Saturday, November 26, 2011

Lego Clone Turbo Tank - The Clone Wars Battle Tank

By Carlton T Driver


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 battle between the CIS and the Republic, fighting raged over a wide front. During the Battle of Felucia, a new weapons system was deployed by the forces of the Republic. It was the A5 model of the Juggernaut. Initially, it served as the command vehicle of Commander Ahsoka Tano. This version was 22 meters long, and 15 meters high to the top of the Observation Platform. With its five drive axles, its top speed on level ground was 160 km/hr. The A5 could hold around 50 troopers.

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 initial version of the A6 Juggernaut was called the "Clone Turbo Tank"; the LEGO set, number 7261 was released in May of 2005. Included with the set were seven minifigs: Clone Troopers, Battle Droids, and an Aerial Trooper, and Mace Windu. In this first release, the Mace Windu mini-figure was equipped with a light saber that would actually light up when the top of his head was pressed. This feature meant, however, that it wasn't possible to disassemble the figure. The set had 801 pieces in all, and featured the double cockpits characteristic of the A6, 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.

Version two of this Battle Tank, released in 2010, was designated LEGO 8098, but it retained the name "Clone Battle Tank". This set was also equipped with the very agile suspension system, and it was also steerable. One of the differences between the sets is the wheels - in the first set, the wheels were almost completely closed. In this second version, the wheels are represented as a type of low-profile tire, with an open center section which is covered by a hub disk. The observation station that can be raised above the tank is included in the design.

This model of the Clone Turbo Tank, when finished, is over 17 inches long, and stands more than 8 inches high. The set contains 1141 pieces, and includes a foldable Scout Walker that can be carried inside the Tank. Another useful feature is a pop-up handle that makes it easy to carry the tank around. This version of the Tank has six minifigs, including one of Aayla Secura, which is an exclusive feature of this set. The large doors on either side of the hull can be opened by swinging down, giving full access to the main interior space for loading troops and weapons.

If you or someone on your gift list have a real interest in Star Wars, particularly the Clone Wars series, then this set is a "must have". It will provide hours of enjoyment during the building process, as well as many hours of fun as it is used to re-stage the battles of the Clone Wars.




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