The Scientist Behind the Bricks
Buildarmy was founded by Dr. Ruibin Zhang, a lifelong LEGO® MOC fan and enthusiast in WW2 movies and vehicles.
Before Buildarmy began, Ruibin worked in the University of Sheffield as a scientific researcher in Materials Science, studying soft matters such as polymers and liquid crystals. One of his favourite ways to relax was recreating Second World War vehicles in LEGO bricks. During overnight synchrotron X-ray experiments, he often spent the long waiting periods designing virtual models in LEGO® Digital Designer.
Ruibin refining the Tiger 1 during a X-ray session at the Diamond Light Source, UK’s national synchrotron facility in Oxfordshire.
From Blueprint to Brick
Each Buildarmy model begins with original blueprints. We convert the real vehicle’s dimensions into our chosen scale, then translate its length, width, height, wheelbase, turret size and key angles into the brick system.
Advanced LEGO SNOT building techniques and carefully engineered internal structures allow us to recreate complex shapes, smooth surfaces and accurate armour angles that cannot be achieved through conventional stacking alone.
The distance between two studs: 1p=8mm; the height of one tile: 1h=0.4p=3.2mm.
From LEGO to LEGO Compatible
We started producing small batches using genuine LEGO® elements sourced through Pick a Brick, BrickLink and other channels. However, many parts were rare, discontinued or unavailable in the required colours, making consistent production difficult.
During a trip to China, Ruibin saw his nephew building with a local brick brand using the same standard geometry and was surprised by its quality. As the original patents of the basic LEGO brick system had expired, other manufacturers could legally produce bricks using the same standard geometry. He then researched manufacturers of high-quality compatible bricks that met European toy-safety requirements. This provided the parts and colours needed for consistent production without compromising accuracy or detail—and Buildarmy was born.
Built with GoBricks
Today, Buildarmy models are made primarily with GoBricks, widely regarded within China’s No. 1 compatible brick. We selected them for their precise moulding, reliable clutch, consistent colours and smooth finish.
