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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Easy & Simple Tier 1 SMU Part VII Ranger Regimental Reconnaissance Company Figure

The 75th Ranger Regiment's Regimental Reconnaissance Company (formerly known as Regimental Reconnaissance Detachment/RRD) is an elite special operations force that is rumored to be the newest operational member of the Joint Special Operations Command. The unit is believed to have become part of JSOC in 2007 due to its extensive training and unique capabilities to conduct special reconnaissance and close target reconnaissance (CTR) operations, and advanced force operations (AFO). It is often referred as a Special Mission Unit (SMU).

Easy & Simple Tier 1 SMU Part VII Ranger Regimental Reconnaissance Company 12-inch Figure Features: Real like Head Sculpt, ES-Buddy 2.0 Body, Multicam G3 Combat Jacket, Multicam Advanced Combat Pants, Shirt, 0612A Rigger’s Belt, Multicam LV MBAV Plate Carrier, Multicam LV MBAV Chest Rig, Multicam MBITR PRC 148/152 Pouch AOR1, Multicam Triple Revista Molle Pouch, Multicam SFLCS Medic Quick Pull Pouch, Multicam SOF Hand Warmer Sleeve, Multicam SOFLCS Frag Grenade Pouch, Multicam SFLCS Ultility Pouch, Multicam Roll up Dump Pouch, MOLLE Weapon Catch, MK17 7.62mm Assault Rifle with 5.56mm Lower Receiver, Extended Rail System, 553 Holographic Sight, G32 Magnifier, LA5-PEQ Indicator, Weapon Remote, WMX 200 Tactical Light, Tactical Foregrip, SCAR 5.56 mag, Multicam 2500BZ AOR1 Tactical Sling, M3 MAAWS Carl Gustav Recoilless Rifle, Updated Rail Adaptor, DR Spectre 4x Optic Sight, LA5-PEQ Indicator, Anti-Structure Ammo, Heavy Padded Sling, Beavertail Modular Assault Pack with PRC Yote, G-17 Pistol, 6354 DO ALS Holster, X300 Weapon Light, FAST Maritime Cut Helmet, NVG Shroud, L4G24NVG Mount, PVS-31 Night Vision Goggle, Remote Battery Pack, XA Pro 3D Boots, Ironsight Gloves, COMTAC3 Headset & PTT, Headset ARC Rail Adaptor, PRC-152 Radio, Foretrex 401 GPS, SS V-lite Manta Strobe, SI Frame Goggle, M-18 Smoke Grenade, M-67 Frag Grenade, IR Light Sticks, Safety Sling, Blast Gauge, TAC Tourniquet, Watch, Patches

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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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Rare Hasbro GI Joe Classic Collection 12" Tom Hanks Saving Private Ryan Figure US$11,999.99

Produced in 1999, this rare Hasbro 12" Tom Hanks Saving Private Ryan GI Joe was pulled from production after Dreamworks decided that a for sale collectible was not in tune with the seriousness of their movie Saving Private Ryan. About a dozen Tom Hanks GI Joe Prototypes In Boxes were sent to Steven Spielberg and Dreamworks. Only a couple hundred more were handed out as a special gift during a private screening of Saving Private Ryan to guests in 1999. That's it. All others were destroyed. This Tom Hanks GI Joe was never available retail. Item comes with Hasbro Original Certificate of Authenticity.

This Rare Hasbro GI Joe Classic Collection 12" Tom Hanks Saving Private Ryan Figure is now going for US$11,999.99 on ebay right now! You can check on the link HERE

I think that's a crazy price to ask for a rather modern G.I. Joe figure. I actually have this figure which I bought years ago from the flea market as a loose naked figure. I then dressed him up with the G.I. Joe Collectors' Club Limited Edition Second World War Normandy Ranger uniform and accessories. You can check out my toy blog post titled "G.I. Joe Saving Private Ryan Tom Hanks Figure" HERE. I only don't have the box. So does that make me US$11,999 richer? Haha

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Some of the cast of Saving Private Ryan in 1:6th scale - 12-inch Miller, Jackson, Caparzo & Ryan

