CrazyFigure LW002 1/12 scale “Operation Gothic Serpent” Delta Force operator 6-inch figure

Operation Gothic Serpent was a military operation conducted by United States special operations forces during the Somali Civil War with the primary mission of capturing faction leader Mohamed Farrah Aidid. The operation occurred in Somalia from August to October 1993 and was supervised by the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC).

As part of the operation, the soldiers were deployed in a mission to arrest two of Aidid's lieutenants. That mission's result – executed under the command of Gothic Serpent – became known as the Battle of Mogadishu.

CrazyFigure LW002 1/12 scale “Operation Gothic Serpent” US Military Special Force Army Special Operations Command (USF ASOC) in Mogadishu Somalia 1993 Product Specification: Authentic Real Likeness head sculpt and body (hand x 6), Battle Dress Uniform (BDU) in 3-color desert mode, T-shirt in OD Color, PT Bullet Proof vest, Omega Tactical Vest, US Flag patch x2, Radio pouch, Gun holder, Canteen and cover, LBT Bag, S Belt, Buttpack, Hellstorm knee pads, Compass / First Aid Bag, Pro-tec helmet, Wind Glasses, GSG9 battle boots, Nomex Glove x4, MX300R Radio, Headphones, R0727 Carbine and red dot sights, Gun light, M16 Assault Rifle, 870 Shotgun, Shotgun shell x3, M1911A1 pistol, M67 grenade x2, M18 Smoke grenade X2, Pistol magazine X2

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Crazy Figure 1/12 scale Chalk Leader 75th Ranger - TASK FORCE RANGER 12" figure

Operation Gothic Serpent was a military operation conducted by special operations forces of the United States with the primary mission of capturing warlord Mohamed Farrah Aidid. The operation took place in Somalia, Africa from August to October 1993 and was supervised by the Joint Special Operations Command. As part of the operation, the soldiers were deployed in a mission to arrest two of Aidid's lieutenants. The result of that mission – executed under the command of Gothic Serpent – became known as the Battle of Mogadishu, or "The Battle of the Black Sea" to those who fought in it.

One of the key events is the downing of a UH-60 Black Hawk and the subsequent attempt to rescue its crew. As a result of the Black Hawk Down, the raid quickly became the most intensive close combat in the military history of the United States since the Vietnam War. The events of the raid were later renamed the Battle of Mogadishu by international media, as opposed to the operation's name of Gothic Serpent. Mark Bowden wrote a book about it and it was then adapted into a film directed by Ridley Scott and released in 2001, aptly named BLACK HAWK DOWN.

Josh Hartnett's role in the 2001 film BLACK HAWK DOWN was based on Staff Sergeant Matt Eversmann, US Army Ranger, leader of Chalk 4.

Crazy Figure LW001 1/12 scale Chalk Leader 75th Ranger - TASK FORCE RANGER “Operation Gothic Serpent” 1993 Mogadishu Somalia PARTS LIST: REAL LIKE HEAD SCULPT AND BODY (HAND MODEL ×6) | OD GI T-SHIRT | DESERT BATTLE DRESS UNIFORM 3 COLOR DESERT | US FLAG PATCH | Ranger Body Armor RBA（WOODLAND） | PASGT HELMET (6 COLOR DESERT COVER） | BONNIE HAT（6 COLOR DESERT COVER） | Sun, Wind, and Dust Goggle (SWDG) | Altama desert boots | ALTA knee pads | Nomex Flight Gloves Hand Model ×4 | ALICE (All Purpose Lightweight Individual Carrying Equipment System) | S BELT | SUSPENDER | AMMUNITION POUCH ×2 | COMPAS/FIRST AID CASE ×2 | CANTEEN AND CANTEEN COVER ×2 | BUTTPACK | AN/PRC 126 Radio AND POUCH | Handmic | SDU-5E Strobe Light | M16A2 Assault rifle (with M16 magazine) | M26A1 FRAG GRENAD RIFLE E ×4

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Dam Toys 1/6th scale Operation Gothic Serpent Black Hawk Down set of six figures for sale

