Make a Playmobil Cannon...That Really Fires!

Have you ever wanted to make your Playmobil cannons shoot with long range and high velocity?  It is nearly impossible with the standard configuration.  Fortunately, there is an easy way to equip your armies with this handy weapon.  This tutorial will show you how.

Step #1: Disassemble cannon

Step #1: Remove the cannon barrel from its carriage (the wooden part with wheels).  Disassemble the barrel by removing the breech (the little circular part in the top right of the picture).  This can be done by depressing the tabs on each side of the breech.  I used a Playmobil spear to avoid crushing the tabs.  Once the tabs are depressed, the breech can be easily removed, and with the breech removed, the plunger is also easily accessible.  The photo at left shows the barrel (far left), the plunger (center), and the breech (top right).

It is important to add a spring to this group of parts.  The spring will provide the mechanism to power the cannon.

Step #2: Insert plunger and spring.

Step #2: Return the plunger to its position inside the cannon barrel.  Now add the spring, dropping it down the barrel and around the plunger.  If you click on the picture to expand it, you may be able to see the spring in its position.  The breech is still unused, but we will add that in the next step.

Step #3: Reassemble cannon

Step #3: Carefully replace the breech over the plunger.  The cannon should now look exactly like it did before you started.  Replace the cannon back on its carriage and your project is all done!

To fire, load some ammo in the cannon's muzzle and pull back on the plunger.  Because the spring creates tension, the released plunger will fire the projectile quite a long way.  Of course, never shoot it at a person or animal.  Now your Playmobil armies have some artillery support...that really fires!

Beyond the Mask in 30 Seconds with LEGO--Credits

The video featured in the previous blog post (see at http://www.defendingthelegacy.blogspot.com/2015/12/beyond-mask-30-seconds-with-lego.html) is one that my siblings and I created for a contest run by Beyond the Mask.  Because the winner is the video with the most views, please watch and, if you liked it, tell your friends about it.

My part in this video was co-writing the script, constructing most of the sets, character design, and all the editing.  Many of the Lego bricks seen in this movie are from my collection.  My voice was used for Charles Kemp (the villain).

My sister co-wrote the script with me, set up scenes and lighting, and was assistant camerawoman.  She also worked on character design.  Her voice was used for Charlotte Holloway (the heroine).

My brother set up the scenes and lighting, was chief cameraman and director of photography. He helped with character design (Will's appearance was entirely his work) as well as some set construction and supervising all stunts and stuntmen.  His voice was used for William Reynolds (the hero).



Will Reynolds (center with hair) is framed by Mr. Harrison (far left).
George Washington is at the far right.



My dad's voice was used for Mr. Harrison ("He did it") as well as Benjamin Franklin ("Follow the wires").

My mom took over our normal chores so that we could have more time to film.  She also allowed us to use her closet as a studio and her phone as a movie camera.


This movie was filmed on an iPhone 4s and edited with Windows Live Movie Maker.  Lines were recorded with Audacity.


Note: this movie makes the most sense if one has seen the real Beyond the Mask first.  It can be ordered at http://beyondthemaskmovie.com/