Brachiosaurus is a well-known sauropod dinosaur. Its name comes from its long upper arm bone, which is taller than most people. For almost 100 years, it was considered the tallest dinosaur at over 20 meters, but taller ones have since been discovered.
Brachiosaurus was discovered in 1900 in Colorado and named by Elmer Riggs in 1903. It was originally thought to have lived during the Jurassic period in the United States, Africa, and Europe. Scientists believed Africa and North America were connected then, but the African Brachiosaurus is now considered a different genus called Giraffatitan.
New studies suggest Brachiosaurus held its neck at a 45 to 60 degree angle, not as high as once thought.
I have a male, two females and two juveniles in my collection. By the way sexual dimorphism or differences is almost impossible to tell from fossil remains, although the debate does continue.
Again our intrepid big game hunter is shown for size comparison. He is even dwarfed by the “baby” on the right. Imagine mounting that on your wall!
Ankylosaurus lived in North America during the Late Cretaceous Period, approximately 66 million years ago, making it a fascinating subject of study for paleontologists. This armoured dinosaur, famous for its unique defensive adaptations, had bony plates covering its body that acted as natural armor against predators and a heavy club at the end of its tail, which it could use effectively in defense.
Although it’s the most well-known ankylosaur, it is notably one of the least understood because no complete skeleton has ever been found.
Nevertheless, paleontologists have uncovered enough fossil remains to suggest that Ankylosaurus might have been one of the largest ankylosaurs to roam the earth, potentially weighing over 6 tons and reaching lengths of up to 30 feet.
The first Ankylosaurus bones were discovered in 1906 in the Hell Creek Formation of Montana, led by the renowned paleontologist Barnum Brown, the same scientist who discovered the formidable Tyrannosaurus Rex.
These fossils were incomplete, and the distinctive tail club was discovered later, adding to the intrigue surrounding this dinosaur.
Barnum and his team found several pieces of armor that were not originally attached to the main skeleton, which complicates our understanding of the overall structure and appearance of Ankylosaurus.
Even now, how Ankylosaurus’ back armor was arranged and how these formidable plates functioned remains a topic of ongoing research, with scientists exploring whether the armour provided flexibility or rigidity, and what implications this had for the dinosaur’s behavior and ecological niche within its ancient environment.
Standing at over eight feet tall and up to thirty feet long this was no small dinosaur. Although the model is from a bargain sale store and not from one of the “to scale” (pun intended) it is about the right size.
Our bewildered big game hunter is shown for size approximation.
Before reading this book I knew very little about the Korean War, which is what tempted me to purchase it for just a few dollars on Kindle.
In April 1951, after ten months of fighting, the Korean War is at a critical point. An Australian battalion, supported by New Zealand artillery and American tanks, is positioned on a hill overlooking the Kap’Yong Valley, north of Seoul. Alongside a Canadian battalion on a nearby hill, they are the last defense against Mao’s forces threatening the South Korean capital.
The 27th Brigade’s dispositions
Since entering North Korea to assist Kim Il Sung’s communists, the Chinese have consistently attacked to push General MacArthur’s UN troops from the peninsula. Both sides have suffered heavy casualties in the harsh winter.
New Zealand Artillery
The Battle of Kap’Yong was notable not only for its military significance but also because it involved a unique composite brigade, which represented a collaborative effort among nations.
American M3A3 Sherman defending the Kap’Yong valley.
The 27 Infantry Brigade was a diverse unit that included infantry battalions from the UK, Australia, and Canada, all strategically backed by American armor, as well as artillery support from both New Zealand and the US. This formation was remarkable for its time and highlighted the importance of international cooperation in military efforts. While creating a multinational brigade is more common today, this particular instance was a solution forged from the challenges and aftermath of World War II.
Image: Australian War Memorial | Members of C Company 3RAR, lead by CPL Len Wright (left), move forward from Hill 614 to attack Hill 587.
Gilling has done a wonderful job of not only the political fighting between MacArthur and the White House, including the General’s removal, but also capturing the “on the ground” story form soldiers at the front. I really enjoyed this book.
Cetiosaurus was a sauropod that lived in the Jurassic period and inhabited Africa and Europe. A quadrupedal, long-necked, small-headed herbivore. It had a shorter tail and neck than most sauropods. The forelimbs on the other hand, were relatively long.
The mouth of this dinosaur resembled a crocodile’s, with a long, narrow snout filled with sharp teeth for gripping slippery prey. It had a large claw, about 31cm long, likely on its thumb, adapted for catching fish. Baryonyx may have crouched on riverbanks to spot fish or waded into shallow waters to hook them with its claws, thriving as both a hunter and scavenger.
Dimetrodon was a pelycosaur, a type of synapsid that lived during the Early Permian period. It was a large meat-eater known for a distinctive sail on its back. Although often confused with dinosaurs, it existed long before them and is more closely related to modern mammals.
Mamenchisaurus is a unique long-necked dinosaur because it has the longest neck of any creature ever, measuring 18 meters (60 feet) long—longer than a school bus. It also had a long tail and stout legs like other dinosaurs in its family.