Moving to a newer and smaller place soon. Looks like some of the collection has got to go. This complete set of six Mint-in-Box 12-inch military figures from Dam Toys 1/6th scale Operation Gothic Serpent series are now available for sale. They are: Dam Toys 1/6th scale 75th Ranger Regiment Chalk Leader of Task Force Ranger, Grenadier 75th Ranger TASK FORCE RANGER “Operation Gothic Serpent” SOMALIA 1993, Delta Force Team Leader TASK FORCE RANGER “Operation Gothic Serpent” SOMALIA 1993, Delta Force Sgt. First Class TASK FORCE RANGER “Operation Gothic Serpent” SOMALIA 1993, Delta Force Support Rifleman TASK FORCE RANGER “Operation Gothic Serpent” SOMALIA 1993, Delta Force Marksman TASK FORCE RANGER “Operation Gothic Serpent” SOMALIA 1993.

Letting them go for USD110 each. Shipping costs to be borne by buyer. As an added bonus, DAM's packaging box can be used to create an urban background scene.

Just PM me for the details if interested :) Keen buyers may contact me at cowpehcowbu@gmail.com. If you see anything else on the blog that you are keen on, you can email me with your offer :) If the offer is right and we are both agreeable on the price, then we can deal.

Dam Toys 1/6th scale 75th Ranger Regiment Chalk Leader of Task Force Ranger from Operation Gothic Serpent circa Somalia 1993 - preview pics with more details posted on the blog HERE. Operation Gothic Serpent was a military operation conducted by special operations forces of the United States with the primary mission of capturing warlord Mohamed Farrah Aidid. One of the key events is the downing of a UH-60 Black Hawk and the subsequent attempt to rescue its crew. As a result of the Black Hawk Down, the raid quickly became the most intensive close combat in the military history of the United States since the Vietnam War. The events of the raid were later renamed the Battle of Mogadishu by international media.

Mark Bowden wrote a book about it and it was then adapted into a film directed by Ridley Scott and released in 2001, aptly named BLACK HAWK DOWN.

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Incoming: DAM 1/6 Delta Force Marksman, Task Force Ranger, Op Gothic Serpent, 1993 Somalia

Already this figure is winning praises from many quarters, not just for the variety and quality of parts but most importantly because DAM Toys has managed to do what some big companies cannot and that is, COMPLETE the series. DAM has been able to finish what they started, which is more than can be said for some companies that turn tail and run the moment they hit a small bump.

Continuing from the previous post, DAM has revealed their last figure in the six-figure set of Task Force Ranger, Op Gothic Serpent, 1993 Somalia. The final 12-inch figure is a 1/6th scale Delta Force Marksman and he is meant to be Johnny Strong as SFC Randy Shughart, a Delta Force Marksman flying on Black Hawk Super Six-Two in the film "Black Hawk Down (2001)", an American drama war film depicting the Battle of Mogadishu, a raid integral to the United States' effort to capture Somali warlord Mohamed Farrah Aidid.

Sergeant First Class Randall David Shughart (August 13, 1958–October 3, 1993) was a soldier in the United States Army special operations unit, the 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta (1SFOD-D), or "Delta Force." Shughart posthumously received the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Battle of Mogadishu in October 1993. [source: wiki]

Preview DAM 1/6 Delta Force Support Rifleman, Task Force Ranger, Op Gothic Serpent, Somalia

DAM Toys is on the roll. Right after announcing that they will be releasing their FOURTH Black Hawk Down / Operation Gothic Serpent 12-inch figure (see pictures HERE) which is a Delta Force Sergeant First Class just late last week, they have gone and revealed pictures of their FIFTH Task Force Ranger figure and it's another Delta - this time it's a 1/6 scale DELTA Force Support Rifleman from Task Force Ranger, Op Gothic Serpent, Somalia 1993.

