Found these three toys when I was sorting through for yesterday’s swap meet.
I have just stuck them on a base to do as some juvenile Dimetrodons.
The whole completed family out for s stroll.
Another book review tomorrow.
Dimetrodons done
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Monthly Archives: April 2025
Lawrence of Arabia’s Secret Air Force.
X Flight was tasked with providing close air support to Lawrence of Arabia’s desert army, a mission that was not just challenging but crucial to the delicate balance of warfare in the region.
Operating from makeshift desert landing grounds, often carved out of the arid landscape with little preparation, it conducted vital reconnaissance, bombing, and ground attack missions that were essential in disrupting enemy movements.
The unit’s activities were kept secret, even from the RFC Paymaster, highlighting the covert nature of their operations in an era where information could shift the tide of battles. George Hynes, an aircraft mechanic dedicated to his craft, ensured the aging aircraft remained operational under the harsh desert conditions, working tirelessly on temporary strips while enduring extreme temperature fluctuations that could easily ground less robust machines.
His diary reveals not only the mechanical struggles faced but also the personal and collective challenges the crew endured, detailing the events that transpired as they assisted Lawrence against the larger Turkish forces, often risking their lives to ensure mission success.
George met Lawrence several times and developed a rapport, staying in touch after the war and sharing stories of their extraordinary experiences. The diary includes the Flight’s weekly records, vivid battle perspectives, and intricate background details that paint a comprehensive picture of life in the desert, capturing both the glory and the grim realities of aerial warfare during a time of unprecedented conflict.
I am generally not a reader of books based on diaries, especially when the book consists of large chunks of the transposed diary. This Pen and Sword production works, and was a good read. Worth a look at.
Axes and Ales’ “Swap meet and game day”.
There was a steady stream of visitors, and a few buyers, all day. The scene later afternoon from Guru stand.
The day went well as I was able to dispose of a heap of stuff and end up with a few things myself.
The booty some battle droids, a battle mech, a cool goblin in tank, and some Sci-Fi/fantasy figures. The battle droids were free and the four other items cost the grand total of $1.00 each.
The Separatist Droid Army, also known as the Separatist Army, was led by Count Dooku, the Head of State of the Confederacy of Independent Systems. He managed the operations of the Confederacy’s military and the droid army. Additionally, General Grievous, a Kaleesh cyborg, served as the Supreme Martial Commander, overseeing logistics and tactics for the army.
The battle droids are a bit “floppy” and will need pinning to the base to provide some much needed rigidity.
A nice day out catching up with friends, selling and giving away some stuff, and picking up some treasures myself. I was too tired to stay for the game of Exploit Zero but maybe on Tuesday.
Nerdy Novelties
The Slicer character in Exploit Zero is the ultimate cyber geek who joyfully breaks into your foes’ Super Hush Intelligence Technology, armed with an oddball mix of creativity and nerdy skills.
In the midst of digital mayhem, this character powers up their hacking antics by guzzling an outrageous assortment of drinks jam-packed with dextrose, sugar, and malic acid, along with a splash of corn syrup and artificial flavors that make your taste buds do the tango. Each sip is like a secret potion that not only blasts them with energy but also offers a cozy hug during those high-stakes strategy sessions.
With carnauba wax and enough artificial coloring to make a rainbow jealous—because who wouldn’t want their drink to scream “look at me?”—the Slicer is the hilarious embodiment of tech and indulgence, living in a world where the line between virtual shenanigans and life’s guilty pleasures hilariously intertwines.
The slicer also gets to pilot the teams drones In a small-action skirmish game like EXPLOIT ZERO , ‘drone’ is the catch all term for any remote controlled robotic device, be that the surveillance, medical, or combat series.
Although they look cool as a physical model, Agent Drones are basically glorified pieces of Equipment that hog Two Equipment Slots on your Agent’s dance card. These little gizmos have to stick close—like a toddler at a theme park—within 1” of their user until they get the green light to activate.
