Greetings friends and supporters!

Time for another brief intrusion from the land of Brickmania! I usually wait until the end of the month to send these, but once again new developments are happening at an accelerated pace.

First of all, thanks to everyone who came out to to BrickCon and for the overwhelming support there. I received a lot of positive response about my models on display and we went back to Minneapolis with nearly empty bags (they would have been totally empty if not for the great deal on "pick-a-brick" because we sold nearly everything we brought!!).

HIGHLAND KEEP UPDATE:

My new castle is coming along nicely and I have parts coming from the four corners of the globe to complete the first batch of kits. In the meantime I am working ont he instructions and finalizing the minifigs and interior details. I have put together a slide show of some of the recent prototype photos on the Castle Kits page:
http://brickmania.com/brickmania-kits/castle-kits

Since this is still very much a work in progress I do not yet have a final piece count or price. However, I am going to go back to my tradition of giving a discount on larger models for those who pre-pay during the development phase. Now through the end of October I am offering this kit for $1000 plus postage. Yes, it's expensive, but this kit is even larger than Vlad's keep, which sold for the same price. After October 31, the price will be adjusted to my standard formula and therefore a lot more expensive. Ordering info is here:
http://www.brickmania.com/store?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=63&category_id=7

NEW WWII KITS:

After receiving word that I wouldn't be able to release the Sturmhaubitze 42 at BrickCon due to a shipping foul-up, I hastily put together a replacement kit in its stead. Thus Brickmania 223 "Kubelwagen" was developed and packaged n the 24 hours before we left for BrickCon. I put together 10 copies of the kit as a limited edition BrickCon exclusive and of course they sold out instantly. To satisfy demand from those who did not go to BrickCon, I am releasing two new variations based on this simple but effective design. The parts are already ordered for the first batch of these kits and they should be completed within the next 1-2 weeks. You can view them here:

Standard Dk Blue-Gray ($30):
http://brickmania.com/store?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=83&category_id=1

Tan "Deursches Afrikakorps" edition ($40):
http://brickmania.com/store?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=82&category_id=1

I have also re-done my Willy's Jeep (again!) so now it comes with a minifig as standard, removed the M416 trailer, and made some minor design improvements. Since it's made from old dark gray bricks, there's still no way to avoid the $50 price tag. It's available here:

http://brickmania.com/store?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=84&category_id=1

In other WWII kit news, I should be receiving new batches of helmets from Brickforge and MG42's from BrickArms this week. This means the SdKfz 251 and 2009 Battlepack will once again be available to order (but keep in mind they probably won't be ready to ship from here until next week).

DECALS AND PARTS:

People have regularly asked me to sell them parts and decals.... and now I've started doing it! Right now my parts selection is limited to technic chain links (the most requested product) and some of the more popular dry-transfer decal designs from Archer Fine Transfers. I have lowered my minimum shipping charge to accommodate these smaller items and most will ship free with larger orders. This is a kind of "testing the waters" experiment for me and I will be increasing the selection of parts and decals (and maybe even books) if there turns out to be such a demand.

INSTRUCTIONS CLUB:

I completed a massive overhaul of instructions system that will make it far easier for you to navigate and for me to add new designs. I also added 4 new instruction sets this month:

223: Kübelwagen
221: M4A3(76)w VVSS Sherman
208t Tan Panther
401: Fokker Dr. 1

Upcoming additions will include lots of micro armor, WWI and a whole, whole lot of Castle! If you're not yet a subscriber then you're missing out on cool instructions (including exclusive designs and out-of-production kits) and a 5% discount on all orders!

Thanks again for your support and take care!

Dan