Operation Gothic Serpent was a military operation conducted by special operations forces of the United States with the primary mission of capturing warlord Mohamed Farrah Aidid. The operation took place in Somalia, Africa from August to October 1993 and was supervised by the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC). As part of the operation, the soldiers were deployed in a mission to arrest two of Aidid's lieutenants. The result of that mission – executed under the command of Gothic Serpent – became known as the Battle of Mogadishu, or "The Battle of the Black Sea" to those who fought in it.

On 8 August, Aidid's militia detonated a remote controlled bomb against an American military vehicle, first killed four American soldiers and then, two weeks later, injured seven more. In response, President Bill Clinton approved the proposal to deploy a special task force composed of 400 US Army Rangers and Delta-force Commandos. This unit, named Task Force Ranger, consisted of 160 elite US troops. They flew to Mogadishu and began a manhunt for Aidid.

Incoming: DAM 1/6 Delta Force Sgt 1st Class, Task Force Ranger, Op Gothic Serpent, Somalia

The company might have changed its name but it hasn't changed its focus, not like some other company which can't even get a platoon together ;p DAM (previously known as VTS) will be releasing their fourth Task Force Ranger 12-inch figure soon and this time it is based on Eric Bana as SFC Norm "Hoot" Gibson (based on real-life combatants from Delta Force - SFC John Macejunas, SFC Norm Hooten and SFC Matthew Rierson) from "Black Hawk Down", the 2001 American drama war film depicting the Battle of Mogadishu, which was part of Operation Gothic Serpent and was fought on October 3 and 4, 1993, in Somalia, between forces of the United States, supported by UNOSOM II, and Somali militia fighters loyal to the self-proclaimed president-to-be Mohamed Farrah Aidid who had support from armed civilian fighters.

Task Force Ranger consisted of C Squadron, 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta (1st SFOD-D) — aka "Delta Force" + Bravo Company, 3rd Ranger Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment + 1st Battalion, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) (The Night Stalkers) with MH-6J and AH-6 "Little Birds" and MH-60 A/L Black Hawks + Combat Controllers and Pararescuemen from the USAF 24th Special Tactics Squadron + Naval Special Warfare Development Group (Five Navy SEAL operators) + CVN-72 USS Abraham Lincoln & Carrier Air Wing 11

In the film "Black Hawk Down" based on the book of the same name by Mark Bowden which had detailed accounts given by the actual people on the ground, Eric Bana stars as Delta Force operator SFC Norm "Hoot" Gibson (based on SFC John Macejunas, SFC Norm Hooten and SFC Matthew Rierson). This is the 1/6 scale Delta Force Sergeant First Class 12-inch figure from Task Force Ranger of Operation Gothic Serpent (circa 1993 Somalia) that will be released by DAM Toys.

Incoming: DAM 1/6 Delta Force Team Leader, Task Force Ranger, Somalia 1993

I can honestly say that this is a DAM toy :) Well, it is. The third figure to be released by DAM toy will be this 1/6 scale Delta Force Team Leader 12-inch Figure from their line-up of figures based on Task Force Ranger, Somalia 1993 or better known as Black Hawk Down figures , based on the 2001 film "Black Hawk Down" about how 123 elite U.S. soldiers (comprising United States Army Rangers, Delta Force and 160th SOAR) are deployed in Somalia to capture two top lieutenants of a renegade warlord and find themselves in a desperate battle with a large force of heavily-armed Somalis when their Black Hawk helicopter gets shot down.

DAMtoy (formerly VTS) has already released their 75th Ranger Regiment Chalk Leader of Task Force Ranger from Operation Gothic Serpent circa Somalia 1993 (previewed HERE) and has shown us prototype pictures of their DAM 1/6 Grenadier 75th Ranger, Operation Gothic Serpent SOMALIA 1993 (pictures HERE). They've just released pictures of their third Task Force Ranger 12-inch figure which is also their first 1/6 scale Delta Force Team Leader :)

It's not Hoot next, but Sanderson instead

This DAMtoy Task Force Ranger Delta Force Team Leader 12-inch figure is based on William Fichtner as SFC Jeff Sanderson from "Black Hawk Down" (who is based on real Delta Force operator SFC Paul Howe).

