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Ben Skipper

@benskipper.bsky.social
1.9K followers 953 following 3.3K posts

Active User, communicator and consumer of cake.

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Ben Skipper @benskipper.bsky.social · 15/10/2026
The PM Model Beechcraft continues apace. Not rich in detail, but a great way to return to modelling after a break. I found a rubber stylists brush is fab for add masking fluid. I also found my airbrushing skills with gloss paint are a little rusty. Varnishing and weathering will hide any horrors.
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Ben Skipper @benskipper.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
Three years ago I did a thing and it's still going strong! My next title, my last with Pen & Sword, is aviation based, a fitting end for my time with them. But worry not the writing will continue. Lessi go loopy. #avgeek #aviationhistory
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Ben Skipper @benskipper.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
Recycling level: Useful! Masking level: Genius! Rather than waste tons of making stuff to cover wings a couple of flattened toilet roll holders seem to have done the job nicely. I have clearly excelled today. Time for a lie down. #aviationmodelling #avgeek #beechcraftM18 #creativesolutions
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Ben Skipper @benskipper.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
So, after a considerable pause I'm back with the airbrush and hitting up this PM Model Beechcraft Model 18, one of my favourite aeroplanes. She's going to be finished as a "what if" in civil aviation service.
Box of a Beechcraft Model 18 model kit in 1/72 and produced by PM Model of Turkiye.Masked model 18.Photo of silver painted wings of Model 18. Masking removed in preparation for the next stage. I let metallics harden off for 48hrs before applying masking tape to their surface.
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Ben Skipper @benskipper.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
There are some visitors you have to welcome. In this case a Field Mouse on the patio.
Field Mouse on the patio with a strawberry and a drink of water..
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Ben Skipper @benskipper.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Happy Battle of Britain Day to all who celebrate. Per Ardua Ad Astra! *Harden Lines, Kosovo, 15 Sept 2001.
RAF Contingent at Harden Lines, Kosovo, 15 Sept 2001.
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Ben Skipper @benskipper.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
Here it is aboard Fifi earlier this week.
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Ben Skipper @benskipper.bsky.social · 05/09/2026
Last Reform conference? It looks that way, at least at the NEC.
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Ben Skipper @benskipper.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
When you get kidnapped by a mate and end up in Cambridgeshire...
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Ben Skipper @benskipper.bsky.social · 16/08/2026
We're at that stage of our lives where our friends kids are getting married now.
Arrival at the venue.Leaving the kids to it.The dancing continued well into the night.
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Ben Skipper @benskipper.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
Five of my 'Craft titles published by @penandswordbooks.bsky.social have made it to the Annual IPMS National Convention at Fort Wayne, Indiana with @casematepublishers.bsky.social this year. I am doing the dance.  #avgeek #militaryhistory #biginamerica #historywriter
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Ben Skipper @benskipper.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
Thanks to the MoD, Help for Heroes and the Veterans Mobility Fund I'm now like a gazelle... but with wheels! #disabilityawarenessmonth #disaility #activeuser
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Ben Skipper @benskipper.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
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Ben Skipper @benskipper.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
The First Battle of El Alamein began on 1 and continued until the 27th July 1942. The battle eventually halted the furthest (and final) advance made by the Axis forces into Egypt, when it was stopped close to the train station of El Alamein, itself a little over 50 miles from Alexandria.
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Ben Skipper @benskipper.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
And, here we go... Manuscript submission day has arrived.
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Ben Skipper @benskipper.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
A great start to the week; a US based reader, Barry C, has kindly sent me these photos of my B-17 and B-29 books alongside aircraft featured in both titles. I'm doing the dance!