I had to do it :) After getting the Dragon Models Limited (DML) 1/6th scale Private First Class "Cappy" - World War II US Army Ranger (2nd Battalion, France 1944) 12-inch military action figure (see earlier post), I wanted a group shot of the 1/6th scale cast from "Saving Private Ryan" that I have in my 12-inch figure collection. Not all of them are here but enough to make an impression for me :)

Let's see who I have in 1/6th scale so far (from left to right): Vin Diesel as Private First Class Adrian Caparzo, Barry Pepper as marksman Private Daniel Jackson, Tom Hanks as Captain John H. Miller and Matt Damon as paratrooper Private First Class James Francis Ryan

Dragon WWII 1/6th scale US Army Ranger Private First Class "Cappy" (Vin Diesel) Review II

Having already seen packaging and contents of this Dragon Models Limited (DML) 1/6th scale Private First Class "Cappy" - World War II US Army Ranger (2nd Battalion, France 1944) 12-inch military action figure in the earlier post, it's now time to see how everything comes together :)

As mentioned previously, Vin Diesel stars as Private First Class Adrian "Cappy" Caparzo in "Saving Private Ryan" and this DML 1/6th scale WWII US Army Ranger 12-inch action figure is obviously modeled after Diesel's character.

Dragon Models Limited (DML) has been releasing movie-related figures of late. There was the pair of Asian actors Jay Chou and Nicolas Tse in the Hong Kong action film "The Viral Factor" (posted earlier HERE and HERE), the preview of their soon-to-be-released trio of Agent J, Agent K (old) and Agent K (young) from MIB3 plus these "Saving Private Ryan" figures. See my post HERE for preview pictures of the figures that Dragon will release :)

Review 1: Dragon Private First Class "Cappy" - World War II US Army Ranger 2nd Battalion

The 1998 American epic war film "Saving Private Ryan" was directed by Steven Spielberg who wanted to show audiences the powerful, realistic re-creation of WWII's D-Day invasion and the immediate aftermath. The film is noted for its graphic and realistic portrayal of war, especially for the intensity of its opening 27 minutes, which depicts the Omaha Beach assault of June 6, 1944.

Captain John H. Miller (Tom Hanks) is given the assignment of finding a paratrooper, Private First Class James Ryan (Matt Damon) behind enemy lines and he chooses a translator, Corporal Upham (Jeremy Davis), skilled in language but not in combat, to join his squad of right-hand man Sergeant Horvath (Tom Sizemore), plus privates Mellish (Adam Goldberg), Medic Wade (Giovanni Ribisi), cynical Reiben (Edward Burns) from Brooklyn, Italian-American Caparzo (Vin Diesel), and religious Southerner Jackson (Barry Pepper), an ace sharpshooter who calls on the Lord while taking aim.

Having previously experienced action in Italy and North Africa, the close-knit squad sets out through areas still thick with Nazis. After they lose one man in a skirmish at a bombed village, some in the group begin to question the logic of losing more lives to save a single soldier.

This is Dragon Models Limited (DML) 1/6th scale Private First Class "Cappy" - World War II US Army Ranger (2nd Battalion, France 1944) 12-inch military action figure. The box description reads: "Cappy was a US Army Ranger that came ashore with the 2nd Ranger Battalion in the early hours of 6 June 1944 on the Normandy coast. His weapon is wrapped in a black plastic cover to protect it from seawater and sand, and he carries an M5 Assault Gas mask in its M7 rubberized bag. On his arm is a Gas Detecting Brassard. In an amazing piece of realism, his Service Boots are even coated with gritty sand from the beach at the foot of the cliff. Looking like he just waded through the surf, Cappy takes realism to a whole new level."

Dragon Models Ltd "Saving Private Ryan" 1/6th scale World War II 12-inch Figures Preview

Saving Private Ryan is a 1998 American epic war film set during the invasion of Normandy in World War II. It was directed by Steven Spielberg and written by Robert Rodat. Noted for its graphic and realistic portrayal of war, the film is especially notable for the intensity of its opening 27 minutes, which depicts the Omaha Beach assault of June 6, 1944. Afterwards, it follows Tom Hanks as U.S. Army RANGERS Captain John H. Miller and seven other men (Tom Sizemore, Edward Burns, Barry Pepper, Vin Diesel, Giovanni Ribisi, Adam Goldberg, and Jeremy Davies) as they search for a paratrooper, Private First Class James Francis Ryan (Matt Damon), who is the last-surviving brother of four servicemen.