Incoming: Art Figures 1/6 Delta Force - SFC 12-inch Figure

There have been so many Black Hawk Down 12-inch figures lately including the ones I already have that I have a label just for them on my TOY HAVEN blog. Dragon released at least FOUR 1/6 scale Black Hawk Down figures, two when the movie was released in 2001 and two more in 2003 to commemorate the 10th anniversary of Task Force Ranger's engagement at the Battle of Mogadishu, Somalia from 3rd to 4th October 1993. That was followed by Playhouse D-Boy and most recently, VTS released their 75th Ranger Chalk Leader and also gave us a preview of their 75th Ranger Grenadier, Operation Gothic Serpent SOMALIA 1993.

Now we are getting PREVIEW pictures of Art Figures 1/6 scale Delta Force - SFC 12-inch Figure which is essentially a Delta Force operator in 1993 Somalia when the Black Hawk helicopter was shot down. The 2001 film "Black Hawk Down" is about how 123 elite U.S. soldiers (comprising United States Army Rangers, Delta Force, and 160th SOAR) are deployed in Somalia to capture two top lieutenants of a renegade warlord and find themselves in a desperate battle with a large force of heavily-armed Somalis when their Black Hawk helicopter gets shot down.

In "Black Hawk Down", William Fichtner stars as SFC Jeff Sanderson (which is based on real Delta Force operator SFC Paul Howe). Art Figures 1:6 scale Delta Force - SFC 12-inch Figure is based on William Fichtner as SFC Jeff Sanderson, hence the 1:6 scale likeness / resemblance in the head sculpt.

Incoming: DAM 1/6 Grenadier 75th Ranger, Operation Gothic Serpent SOMALIA 1993

Once called VTS which stood for Virtual ToyS, the company that started producing these 1:6 scale Black Hawk Down 12-inch military figures has changed its name to DAM (Don't Ask Me - haha just kidding) and has released these preview pictures of their next figure in line. The next DAM figure to be released will be a 1/6 scale Grenadier from the 75th Ranger Regiment of TASK FORCE RANGER during Operation Gothic Serpent which occurred in SOMALIA, 1993. I am liking this figure a lot :) you have to scroll down to see why.

These 1:6 scale 12-inch military figures might have been based on the real Rangers who were stationed in Somalia from August to October 1993 when Operation Gothic Serpent took place but the head sculpts are based on the actors who played the Rangers in the film "BLACK HAWK DOWN", released in 2001 and directed by Ridley Scott. The first figure previewed earlier was Chalk Leader (pictures HERE), based on actor Josh Hartnett whose role as SSG Matt Eversmann was based on Staff Sergeant Matt Eversmann, US Army Ranger, leader of Chalk 4.

VTS 75th Ranger Chalk Leader, Somalia 1993 PREVIEW

These are preview / prototype pictures of the upcoming release by Virtual ToyS (VTS): 75th Ranger Regiment Chalk Leader of Task Force Ranger from Operation Gothic Serpent circa Somalia 1993.

Operation Gothic Serpent was a military operation conducted by special operations forces of the United States with the primary mission of capturing warlord Mohamed Farrah Aidid. The operation took place in Somalia, Africa from August to October 1993 and was supervised by the Joint Special Operations Command. As part of the operation, the soldiers were deployed in a mission to arrest two of Aidid's lieutenants. The result of that mission – executed under the command of Gothic Serpent – became known as the Battle of Mogadishu, or "The Battle of the Black Sea" to those who fought in it. [source: wiki]

One of the key events is the downing of a UH-60 Black Hawk and the subsequent attempt to rescue its crew. As a result of the Black Hawk Down, the raid quickly became the most intensive close combat in the military history of the United States since the Vietnam War. The events of the raid were later renamed the Battle of Mogadishu by international media, as opposed to the operation's name of Gothic Serpent.

Mark Bowden wrote a book about it and it was then adapted into a film directed by Ridley Scott and released in 2001, aptly named BLACK HAWK DOWN.

