During the Clone Wars, the forces of the CIS (Confederacy of Independent Systems) were locked in combat with the Storm Troopers of the Galactic Republic. One of the most devastating weapons systems they had to face was the main Battle Tank deployed by the Republic. This monster, known as the HAVw (Heavy Assault Vehicle/wheeled) A6 Juggernaut, was produced out of the Kuat Drive Yards for the Republic. LEGO has produced two versions of this vehicle, which they call the Clone Turbo Tank.
In the long struggle pitting the CIS against the Republic, the battles raged over a wide front. During the Battle of Felucia, a new type of weapons system was revealed by the Troopers of the Republic. This was the model A5 Juggernaut Tank. Initially, this tank served as the command position of Commander Ahsoka Tano. This first version of the Tank was 22 meters long, and 15 meters high when the Observation Platform was fully extended upwards. With five drive axles, its maximum speed on level terrain was 160 km/hr. The A5 could hold around 50-100 troopers, depending on what else was loaded.
The A5 model was followed by the HAVw A6 Juggernaut, which was larger than the A5. This newer model was more than 49 meters in length, and its height was more than 30 meters with the Spotter Platform in the raised position. With its larger size, it could carry as many as 300 Troopers. Other armaments included a compact, foldable Scout Walker, laser cannons, and a missile launching system.
LEGO's first version of the A6 Juggernaut was released in May of 2005, and was called the "Clone Turbo Tank"; the LEGO set number was 7261. Included with this set were seven minifigs, including Battle Droids, Clone Troopers, and an Aerial Trooper, as well as Mace Windu. In this initial release, the Mace Windu mini-figure had a light saber that could be made to light up by pressing the top of his head. This feature meant, however, that the minifig could not be disassembled. The set came with 801 pieces, and like the A6 tank it was modeled after, it featured double cockpits, with one located on each end of the machine.
The follow-up version of LEGO 7261 featured only a few minor changes: the light-up light saber of Mace Windu was eliminated, and an additional Clone Trooper minifig was added. A couple of the construction elements were also changed, with the intention of making the finished model stronger. Both versions were equipped with the highly flexible suspension that had been developed for the A6. The drive axles were pivoted from the center, which meant that the tank had an increased ability to negotiate rough terrain. The wheels turn as the model is turned, which provides the steering.
The second edition of this Battle Tank, which LEGO released in 2010, was listed as LEGO 8098, but it kept the name "Clone Battle Tank". This set was also designed with the very flexible suspension, which was also steerable. In the first set, the wheels of the tank were almost completely closed. In the newer version, the wheels are designed as a type of low-profile tire, with the center section open, and covered by a hub disk. The observation platform can be raised above the tank, as with the earlier version.
When finished, this model of the Clone Turbo Tank is more than 17 inches long, and stands over 8 inches high. The set includes 1141 pieces, and among other features it has a collapsible Scout Walker that can be transported inside the Tank. Another helpful feature is a pop-up handle which makes carrying the tank around much easier. This second version of the Tank includes six minifigs, one of which is Aayla Secura, which is an exclusive feature of this set. The large doors on either side of the hull swing down to open the compartment, giving full access to the main interior space for loading weapons and troops for transport.
If someone on your gift list, (or you yourself) is a real fan of Star Wars, in particular the Clone Wars series, then this set is a "have-to-have". It will provide many hours of enjoyment while it is being built, as well as many more days of fun as it is used to re-play the struggles of the Clone Wars.
In the long struggle pitting the CIS against the Republic, the battles raged over a wide front. During the Battle of Felucia, a new type of weapons system was revealed by the Troopers of the Republic. This was the model A5 Juggernaut Tank. Initially, this tank served as the command position of Commander Ahsoka Tano. This first version of the Tank was 22 meters long, and 15 meters high when the Observation Platform was fully extended upwards. With five drive axles, its maximum speed on level terrain was 160 km/hr. The A5 could hold around 50-100 troopers, depending on what else was loaded.
The A5 model was followed by the HAVw A6 Juggernaut, which was larger than the A5. This newer model was more than 49 meters in length, and its height was more than 30 meters with the Spotter Platform in the raised position. With its larger size, it could carry as many as 300 Troopers. Other armaments included a compact, foldable Scout Walker, laser cannons, and a missile launching system.
LEGO's first version of the A6 Juggernaut was released in May of 2005, and was called the "Clone Turbo Tank"; the LEGO set number was 7261. Included with this set were seven minifigs, including Battle Droids, Clone Troopers, and an Aerial Trooper, as well as Mace Windu. In this initial release, the Mace Windu mini-figure had a light saber that could be made to light up by pressing the top of his head. This feature meant, however, that the minifig could not be disassembled. The set came with 801 pieces, and like the A6 tank it was modeled after, it featured double cockpits, with one located on each end of the machine.
The follow-up version of LEGO 7261 featured only a few minor changes: the light-up light saber of Mace Windu was eliminated, and an additional Clone Trooper minifig was added. A couple of the construction elements were also changed, with the intention of making the finished model stronger. Both versions were equipped with the highly flexible suspension that had been developed for the A6. The drive axles were pivoted from the center, which meant that the tank had an increased ability to negotiate rough terrain. The wheels turn as the model is turned, which provides the steering.
The second edition of this Battle Tank, which LEGO released in 2010, was listed as LEGO 8098, but it kept the name "Clone Battle Tank". This set was also designed with the very flexible suspension, which was also steerable. In the first set, the wheels of the tank were almost completely closed. In the newer version, the wheels are designed as a type of low-profile tire, with the center section open, and covered by a hub disk. The observation platform can be raised above the tank, as with the earlier version.
When finished, this model of the Clone Turbo Tank is more than 17 inches long, and stands over 8 inches high. The set includes 1141 pieces, and among other features it has a collapsible Scout Walker that can be transported inside the Tank. Another helpful feature is a pop-up handle which makes carrying the tank around much easier. This second version of the Tank includes six minifigs, one of which is Aayla Secura, which is an exclusive feature of this set. The large doors on either side of the hull swing down to open the compartment, giving full access to the main interior space for loading weapons and troops for transport.
If someone on your gift list, (or you yourself) is a real fan of Star Wars, in particular the Clone Wars series, then this set is a "have-to-have". It will provide many hours of enjoyment while it is being built, as well as many more days of fun as it is used to re-play the struggles of the Clone Wars.
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Get more information about the Lego Clone Turbo Tanks, such as where to find them and get the best prices, by going to: Lego Turbo Tank. For lot more info about other major LEGO Star Wars sets, go to Lego Star Wars Sets
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