In the battles known as the Clone Wars, the armies of the CIS (Confederacy of Independent Systems) were engaged in battle with the Storm Troopers who fought for the Galactic Republic. One of the most effective weapons they had to face was the Battle Tank deployed by the forces of the Republic. This behemoth, known as the HAVw A6 Juggernaut, was produced out of the Kuat Drive Yards (the ones who reworked Boba Fett's ship Slave 1) for the forces of the Republic. LEGO has created two different versions of this vehicle, which they refer to as the Clone Turbo Tank.
In the long struggle between the CIS and the Republic, the war raged over a broad front. It was during the Battle of Felucia that a new class of weapons system was deployed by the Storm Troopers of the Republic. This new weapon was called the A5 Juggernaut Tank. In the beginning, this tank was uses as the command center for Commander Ahsoka Tano. This initial version of the Tank was over 22 meters long, and more than 15 meters high when the Observation Platform was fully extended. Equipped with five drive axles, its highest speed on flat terrain was 160 km/hr. The A5 could carry approximately 50-100 troops, depending on what else was loaded in its hull.
The successor to the model A5 the HAVw A6 Juggernaut, which was even larger than the A5. This model was more than 49 meters in length (more than double the A5's length, and its height was more than 30 meters, with the Spotter Platform in the extended position. Because of its larger size, it could carry up to 300 Troopers. Other features included a foldable Scout Walker, powerful laser cannons, and a missile launching system.
The first LEGO version of the A6 Juggernaut was released in May 2005, and was given the name "Clone Turbo Tank"; the LEGO set designation was 7261. This set included seven minifigs, including Clone Troopers, Battle Droids, an Aerial Trooper, and Mace Windu. In this first release, the mini-figure of Mace Windu had a light saber that would actually light up when the top of his head was pressed. This also meant, however, that the minifig could not be taken apart. The set had 801 pieces, and like the A6 it was modeled after, featured dual cockpits, one 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 version of this Battle Tank that LEGO released was designated LEGO 8098, but retained the name "Clone Battle Tank". This set also had the very agile suspension, and was steerable as well. One of the most noticeable differences between the sets is the wheels - in the first set, the wheels were almost entirely closed. In this newer version, the wheels are presented as a sort of low-profile tire, with an open wheel center which is then covered by a hub plate disk. The observation tower that rises above the tank is also included.
When completed, this version of the Clone Turbo Tank is over 17 inches long, and stands more than 8 inches high. The set has a total of 1141 pieces, among other features it has a collapsible Scout Walker that fits inside the Tank. Another nice feature is a handle that pops up from the tank, which makes carrying it around easier. This second version of the Tank comes with six minifigs, including Aayla Secura. This is the only set to include her. The big doors that make up the sides of the hull can swing down to open the compartment, which gives complete access to the interior space for purposes of loading weapons and troops for transport into the battle.
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 between the CIS and the Republic, the war raged over a broad front. It was during the Battle of Felucia that a new class of weapons system was deployed by the Storm Troopers of the Republic. This new weapon was called the A5 Juggernaut Tank. In the beginning, this tank was uses as the command center for Commander Ahsoka Tano. This initial version of the Tank was over 22 meters long, and more than 15 meters high when the Observation Platform was fully extended. Equipped with five drive axles, its highest speed on flat terrain was 160 km/hr. The A5 could carry approximately 50-100 troops, depending on what else was loaded in its hull.
The successor to the model A5 the HAVw A6 Juggernaut, which was even larger than the A5. This model was more than 49 meters in length (more than double the A5's length, and its height was more than 30 meters, with the Spotter Platform in the extended position. Because of its larger size, it could carry up to 300 Troopers. Other features included a foldable Scout Walker, powerful laser cannons, and a missile launching system.
The first LEGO version of the A6 Juggernaut was released in May 2005, and was given the name "Clone Turbo Tank"; the LEGO set designation was 7261. This set included seven minifigs, including Clone Troopers, Battle Droids, an Aerial Trooper, and Mace Windu. In this first release, the mini-figure of Mace Windu had a light saber that would actually light up when the top of his head was pressed. This also meant, however, that the minifig could not be taken apart. The set had 801 pieces, and like the A6 it was modeled after, featured dual cockpits, one 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 version of this Battle Tank that LEGO released was designated LEGO 8098, but retained the name "Clone Battle Tank". This set also had the very agile suspension, and was steerable as well. One of the most noticeable differences between the sets is the wheels - in the first set, the wheels were almost entirely closed. In this newer version, the wheels are presented as a sort of low-profile tire, with an open wheel center which is then covered by a hub plate disk. The observation tower that rises above the tank is also included.
When completed, this version of the Clone Turbo Tank is over 17 inches long, and stands more than 8 inches high. The set has a total of 1141 pieces, among other features it has a collapsible Scout Walker that fits inside the Tank. Another nice feature is a handle that pops up from the tank, which makes carrying it around easier. This second version of the Tank comes with six minifigs, including Aayla Secura. This is the only set to include her. The big doors that make up the sides of the hull can swing down to open the compartment, which gives complete access to the interior space for purposes of loading weapons and troops for transport into the battle.
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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Find all the details on the Lego 8098 Clone Turbo Tanks, such as where to find them and get the best prices, by going to: Lego 8098 Clone Turbo Tank. For lots more info about other major LEGO Star Wars sets, go to Lego Star Wars Sets
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