Playhouse D-Boy Norm "Hoot" Hooten Review II

continued from previous post...

Here's Playhouse 1/6 scale 12-inch D-Boy Battle Of Mogadishu (Somalia) 1993 Operation Spy in Bakara Market military action figure "Hoot" from the film "BLACKHAWK DOWN (2001)" wearing his O-JULIET sunglasses, otherwise known as Oakley Polarized JULIET Sunglasses. "Hoot" is played by Eric Bana in the film but I guess when Playhouse say loosely based, they are not wanting to get into any legal tussle with copyright infringement issues hence this particular head sculpt.


And here's Norman "Hoot" Hooten in full gear for his spying mission. He could easily pass for a camera toting tourist if not for the pistol in his hand.





Like I mentioned in the previous post, the Playhouse miniature Photo Journalist's vest (khaki) in 1/6 scale is very well produced and exceptional.

Close-up of the well executed and realized Photo Journalist vest with working zippers and expandable pockets





"Hoot" is armed with the M9 pistol, basically a military specification Beretta 92F and 92FS. This 1/6 scale version has the standard working sliding charger and removable 15-round magazine.

The Leica M6 is a rangefinder camera manufactured by Leica from 1984 to 1998. I've compared pictures of the real thing on the internet with this 1/6 scale version produced by Playhouse and Playhouse gets TOP marks once again for a fantastic reproduction. The only thing missing are the rolls of film.

Those days of loading cameras with film which came in long narrow strips of chemical-coated plastic are long gone. When you took a picture, you had to wait for the film to be developed and processed before you could see if the picture was well taken or not. There was a sense of anticipation then, not knowing how your pictures were going to turn out. That was so last century.


Another feather in the cap for Playhouse - the 1/6 scale BH 445 camera bag (khaki) or Billingham 445 Camera Bag, designed to fit 2 D-SLR Cameras, and 4 Lens Kit. The real thing is made of Soft-weave Waterproof Canvas with Closed-cell Foam Padded Interior, Superflex 9-15 and 9-18 Partitions plus Numerous Pockets. Comes with Carrying Handles and a adjustable Delta Shoulder Sling Strap. This miniature version has all the above as well. The quality is top notch and simply amazing.




Playhouse has been producing modern 1/6 stuff that is just as good as DiD's World War II figures and accessories. The good thing is they don't just keep churning out FCS and MCs like Soldier Story. IMHO another good 1/6 option and choice for us collectors. I say, the more the merrier.

I wasn't expecting a lot from this figure but given the price point and quality of the product, I'm quite happy with it. Another addition to the "Black Hawk Down" family.

Playhouse D-Boy Operation Spy (Somalia, 1993) Review I

This is the Playhouse 1:6 scale 12-inch D-Boy Battle Of Mogadishu (Somalia) 1993 Operation Spy in Bakara Market military action figure based loosely on the character "Hoot" from the film "BLACKHAWK DOWN (2001)". The box is nice, not like the conventional soft card type but feels more like a hard cover book with magnets at the side panel.

The back of the box carries a short description: "During the Battle of Mogadishu, Delta operators were divided into several smaller teams, most of which were carried on benches attached from SOAR MH-6 Little Bird helicopters, and landed either on top of or next to the target building. In order to clear the structure of all personnel whom they encountered, and to do so quickly and with overwhelming force, these teams were delivered in more than one area and entering the building at nearly the same time. One of these teams that captured Mohamed Farrah Aidid's lieutenants was led by SFC Norm Hooten which landed next to the target building. From there, his team worked its way inside and linked up with the other teams, like the one led by SFC Paul Howe (which landed on the top of the target building). In addition, his and other teams played a key role in defending the crash site of Super Six One (the SOAR MH-60 Black Hawk helicopter piloted by CW3 Cliff “Elvis” Wolcott)."