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Ben Skipper @benskipper.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
Found this. Thanks for the heads up Stef. Be interesting to see what Zimi does with their new acquisitions.
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Ben Skipper @benskipper.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
Sorry... What? Maybe Das Werks will pick up the baton? It'll be interesting to see what the future holds.
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Ben Skipper @benskipper.bsky.social · 14/06/2026
An excellent evening with the South Nottinghamshire Hussars to celebrate the Battle of Knightsbridge, where I was welcomed into the regimental family and given permission to wear the regimental colours as an Honourary Hussar. To the last round!
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Ben Skipper @benskipper.bsky.social · 08/06/2026
This graphic is taken from a fellow veteran, Jon Pritchard. Please share to help dismiss the fallacies of being disabled in the UK by a great many folk from all sides.
The worth of the disabled in the UK.
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Ben Skipper @benskipper.bsky.social · 06/06/2026
To the last round! Today, 6 June 1942, the South Notts Hussars (107th Regt RHA) fought overwhelming German and Italian armoured assaults against the Knightsbridge Box, during the Battle of Gazala. The action would effectively wipe out the regiment and the survivors would form the 150th Regt RHA.
Their South Notts Hussars defence of the Knightsbridge Box was captured by Terrance Cuneo as he depicted Ray Ellis firing the final round of the battle. The original painting can be seen at the Royal Lancers and Nottinghamshire Yeomanry Museum, Thorseby Park, Nottinghamshire.
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Ben Skipper @benskipper.bsky.social · 25/05/2026
A week's pause before the final proof read of my next title for Pen and Sword Books. North Yorkshire certainly has some cracking Active User friendly trails.
Active User Ben using his cross-country wheelchair in North Yorkshire.
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Ben Skipper @benskipper.bsky.social · 22/05/2026
Anyone want a Matador artillery tractor? I know where there's one going begging... Pic for illustration only, before you get too excited.
Preserved Matador artillery tractor, Beltring 2011. (Zandcee)
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Ben Skipper @benskipper.bsky.social · 22/05/2026
I've finally been able to upload a photo from last Fridays (15052026) Dedication Ceremony of On Freedoms Wings in Lincolnshire. This remarkable memorial to Avro Lancaster VN-N will be seen by an astonishing 35,000 motorists daily. What a way to welcome folk to Bomber County!
At the unveiling of the On Freedoms Wings Avro Lancaster memorial on the Notts/Lincs border with Mrs S, Mrs K and Lt Col Richard King RA (SNH), a former 49 Bde colleague. A fantastic dedication ceremony officially opened this amazing memorial to the Fallen of Bomber Command on 15 May 2026 and I was extremely lucky to be invited as a guest. Per Ardua Ad Astra!
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Ben Skipper @benskipper.bsky.social · 30/04/2026
When your work is a reference on Wikipedia you know you're doing something right. I think... #historywriter #troopingthecolour #sourcematerial #writerslife
Screenshot of Wikipedia reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sovereign%27s_Bodyguard
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Ben Skipper @benskipper.bsky.social · 23/04/2026
Or are they summoning their inner Gunner/resistance fighter? Is this the sort of awakening the world needs right now?
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Ben Skipper @benskipper.bsky.social · 16/04/2026
I have discovered the lair of the Monster Danish Pastry (Dunes Cafe, Norfolk, UK,). Rest assured I took the hit for the team and was victorious!
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Ben Skipper @benskipper.bsky.social · 01/04/2026
My latest Substack post, Pudding Gravy and Time Outs, is now available to read. open.substack.com/pub/benskipp...
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Ben Skipper @benskipper.bsky.social · 01/04/2026
Breathes heavily in Cold War...
Welsh Guardsman carrying an FN L1A1 SLR.
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Ben Skipper @benskipper.bsky.social · 30/03/2026
Today I made a thing because there wasn't one.
Active User logo
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Ben Skipper @benskipper.bsky.social · 25/03/2026
A little over six months ago my life changed dramatically. I hadn't heard of FND, along with a couple of other things, and neither had anyone who I knew. Hopefully this graphic will help explain what it is to the lay person.
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Ben Skipper @benskipper.bsky.social · 21/03/2026
Today's word salad cones from the MoD. Please note the last paragraph. The struggle is too real at times.
