BrickArms Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
• Why can't we order here any more?
As of May 1st 2011, BrickArms are sold only through my resellers
• How did you make these?
With tiny tiny tools! Actually, I used a 3D parametric modeling program , which produced CAD files. A mold maker then used these files to program a Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) milling machine to cut cavities into both halves of the mold. When the cavities are ready, he uses an expensive injection molding machine to inject hot ABS plastic (the same plastic used by LEGO®) into the mold with 90 tons of pressure. Once the ABS cools, the mold halves are separated, and out pops the weapon. It may sound easy, but the process is time-consuming and permanent. Once you start cutting into the steel mold, there is no turning back! :)
• How much do your molds cost?
Many thousands of dollars. Molds that can produce these parts are expensive - but the results are worth it! I should be able to produce many, many thousands of parts before the mold has to be "retired".
• Your guns are not exactly to scale. What gives?
Well, LEGO® minifigs aren't exactly to scale, either, right? It is hard to use scale version of real-life objects in the LEGO® universe. So, I had to scale down different parts of each weapon and see if I can make them look right, and had to decide what would stay, and what would go.
• Why do your guns have trigger guards? Minifigs don't have trigger fingers!
This one is easy: I like them!
Seriously, the trigger guards give the gun a finished look. I'm not a big fan of the 'cartoony' look of most guns that are without them. My RPG is the exception - I wanted it to be able to be used as either a WW2 Panzerfaust (no trigger guard), or a modern RPG.
• The real M4 does not have a knob on the side, but yours does. Why?
Again, this is one of of those design decisions my son and I made. He loves to imagine the minifig pulling back (racking) the knob to charge the weapons. If it bugs you, you can think of it as a fire selector, or you can think of the weapon as an AR-18 if you'd rather.
• The real M1A1 has an angled grip but yours is vertical. Why?
This is by design. If I angled the grip backward like the real M1A1, the minifigs could not hold it! The butt stock would whack them in the crook of the elbow. I already had to shorten the butt stock considerably just to make it fit the fixed geometry of a minifig's arm.
• Why is the RPG warhead so large?
If you were up against a tank, wouldn't you want the biggest, baddest warhead on your RPG?
• How did you get so much detail in your parts?
Micro-tooling. Very small CNC cutters allow me to add the incredible detail you see in my parts. It also allows an incredibly smooth finish, instead of the orange-peel texture you can find on other weapons. With my newest molds, I have even given the mold a polished finish, to eradicate any tooling marks on the weapons. Shiny, and smooth - just like LEGO®!