They don’t improve your moves on the battlefield or make you harder to hit, so don’t count on them for any dance-offs. To get one of these bad boys running, you need to nail a Pilot CAP roll (and don’t forget that sweet Two Dice Bonus!). Once the Drone is all fired up, it’s like having a remote-controlled buddy until the connection goes kaput.
But beware! In the chaos of combat, you can only juggle one Drone at a time—no multitasking allowed. Once you roll a successful Pilot CAP, you can start transferring your actions to the Drone without rolling any annoying dice—just announce your moves like a game show host!
The catch is, the Drone insists on rolling a D8 for its endeavors. To keep this clever little gadget under your thumb, you’ve got to stay within 18” of it, but don’t worry; you won’t need to squint to see it.
The Pilot Link holds strong from turn to turn, just like your last pizza delivery promise—unless you decide to ditch it. The only thing you can do without losing your Drone pal is take a Free Move/Move. But watch out! Any damage or mishaps on your part can snap that connection like a bad reality TV relationship, leaving you to roll for a new Pilot CAP to regain control.
These drones are crafted from “mysterious treasures” dug up from my bits box and a couple of ancient flying bases lurking in my slotta base tub. It’s like a budget-friendly art project gone rogue, and honestly, they look pretty “cool” in a quirky way! I mean, hey, if Guru can give nerds a bad name, I might as well embrace my inner mad scientist!
A little bit psycho?
It goes without saying that anyone who is nicknamed Guru Pig by his “mates” has to be at least a little off the planet. I needed to paint a few figures for tomorrow’s “bring and buy” just in case I am able to get in a game of “Exploit Zero”,
The pile ready to go off to the sale. let’s hope I don’t bring more back!
These two are Old Hammer 40k Imperial Guard (not that Astra Militarum BS) figures that I have had for ages and left unpainted. I have painted one up to match my Konflict 47 “Africa Corpse” force, and the other as a generic psycho.
I have always liked this one with his hand outstretched using the “force”!
Tomorrow an update on how the bring and buy went.
Lest we forget – unless your name is William Allen Irwin
Events at today’s Anzac dawn service were extremely distasteful and so very UN-Australian, but reminded me of a story I was told whilst studying up in New England (you will get the irony later) where I was told about this story from one of William’s relatives I was studying with.
Portrait of Kamilaroi solider William Allan Irwin. Supplied by Australian War Memorial, AWM2017.995.1.1
William Allen Irwin is a hero who has been forgotten by history. However, his family continues to share the story of his final moments as they fight to honor his bravery.
The family passed down the story of Irwin’s last moments, keeping it safe from claims that questioned his bravery, ensuring that the legacy of his courage would never be forgotten. Now, over a century after his death, his family are fighting to lay him to rest in Country, a longing that embodies their deep connection to the land and their heritage. Irwin was born at Forky Mountain, which later became Burra Bee Dee Aboriginal Mission, near Coonabarabran NSW in 1878, a place steeped in history and significance for the local Aboriginal community.
He was the eldest of three brothers who all worked as shearers across towns like Moree, Werris Creek, and Quirindi, laboring in the rugged outback that shaped their lives and character. At 37 years old, after a horrible heartbreak that shattered his spirit and left him yearning for a sense of purpose, he enlisted to the Australian Imperial Forces, driven by a desire to fight for his country while grappling with the personal demons of loss and longing. His story, rich with resilience and depth, reflects not only his individual struggle but also the collective memories of those who came before him, and it serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by many in pursuit of a better future.
In May 1916, he became one of the first members of the 33rd Battalion, known as “New England’s Own”. This battalion was part of the 9th Brigade in the 3rd Australian Division and left Sydney for the United Kingdom in May 1916, as noted by the Australian War Memorial. After training in England, they moved to France in late 1916 and took part in the Battle of Messines in 1917, and they also fought during the German Spring Offensive in 1918.
