH-64 first saw combat in Operation Desert Storm, where it is credit for destroying more than 250 Iraqi tanks and numerous other vehicles. It has continued to see extensive service with the US Army in the Balkans, Afghanistan and Iraq. Apaches are also being used by numerous other countries, including the UK, The Netherlands, Israel, Greece, Japan, Taiwan and more. The Apache is the subject of continuous upgrade projects designed to increase performance and lethality.

Additional information about this Brickmania custom building kit:

The AH-64 Apache Longbow kit includes the following features:

• Tough construction for increased playability
• Includes 30mm chain gun, Hellfire missiles and Hydra rocket pods
• Two genuine LEGO mini figure crewmen
• Premium vinyl sticker sheet
• Made from 664 genuine LEGO® elements
• 1/35 scale matches other Brickmania models
• Intermediate Skill Level (4-6 years of building experience recommended)

This Brickmania model kit is made from genuine, unused LEGO elements and is shipped disassembled. Also included are full-color printed building instructions and is packaged in a sealed box. All Brickmania building kits are limited production and may be discontinued at any time.

New Release Preview Video:

Just released at World War Brick Hartford, we have the new Pacific Battle Pack from BrickArms. It contains everything you need to equip your soldiers for an epic World War Two battle in the Pacific Ocean.

Includes:

• Type 99 Machine Gun
• Type 100 SMG w/Ammo Mag
• Type 91 Grenade
• Bipod
• Nambu Pistol
• Arisaka Rifle
• Type 90 Helmet
• Sabre Shotgun
• M1 Carbine (Full Stock)
• BAR
• M1A1
• M1911 Pistol
• M1 Steel Pot Helmet

Check out this very in-depth review video of our M1A1 155mm Howitzer + M4 High Speed Tractor Battle Pack!  Thank you Matthew for taking the time to put together such an awesome review! Check out the complete selection of youtube videos from Extreme Bricks HERE.

Cody and Lando show off Cody’s latest design, the F4U Corsair.

Coming August 1st 2016!

Special Bonus: US Marine WWII Fire Team Pack:

This batch of LCVPs includes an exclusive US Marine WWII Fire Team Pack with five genuine LEGO mini figures with custom printed US Marine figures and fully equipped with BrickArms weapons and accessories. All of these items alone would cost more than $60 if purchased separately

Pacific Month Savings:

The LCVP is 10% off the MSRP during August for Pacific Month! All WW2 Pacific Campaign kits and mini figures are 10% all month long!

Background on the LCVP:

The LCVP was landing boat designed and manufactured by Higgins Industries and was used extensively by US forces, during the myriad of amphibious landings during World War II. The LCVP was 36 feet in length, had a shallow draft, and had a ramp at the bow ramp that spanned the entire width of the hull. During an amphibious landing, it would be lowered into the sea from a larger ship, where troops would descend into the boat via cargo net lowered down the ship’s side. LCVP could carry a platoon of 36 combat troops or a small vehicle such as a jeep to shore, thus earning the designation Landing Craft Vehicle, Personnel. The LCVP was armed with two .30 caliber Browning machine guns and was manned by a crew of four. The boat was constructed mainly of plywood, with the steel bow ramp serving as the main armor protection against shore fire. Its 225 horsepower diesel engine pushed the LCVP to 12 knots. The boat’s shallow draft meant it could be beached directly on short, the ramp lowered for troops or vehicles to rapidly disgorge. The LCVP would then back away from shore and return to its mother ship for another load. With more than 20,000 LCVP made during the war, it was undoubtedly one of the crucial items that helped deliver the Allied victory in Europe and Asia.

Features of the LCVP kit include:

• Three custom WW2 US Navy minifigs with new light gray BrickArms M1 Steel Pot helmets
• Two BrickArms M1919 Machine Guns
• Opening bow ramp with cable spool
• Includes 414 LEGO®, Brickmania™ and BrickArms® elements
• 1/35 scale matches other Brickmania models
• The over-all color scheme of this model is light gray
• Intermediate Skill Level (4-6 years experience with LEGO is recommended)
• This is a sturdy model that has been play tested by kids during World War Brick activities!

Bonus US Marine WWII Fire Team Pack includes:

• Five genuine LEGO® mini figures with custom printed WW2 uniforms
• Weapons, M1 Steel Pot Helmets and Web Gear from BrickArms®

All Brickmania kits are made of new-condition LEGO elements. All kits come disassembled, and include complete full color printed building instructions, and packaged in a sealed box.

New Release Special Offer

Buy the F4U by August 7th and get free shipping on your entire order* plus 10% off the MSRP!