No one company has ever managed to produce and release all members of Captain John Miller's squad. There have been three Millers already (one by Hasbro, one by Dragon and one by DiD - pictures HERE) but the rest of the squad have not really been dealt with. That is about to change. It looks like Dragon Models Limited intends to release all the members of the "Saving Private Ryan" squad. Well, almost all anyway. So far six 12-inch figures have been previewed (some have already been released) but there's still no sight of the rest of the squad.

The cast of "Saving Private Ryan": Tom Hanks as Captain John H. Miller

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.

CrazyDummy: US Army Ranger Gunner In Afghanistan PREVIEW

This is a new figure from CrazyDummy and will be released soon: a 1/6 scale US Army Ranger 12-inch Gunner figure in Afghanistan. "Hoo-Ah!" I'm all over this one :) I just like the whole look and feel of it. For once, the uniform doesn't look too baggy or BIG for the figure, as has been the case for the Soldier Story modern military figures

Parts list:
Real-like 1:6 scale head sculpt and 12-inch male body, Multicam camouflage Gen2 combat suit and pants, Gen3 knee pads, belt and Asolo FSN 95 Gore-Tex Hiking Boots

Miller's last stand

Captain John H Miller (Tom Hanks), commanding officer of Charlie Company, 2nd Ranger Battalion, and his squad finally arrives on the outskirts of Ramelle, where they destroy a German halftrack with the help of three paratroopers, among them Private James Francis Ryan.

After entering Ramelle, Ryan is told of his brothers' deaths but refuses to leave his band of brothers. Miller decides to stay and help the remaining paratroopers in defending the town from the Germans.

When the Germans arrive in force with over 50 men supported by two Tiger I tanks, two Marder III self propelled guns, a towed FlaK 38 cannon and at least one SdKfz 251 half-track, Miller leads the defense.

At this point, Captain Miller wears only his M1 Helmet with Captain rank markings, Wool Shirt with Captain bars and Infantry collar pins, M1941 Jacket, Web Belt, First Aid Pouch (version 1), First Aid Pouch (version 2), M1911A1 .45 caliber Colt semi-automatic pistol with leather Holster, Water Canteen with Carrier, M3 fighting knife with M8 scabbard, Thompson Ammo Satchel (ammunition bag for his extra Thompson magazines), M1A1 Thompson .45 caliber Sub-Machine Gun, HBT (herringbone twill) Pants, Cloth Leggings and Leather Boots (1943 issued "fleshout" service shoes).

He doesn't have his Ranger Vest (US Army assault vest) with Folding E-Tool and Carrier nor Map Satchel. His gas mask bag and Waist Life Preserver had been discarded at the beach in Normandy (see previous post)








The scene: THE LAST SANDBAG EMPLACEMENT

... and then the TIGER fires its canon. The explosion tears the world apart, spinning it upside-down, ripping the air with heat and shrapnel...

... and everything goes quiet, as if the sound has drained out of the world. We're left with sounds that are remote, faint, surreal, disembodied...

A critically wounded Miller takes aim with his M1911A1 .45 cal Colt semi-automatic pistol...

And the TIGER explodes! as a P-51 Mustang swoops grandly over the bridge. Tank-buster. It peels overhead with a throaty roar of a packard engine.

The bridge and town is secure but Miller doesn't make it home

[Dying words, to Private Ryan] "James... earn this. Earn it."

What has gone before:
Review 1: It's Miller time! Opening of the package and viewing its contents
Review 2: DID Captain "Millers" on June 6, 1944 (D-Day)

Related posts:
- G.I. Joe "Saving Private Ryan" Tom Hanks Figure posted HERE
- DID 1/6 scale 12-inch WWII US Army 2nd Ranger Marksman "Private Daniel" (with Barry Pepper likeness as he appeared in "Saving Private Ryan") - pictures HERE
- Pictures of a bunch of 1/6 scale G.I.s on June 6, 1944: D-Day
- "Saving Private Ryan" - Dragon Captain Miller with customised Tom Hanks headsculpt and kitbashed Private First Class James Francis Ryan (Matt Damon)
- 1/6 scale Matt Damon as Private First Class James Francis Ryan of Baker Company, 1st Battalion, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division

DID Captain "Millers" Review 2: D-Day June 6, 1944

continued from my earlier post "It's Miller time"...