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Ben Skipper @benskipper.bsky.social · 19/03/2026
Because I have free will, this is breakfast. Living the dream!
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Ben Skipper @benskipper.bsky.social · 28/02/2026
I know very little about Iran so I won't be commenting on it. There. Sorted. Here's a pic of some cheese scones I made instead. I know a lot about cheese scones.
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Ben Skipper @benskipper.bsky.social · 27/02/2026
I will get this paying off. Remember, thin coats build better layers! #scalemodelling
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Ben Skipper @benskipper.bsky.social · 22/02/2026
Awarding yourself a title doesn't give that title meaning.
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Ben Skipper @benskipper.bsky.social · 17/02/2026
I researched and wrote all these titles between January 2020 and early 2025. No ai, no ghost writing just caffeine, cake and spite. No wonder I'm knackered. #writerslife #avgeek #historywriter
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Ben Skipper @benskipper.bsky.social · 08/02/2026
Fellow Active Users please rethink your anti - Deform think. They've given us a bench. They are the party of the disabled. I give up.
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Ben Skipper @benskipper.bsky.social · 27/01/2026
Please reassure me the individual who posted this nonsense didn't serve. Have none of these people heard of lawful orders?
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Ben Skipper @benskipper.bsky.social · 24/01/2026
Kindness and love are qualities that make us human. The ability to make good coffee and cake also help.
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Ben Skipper @benskipper.bsky.social · 23/01/2026
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Ben Skipper @benskipper.bsky.social · 20/01/2026
Hot on the heels of yesterday's post Fromage is at it again; doing Britain down.
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Ben Skipper @benskipper.bsky.social · 17/01/2026
It's amazing what you come across when you're hitting the sales, only my M113 Land Craft title and in good company too. #m113 #militaryhistorybook #militaryvehicle #booksinthewild
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Ben Skipper @benskipper.bsky.social · 16/01/2026
A great way to start the year with a couple of fan,-fotos featuring my Land Rover and C-130 titles from Pen and Sword.
Man reading book. Book with food.
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Ben Skipper @benskipper.bsky.social · 09/01/2026
It's begun...
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Ben Skipper @benskipper.bsky.social · 05/01/2026
I heard the carefully selected strike team from the Lumberjack Commandos are ready and backed up by slightly annoyed geese, a mobile Tim Hortons and a ready supply of bacon and eggs. I believe this mission should be over by lunch all being well. 😉
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Ben Skipper @benskipper.bsky.social · 30/12/2025
Next time Deform claim they're not far right show them this post. A great deal of juvenile nonsense by Sonia to unpack, but the big give away is the handle of the individual tagged at the end; Far Right Floozy. These people are not the sharpest are they?
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Ben Skipper @benskipper.bsky.social · 23/12/2025
One necessary preparation for Christmas is to adjust the tracking on the chair with wheels. This is a delicate and precise process using state of the art equipment and experience from running Trumpets and Rovers. Never consider your life experiences redundant when a new challenge arises. #activeuser
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Ben Skipper @benskipper.bsky.social · 19/12/2025
The final poster of this years shameless self promotion, this time featuring my four Land Craft titles published by Pen and Sword Books. A huge thank you to all you who have taken the plunge and purchased any of my books in 2025. I hope you enjoyed reading them.
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Ben Skipper @benskipper.bsky.social · 16/12/2025
The Christmas countdown continues and today a gentle reminder that my four Battle Craft titles are, like all my books, available as hard copies and eBooks from Pen and Sword Books. #militaryhistory #historywriter #elalamein #stalingrad #operationmarketgarden #battleofthebulge #christmasbooks
Image of US Army soldiers headed by Brig Gen Anthony McAuliffe on Christmas Day. 1944. Overlaid are the four Battle Craft Titles by Ben Skipper.

The Battle Craft series provides an overview of each battle described, introducing the reader, be they modeller or military history enthusiast, to the main themes of each battle. 

Each title is filled with illustrations, maps and photographs from a range of sources, to help bring the history of the battle to life.
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