Playhouse 1:6 scale 12-inch D-Boy Battle Of Mogadishu (Somalia) 1993 Operation Spy in Bakara Market military action figure (supposedly Limited Edition of 1003 pieces) boxed set comes with: “HOOT” Headsculpt, S1 body with new muscular arms, Photo journalist's vest (khaki), Plaid pants (green & blue), Aidid Onesie t-shirt (gray), plain T-shirt (gray), Underpants (white), Leather belt (brown), BH 445 camera bag (khaki), O-JULIET sunglasses (TI) with retainer, Leather lace-up premium boots, Military G.I. watch (silver), M6 camera, M9 pistol, Fiction novel (Book)


Basic figure out of the box. Norman "Hoot" Hooten is a former U.S. Army Delta operator who served in Somalia in 1993. In the 2001 film "Black Hawk Down", he was portrayed by Eric Bana. He was a member of the Delta squadron that was deployed to Somalia as part of Task Force Ranger in August 1993.

In the film, Sergeant First Class Norm "Hoot" Gibson, Delta Force operator (based on Norm "Hoot" Hooten and John "Mace" Macejunas and played by Eric Bana) is seen doing a little bit of spying and surveillance in civvies before getting on his bike and pedaling out to meet his team at the helicopter pick-up point.

1/6 scale D-boy Norman "Hoot" Hooten head sculpt by Playhouse



The amazing 1:6 scale Leather lace-up premium boots by Playhouse, which will be mostly covered by the plaid pants. Comes with socks too.

The new Playhouse 12-inch S1 body with muscular arms. Here "Hoot" looks like a b-boy (or break-boy). The white Underpants (briefs) are padded, like the ones worn by 1:6 Bruce Willis by Subway back in 2008 (pictures HERE)

A close-up view of the muscular arms

Playhouse 1:6 scale 12-inch D-Boy "Hoot" wearing "WANTED: Somali Savage"Aidid Onesie t-shirt and plaid pants with brown leather belt, same belt as the one that came with the earlier released Playhouse 1:6 scale GSG-9 (low profile version) SF figure (reviewed HERE)


"The Battle of Mogadishu" is an actual book by Matt Eversmann and Dan Schilling, along with Tim Wilkinson, Mike Kurth, Raleigh Cash, and John Belman, published in 2004. All the writers were Army Rangers and Air Force spec ops personnel in the task force involved in the Battle of Mogadishu. The book is separated into sections which are narrated by the soldiers themselves. The book gives a view into what the soldiers were thinking during the battle and gives accounts from various places as well.

Playhouse has reproduced said book in 1/6 scale as well. But only the cover, the inside pages are blank, of course.

Playhouse 1/6 scale O-JULIET sunglasses, otherwise known as Oakley Polarized JULIET Sunglasses

Close-up of Military G.I. watch (silver)

The very well produced miniature Photo Journalist's vest (khaki) in 1/6 scale. It has hidden side pockets as well as a working zip back pocket on the inside of the vest. The original vest was produced by Hot Toys back in 2003 for their NSW DEVGRU (Naval Special Warfare Development Group) operator figure, back in the days when Hot Toys was still making military figures (picture HERE)

More of this Playhouse 1:6 scale 12-inch D-Boy Battle Of Mogadishu (Somalia) 1993 Operation Spy in Bakara Market military action figure in the next post.

Yesterday's Buys

Picked these beauties up yesterday :) can't wait to get them out for a shoot but guess they'll have to wait... still, thought I'll just share.

DID 2nd Ranger Battalion - Normandy June 6, 1944 "Captain Miller". The usual nice packaging (pretty standard by now). More on the goodies inside later.


Playhouse - D-Boy Battle Of Mogadishu (Somalia, 1993). This one surprised me ;> I'd gotten the Playhouse GSG-9 (pictures HERE) and USMC RCT (previewed HERE but yet to post my own yet) but this D-Boy packaging is totally different, in a good way.

UPDATE April 8, 2010: Playhouse D-Boy Operation Spy (Somalia, 1993) Review


Loading Toys - Head Sculpt & 1/6 scale Gas Tank (Red) Set

Wanted to try my hand at kitbashing a 1/6 scale 12-inch MW2 "Soap" MacTavish action figure - this HS is a good start!