This was probably what Tom Hanks as Captain John Miller (from the film "Saving Private Ryan") had on him when the Landing Craft (also known as Higgins boat) brought him and his Rangers ashore at Dog Green section of Omaha Beach, Normandy on the morning of June 6, 1944 (D-Day).

First, a closer look at the exceptional 1/6 scale Tom Hanks as Captain John Miller headsculpt by DID - probably the BEST likeness of Tom Hanks ever produced. The resemblance is amazing. Who else could he be?

How DID managed to produce the facial stubble is beyond me! Unbelievable - it's so distinct and realistic. The standard of 1/6 head sculpts have improved by leaps and bounds.


And the World War II United States Army 2nd Ranger Battalion uniform and kit with all his gear is equally impressive! This could be as real and as accurate as it gets, in 1/6 scale that is :)

DID Captain "Millers" comes with his M1 Helmet with Captain rank markings, Wool Shirt with Captain bars and Infantry collar pins, M1941 Jacket (oops, forgot to put on the gas brassard), Ranger Vest (US Army assault vest), M1926 US Navy lifebelt (Waist Life Preserver), M5 Assault Gas Mask Bag (no gas mask), Web Belt, First Aid Pouch (version 1), First Aid Pouch (version 2), M1911A1 .45 caliber Colt semi-automatic pistol with leather Holster, Water Canteen with Carrier, M3 fighting knife with M8 scabbard, Folding E-Tool with Carrier, M1A1 Thompson .45 caliber Sub-Machine Gun, Thompson Ammo Satchel (ammunition bag for his extra Thompson magazines if he had any - too bad DID didn't provide any extra mags), Map Satchel, HBT (herringbone twill) Pants, Cloth Leggings and Leather Boots (1943 issued "fleshout" service shoes).





Close-ups of the high quality M1 Helmet, M5 Assault Gas Mask Bag and M1926 US Navy lifebelt (Waist Life Preserver)

The 2nd Ranger Battalion shoulder sleeve insignia worn proudly on the left sleeve.



Once ashore, the Rangers ditched their gas mask bag and Waist Life Preserver since they didn't need them anymore. Captain John H Miller, commanding officer of Charlie Company, 2nd Ranger Battalion, survives the initial landing and assembles a group of soldiers to slowly penetrate the German defenses, leading to a breakout from the beach.

Miller receives orders to find Ryan. He assembles six Rangers from his company, plus one man detailed from the 29th Infantry Division, who speaks fluent French and German, to accomplish this task.

EXT. Hedgerow Cart Road - Day
Miller walks point. His men follow warily. It's hot. They're exhausted. Upham looks miserable, weighed down like a pack horse with all the B.A.R. ammunition, slapping at horseflies. They talk quietly, their eyes scanning.



The M3 fighting knife in M8 scabbard is carried beside the M1911A1 .45 cal Colt semi-automatic pistol with leather Holster

A better view of the M1911A1 .45 cal Colt semi-automatic pistol in leather Holster by his right hip

The amazingly well produced 1/6 scale metal and wood M1A1 Thompson .45 cal Sub-Machine Gun with carrying strap that comes with accurately produced miniature metal buckles




The Thompson Ammo Satchel (ammunition bag for his extra Thompson magazines if he had any - none provided)

Folding E-Tool with Carrier attached to the Ranger Vest

Map Satchel

This has to be the ULTIMATE Tom Hanks as Captain John Miller 1/6 scale military figure bar none! DID has done it again and given us 1/6 collectors something to write and rave about!

NEXT up: Miller's last stand!

Related posts:
- G.I. Joe "Saving Private Ryan" Tom Hanks Figure posted HERE
- DID 1/6 scale 12-inch WWII US Army 2nd Ranger Marksman "Private Daniel" (with Barry Pepper likeness as he appeared in "Saving Private Ryan") - pictures HERE
- Pictures of a bunch of 1/6 scale G.I.s on June 6, 1944: D-Day
- "Saving Private Ryan" - Dragon Captain Miller with customised Tom Hanks headsculpt and kitbashed Private First Class James Francis Ryan (Matt Damon)
- 1/6 scale Matt Damon as Private First Class James Francis Ryan of Baker Company, 1st Battalion, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division