The dinosaur once called “Brontosaurus” was reclassified as Apatosaurus (Apatosaurus excelsus) due to scientific naming rules that prioritize the first name published. Paleontologist O.C. Marsh named Apatosaurus meaning “deceptive lizard,” and later discovered Brontosaurus, meaning “thunder lizard.” In 1903, Elmer Riggs argued they were too similar to be separate genera, resulting in Brontosaurus being considered a synonym.
A 2015 study suggested Brontosaurus might be a distinct genus, reigniting interest in the name despite ongoing debate. Brontosaurus remains popular in common culture, and the study found minor anatomical differences between the two. Apatosaurus averaged about 41.3 tonnes, while Brontosaurus weighed around 30.5 tonnes.
Growing up there were two introductions to Dinosaurs for me.
The two great Paleontologists Mr Hanna and Mr Barbara first introduced me to Brontosaurus. Firstly the fact that they used to be popular pets. Above is “dino” after returning home from being lost.
Secondly the historical fact that Brontosaurus was used as an all purpose transport vehicle. Shown above as a police van often frequented by our hero Freddy.
Thirdly they were also used as all purpose quarrying machines. This one being exited by Freddy after the “knock of whistle”.
The second and less controversial was the How and Why Wonder
Book of Dinosaurs, which I still have. There was excellent information and line drawings which fascinated me for hours.
The drawings showing dinosaurs in conflict has had a lasting impression on me. No truly!
The Iconic fight between T-Rex and T-Tops
I used to have an old Bakelite (remember when that was common place?) View Master with a circular slide set with this iconic fight displayed in all its gory glory. T-Tops of course one! Down with T-Rex tyranny!
Another favourite was Brontosaurus with the “life sucks” look and mournful eyes.
Re-painted with rattle cans.
The larger two are from the British Museum of Natural History and the others from “Thrift” and “Two Dollar” shops.
A terror of Brontosaurs migrating across the table.
Thw figures are more of the HaT Indian Colonial Infantry.
I still have a second cavalry unit , a Gardineer gun, and an artiklklery unit to finish in various stages of painting in order to complete the contingent.
During the Mahdist War (1881-1899), Indian cavalry regiments, part of the British Indian Army, played a significant role in the British and Egyptian efforts to suppress the Mahdist rebellion in Sudan, particularly in the pivotal 1898 campaign and the historic Battle of Omdurman.
These regiments, composed of skilled horsemen from various regions of India, were instrumental not only due to their combat capabilities but also because of their ability to adapt to the harsh conditions of the Sudanese terrain.
Their involvement was marked by bravery and tactical proficiency, showcasing the unique contributions of the Indian troops within the larger colonial military framework.
The campaign culminated in the decisive victory at Omdurman, where the cavalry showcased their exceptional mobility and effectiveness in battle, establishing a legacy that would be remembered in both British military history and the broader narrative of India’s role in imperial conflicts.
The figures are the HaT set 8289
I think they are one of their better sets, with the uniform correct, including the “Lungi” which is wrapped around a pointed cap called a “Kulla’. Although named for Bengal, by no means all the troopers were actually Bengali, and while their main uniform was common to the whole regiment, the form of headdress varied between squadrons, depending upon their religious or tribal background.
With the additional right hand arm options the set is very versatile, I like them
Another unit of Indian infantry for MWWBK. I am not sure how I will class them. They were very reliable and effective troops, but with the typical attitudes of superiority and snobbery were looked down on by the British leadership.
This had the effect of reducing their combat effectiveness. I will have a think about this one while I paint the other units.
Indian infantry played a pivotal role in the colonial wars in Sudan, significantly impacting the outcomes of key conflicts such as the Mahdist War (1881-1899) and World War II. During the Mahdist War, these troops valiantly supported British and Egyptian forces in their efforts to combat Mahdist rebels, employing their diverse military expertise and dedication on the battlefield. Their strategic contributions were invaluable in various skirmishes and major confrontations, which helped to secure British interests in the region.
During the colonial Sudan wars, Indian infantry regiments, like the Dogra Regiment and units of the Bombay Light Infantry, played a significant role in the British Indian Army’s operations.
These regiments bolstered military strength and showcased the bravery of Indian soldiers in challenging terrains. Their participation highlighted the contributions of Indian forces to British colonial ambitions, as they engaged in battles against local forces under harsh conditions. The skills gained during these conflicts later influenced military strategies in the region, emphasizing the integral role these regiments played in British military history.
The figures are from the HaT Box 8203.
The mix of poses and a marching figure will appeal to most gamers, along with an officer firing his revolver. These men fought in open order due to the terrain and adversaries, and all figures have bayonets for use in common bayonet charges against tribesmen.
Sadly, HaT’s sculpted set lacks fine detail and natural human posture, resulting in figures that resemble mannequins. The officer’s clumsy stance and awkward arm angle detract from realism, while the bland facial expressions lack any deffinition.
I find the running figure attrocious and awkward to provide stability on its base. Anatomical the right foot is posed in an impossible position. Overall,just a pass mark for me.