The battalion’s first and only commanding officer was Lieutenant Colonel Leslie Morshead, who later became known for his role as commander of the “Fighting 9th” Australian Division during World War II. Praised by both Rommel and Montgomery!
Two years later, Irwin’s battalion was deployed to the Battle of Amiens, in an attempt to gain control over German-held territory near Péronne.
For those who are unaware the fighting near Péronne during World War I involved the capture of Mont Saint-Quentin and the town itself by Australian forces affectionally know as the “Hundred Days” campaign in August and September 1918. This action was part of a larger Allied offensive against the German Hindenburg Line
The ruined Town Hall
In the early morning light on August 31, Irwin courageously took out three machine-gun posts by himself, capturing fifteen German soldiers and three machine guns. The battalion planned to rush at six o’clock, but they would have been easily shot down. Instead, William got up first and took them all on alone.
As he reached the fourth machine-gun post, he was wounded by shrapnel in his back and thigh. He died from his wounds the following day.
This is the only remaining photo of William Irwin Allen, donated to the War Memorial by his family. AMW2017.995.1.1 Credit: Australian War Memorial
Irwin’s family learned about his bravery when a soldier from the 33rd Battalion visited them. He shared what he had witnessed, explaining that Irwin acted alone and struck before dawn. He mentioned that things would have been different without Irwin’s actions.
Now for that irony!
Later that morning, George Cartwright, an English soldier in the 33rd Battalion, took down the fourth machine-gun post that shot Irwin. He fired at the enemy, wounding one shooter and the two who replaced him, then launched a bomb at the post. On 30 September, he received the Victoria Cross (VC). After he died, he was honored in the New South Wales Garden of Remembrance, and his medals were donated to the Imperial War Museum in London.
George Cartwright VC
Not to take away from Cartwright’s heroic actions, in comparison, Irwin’s feat was celebrated only in September 1918. He was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal, for his “conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty”.
“He should have gotten the VC; they don’t share that story and have kept this guy hidden for 100 years because of George Cartwright. If he was a whitefella, he would have been number one up there, he’d be recognised from day one for those actions.” the family said.
I thought our attitude to racism had changed with regards to our war heroes, that is until today’s dawn service.
A well-known neo-Nazi has allegedly heckled an Indigenous elder’s Welcome to Country at an Anzac Day Dawn Service, with political leaders, the RSL and all “decent Australians” slamming the conduct. The “Welcome to Country” was marred by booing from numerous attendees during Bunurong elder Uncle Mark Brown’s welcome ceremony.
A Channel 9 reporter asked the leader of the incident, “Why do you think you have the right to be here today?” The reporter started to ask this while Hersant began to speak over him. “I’m a Victorian and an Australian, and I have the right to express my views to the public,” he said.
Marvel Protocol – The Next Batch
Some time ago I finished the last of my Hydra Faction, which left a lot of sprues still to put together. I have been working on these since December 2024 and have only now finished assembling the last one.
Some were acquired at a “bring and buy” event and were partly assembled. Unfortunately, some were incorrectly assembled, and some pieces were missing. The only one I could not assemble was the Black Widow, which was missing half of its body. I will have to create this with green stuff when I find the time.
I have chosen to focus on characters that align with the Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. In Marvel’s Agents of SHIELD, “SHIELD” stands for Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division. This name was deliberately selected to form “SHIELD”, the agency’s well-known emblem.
Out of these I have already painted She-Hulk, Taskmaster, the two Winter Soldiers, and Spider Woman, so that is at least a start.
Unfortunately there are a lot of them.
Nick Fury and the Howling Commandos.
I also want to pick up the Younger Nick Fury to run as the faction leader.
Spiderman
Captain America
Iron Man
Black Widow
Captain Marvel
Agent Venom
As there are a number of duplicate figures, each of which have different characteristics, I will sort out a list only only paint the version I want and then get back to the rest later.
Yeti Again!
This arrived in today’s emails from Boating Camping and Fishing (BCF). If it ain’t proof they exist then what is!
