During the Clone Wars, CIS (Confederacy of Independent Systems) forces engaged in combat with the Storm Troopers of the Galactic Republic. One of the most devastating weapons systems they had to face was the Republic-deployed main battle tank. This monster, known as the HAVw (Heavy Assault Vehicle / Wheeled) A6 Juggernaut, was manufactured by Kuat Drive Yards for the Republic. LEGO has produced two versions of this vehicle, which they call the Clone Turbo Tank.
In the long battle between the CIS and the Republic, the struggle unfolded on a broad front. During the Battle of Felucia, the Republic forces deployed a new weapon system. It was the A5 model of the Juggernaut. Initially, it served as Commander Ahsoka Tano’s command vehicle. This version was 22 meters long and 15 meters high to the top of the Observation Deck. With its five drive axles, its top speed on flat ground was 160 km / h. The A5 could contain around 50 soldiers.
The A5 model was followed by the HAVw A6 Juggernaut, which was much 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 up to 300 soldiers. Other armaments included a compact, collapsible Scout Walker, laser cannons, and a missile launch system.
The first LEGO version of the A6 Juggernaut was released in May 2005 and was called the “Clone Turbo Tank”; the designation of the LEGO set was 7261. This set included seven minifigs, including Clone Troopers, Battle Droids, an Aerial Trooper, and Mace Windu. In this first release, the Mace Windu minifigure had a lightsaber that actually lit up when the top of its head was pressed. However, this also meant that the minifig could not be disassembled. The set had 801 pieces and, like the A6, was inspired by the model, it featured double cabs, one at each end of the machine.
The second version of LEGO 7261 was quite similar to the first, with a few exceptions: the Mace Windu minifigure no longer had the illuminated lightsaber, and an additional Clone Trooper minifigure was included. Some of the construction details were also slightly different, the differences were directed to strengthening the finished model. Both versions featured the very agile suspension that characterized the A6; the wheel axles pivot from their centers, giving the tank the ability to handle rough terrain. The wheels also spun with the model, making it steerable.
The second version of this Battle Tank that LEGO released was designated LEGO 8098, but it retained the name “Clone Battle Tank”. This set also has a very agile suspension and is also steerable. One of the most notable differences between the sets is the wheels: In the first set, the wheels were almost completely closed. In this new version, the wheels are presented as a kind of low-profile tire, with an open wheel center that is then covered by a hub disc. Also included is the observation tower that rises above the tank.
This model of the Clone Turbo Tank, when finished, is over 17 inches long and over 8 inches tall. The set contains 1,141 pieces and includes a foldable Scout Walker that can be carried inside the tank. Another useful feature is a pop-up handle that makes transporting the tank easy. This version of the Tank has six minifigs, including one by Aayla Secura, which is an exclusive feature of this set. The large doors on both sides of the hull can be opened by swinging down, giving full access to the main interior space for loading troops and weapons.
If you have, or someone on your gift list has, a real interest in Star Wars, particularly the Clone Wars series, then this set is a “must-have.” It will provide hours of fun during the building process, as well as many hours of fun as it is used to re-enact the battles of the Clone Wars.