*Within the USA free shipping mean delivery by the United States Postal Service using First Class Mail (packages up to 8 ounces) and Priority Mail (packages over 8 ounces). Select Countries: Free Economy Mail delivery (4-8 weeks) is also being offered to Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Japan, Luxemburg, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan and the United Kingdom.

About the F4U Corsair:

This  F4U Corsair was one of the most successful American fighter designs of World War II. The F4U was powered by a massive 2000hp, 18-cylinder Double Wasp radial engine. It had a distinct inverted gull-wing shape, necessary to provide ground clearance for its gigantic three-bladed, 13′ 3″ diameter propeller. Designed for the rigors of aircraft carrier operations, the 4FU was a ruggedly builtt aircraft. It was armed with six wing-mounted .50 caliber machine guns—which would eventually be replaced with four 20mm cannons. Early F4Us could additionally carry 2000 pounds of bombs, with later variants capable of delivering 4000 pounds of bombs and/or eight five-inch rockets.

The first production Corsairs were delivered to the US Navy in July 1942, but they were not immediately accepted due to problems encountered during aircraft carrier landings. While these problems were being worked out, the Navy passed on their Corsairs to land-based US Marine aviation units in the Pacific. The first Marine piloted Corsairs arrived in the Pacific during February 1943, and within months were achieve favorable results against Japanese Aircraft. The Marines also soon discovered the Corsairs was an immensely capable ground attack aircraft and was ideally suited for CAS (Close-Air Support) operations. By the end of 1943, Corsairs were attacking ground targets with bombs, napalm tanks and rockets. The carrier landing problems were eventually resolved and the Corsair was officially adopted for use by the US Navy in February 1944. Corsairs would continue to be used by the Navy and Marines well into the 1950 and provided invaluable in the CAS role.

The Corsair’s record backs up its reputation as one of the top fighter aircraft of World War II. Its over-all kill ratio against Japanese aircraft was more than 11:1 and more than 6:1 against their most capable fighters. It also delivered more than 70% off all bombs dropped by US fighter aircraft during the war. The Japanese considered the Corsair to be the most formidable enemy aircraft and nicknamed it “Whistling Death” in reference to the sound made by the Corsair’s wing front air intakes.

Additional information about this Brickmania custom building kit:

The F4U Corsair kit includes the following features:

• Realistic folding wings for storage in your aircraft carrier’s hanger deck (aircraft carrier not included)
• Retractable landing gear and optional bomb rack with 1000 pound bomb
• Retractable windscreen, realistic cockpit, and higher pilot mini figure included
• Made from 696 genuine LEGO® and elements
• Trio-tone camouflage color accurate for late WW2 Pacific Theater
• Premium vinyl sticker sheet included
• Built in 1/35 scale to match Brickmania’s other models
• Made from 696 genuine LEGO® and elements
• Advanced Skill Level (6-8 years of building experience recommended)

This Brickmania model kit is made from genuine unused LEGO elements and is shipped disassembled. Also included are full-color printed building instructions and is packaged in a sealed box. All Brickmania building kits are limited production and may be discontinued at any time.

Image Gallery:

Youtube Preview Video:

Have a passion for the history? Are you a brick enthusiast? Are you a team player? Brickmania is a growing company and there may be room for you on our team! Check this page for career opportunities at Brickmania.

Retail Associate – Now Hiring at Mall of America

(Open 07/28/2016 —  Mall of America location)

Brickmania is looking for dynamic individuals who are passionate about sales, excellent customer service, and LEGO® for our Mall of America store location. The ideal candidate must be able to thrive in a customer-focused, high-end, collectible toy retail environment.
Candidates must be hard working, high energy and dedicated to building relationships by delivering exceptional customer satisfaction.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned as necessary.

• Ensures that customers are the number one focus.
• Maintains a welcoming environment for everyone who enters the store.
• Offers customers assistance in purchasing Brickmania products.
• Directs customers by escorting them to displays and counters and suggesting items.
• Builds a relationship with the customer, understanding their needs and wants.
• Process payments by totaling purchases, handling cash and credit cards.
• Keeps customer informed on current products, store displays, sales, preferred client programs, and merchandise of potential interest to customer.
• Protects employees and customers by providing a safe and clean store environment.
• May be responsible for opening or closing store, as appropriate.

Previous retail experience is preferred, as well as a liking for Lego and building experience.

Job Type: Part-time

Salary: $10.00 /hour

Required education:

• High school or equivalent

Required experience:

• Retail: 1 year

Apply online HERE

We were completely unprepared for the overwhelming response F4U Corsair kit on Monday. In response we have re-arranged our production schedule in order to produce a second batch before the end of the month. We’re not accepting pre-orders, so mark your calendars for the restock announcement expected on Monday, August 29th. In the meantime, there are three copies headed to each of our retails stores and to Brickfair Virginia this weekend.