Claim Your Free Yeti Backpack
I am not sure what they travel with, maybe just bones and food scraps. Or maybe they need a safe place to keep their tracking devices to avoid us hummies!
I may just have to remodel my collection with back pack………………..or maybe not!
Ground Truth: a book review
The Paras have a hard-earned reputation for skill and bravery. So when best-selling war historian Patrick Bishop joined 3 Para for their second tour of Afghanistan he heard – and saw first-hand – the searing reality of what fighting the Taliban insurgency now means.
Just two years later, the Paras are back in the heat of the Afghanistan front lines, where the landscape of conflict has evolved dramatically. The enemy was employing sophisticated new weapons and innovative tactics, requiring ISAF forces to adapt quickly and effectively to the changing battlefield dynamics.
In April 2006, the 3 Para Battle Group was sent to Helmand Province, Afghanistan, for a well-known tour. Throughout that summer, the Paras faced constant Taliban attacks in one of the toughest campaigns ever fought by British troops.
Amidst this turmoil, questions linger about the effectiveness of British and American strategies: how much progress was actually being made against the insurgents in terms of securing key territories and winning the hearts and minds of the local population? Is there an end in sight to this protracted struggle, or are we merely treading water in a complex geopolitical quagmire that tests our resolve and commitment? The answers remained elusive as both sides brace for further confrontations.
This is a powerful story of brave soldiers facing tough battles and difficult questions about the war in Afghanistan. These elite fighters have volunteered for the hardest tasks, driven by a deep sense of duty and patriotism, but do they have the support and resources they need to accomplish their missions effectively? As they navigate treacherous terrains and confront unpredictable challenges, their physical and mental resilience is continually tested. What are their thoughts on their mission, and is there a clear end in sight? Many grapple with the weight of their obligations, questioning the impact of their efforts while longing for reassurance that their sacrifices will lead to lasting peace and stability in the region. Their experiences reflect not just personal battles, but also the broader implications of war, underscoring the complexities and moral dilemmas that come with serving in such a high-stakes environment.
In this powerful account of 3 Para’s return, bestselling author Patrick Bishop blends first-person stories of combat with a clear view of the tough realities in Afghanistan. With exclusive access to the Paras, he shares the true facts of the mission, presenting a serious picture while highlighting stories of bravery, friendship, and humor, including a humanitarian operation through Taliban territory to deliver a vital turbine to the Kajaki Dam.
This is one of the best books I have read in ages. I could not put it down and read this 300+ page hardcover version in two setting. A must have.
Exploit Zero
This updated game with new illustrations, examples, and clarifications is now titled Exploit Zero instead of Hardwired, for trademark reasons, apparently.
Exploit Zero is a cyberpunk, espionage and mayhem table top war game. It is miniatures and scale agnostic designed for 1 – 6 Players, and can played in either co-op or solo mode.
I really liked “Mission Critical” as indicated a few days ago but was extremely disappointed by this one.
The rules remain mostly unchanged, with a few extra units and fun building options. The hacker is now divided into two characters: a “saw bones” and a “splicer,” separating the roles from Mission Critical. A fourth choice, a shiver or psycher, adds an interesting option.
The rules are fine, but the production, layout, and graphics are terrible, resembling a basic word processing document. I was very disappointed. The idea of factions is great, but they don’t impact unit building or gameplay, except maybe for modeling figures.
The pdf download had forty six pages of which over half were “fluff” that included poor quality artwork including a large number of “one pagers” and some interesting but superfluous fiction.
Without already having some rules experience the layout and “rules text” would be very hard to follow. Maybe a few games may change my views on the rules, but certainly not on the production.
Rating for production, layout, graphics and clarity:
Rating for the rules themselves:
From my viewpoint, even as a Patrick Todoroff devotee, is leave them alone, and stay with “Mission Critical” or “Zona Alpha” which are both far better productions and are more value for money.