New CollectA Models 2018 (Part 2)

New CollectA Models 2018 (Part 2)

The next batch of new for 2018 CollectA prehistoric animal figures include a stunning 1:40 scale deluxe replica of the famous ornithopod Iguanodon (I. bernissartensis).  Here is another CollectA dinosaur figure honouring Gideon Mantell (Mantell named Iguanodon), after the news about the introduction of Mantellisaurus, it is great to see an updated version of the iconic Iguanodon too.  Fossils of Mantellisaurus and I. bernissartensis have been found in the same horizon, namely the Wessex Formation (Early Cretaceous, Barremian faunal stage).  It is likely that these two herbivores were contemporaneous and therefore, diorama fans can place both Mantellisaurus and Iguanodon into the same prehistoric scenes.

New CollectA Models

The New for 2018 1:40 Scale Deluxe Iguanodon Dinosaur Model

Designer Anthony Beeson commented:

“It seemed about the right time to produce a new Iguanodon which had been one of our earliest models.  I had wanted to do a Mantellisaurus, so we decided to do a deluxe Iguanodon to bring the species up to date in our models.  As Mantellisaurus seems to have herded with Iguanodons, the two can go together in play or dioramas notwithstanding the differences in size.”

Spectacular Estemmenosuchus

The dinocephalians (the name means “terrible heads”) are represented by this spectacular 1:20 scale replica of Estemmenosuchus and what a beautiful model of one of the most amazing therapsids to have ever lived.  It is great to see Permian giants like Estemmenosuchus (pronounced Est-ter-men-oh-sook-us), included in the CollectA Deluxe model range.  This wonderful replica has an articulated jaw and it is being produced in an approximate scale of 1:20, in line with other prehistoric animal models on the “mammalian line” of the tree of life, already represented in the CollectA model range.

The Estemmenosuchus 1:20 Scale Deluxe Model by CollectA

Estemmenosuchus uralensis

Best on our calculations, this model represents the type species Estemmenosuchus uralensis.  We look forward to revealing our scale drawing of this amazing creature, that is distantly related to us.  As for those strange, bony growths on the head, their purpose remains unknown.  They could have used in intraspecific combat, perhaps over herd hierarchy or to win mates.  The design team at CollectA are to be congratulated for creating such a fantastic prehistoric animal model.  It is brilliant to see Permian reptiles represented in model ranges.

CollectA Deluxe 1:20 Scale Dunkleosteus

Another iconic prehistoric monster is being introduced as a 1:20 scale deluxe replica.  The Devonian giant Dunkleosteus is being included in the new for 2018 releases.  Like Estemmenosuchus, this model too, will have a moveable, articulated jaw.

A Dunkleosteus Model – New for 2018 from CollectA

Dunkleosteus: this was a terrifying armoured fish of the Late Devonian era that could grow up to 6 metres in length. The skull was armoured and although some models show this as exposed bone plates, the CollectA model correctly shows it covered with skin. It did not possess teeth but had bone shears instead. As only the bone skull survives in the fossil record as the rest of the body was made of cartilage therefore, the rest of the body is based on other smaller and related species.

Devonian Prehistoric Fish

The new model adopts the idea that such a huge fish would have had to have had a heterocercal caudel fin rather like the shark in order to efficiently manoeuvre around. The CollectA replica comes with a movable jaw.

The introduction of this new scale model marks 145 years since the Dunkleosteus genus was erected (1873).  CollectA had introduced a mini Dunkleosteus figure in their very popular mini prehistoric marine animal set, this set which features ammonites, a trilobite, marine reptiles and prehistoric fish was introduced this year.  The mini Dunkleosteus could perhaps play the role of another species of placoderm in a Devonian dioramas that get constructed.  We can’t wait to see how these models will be used together.

To view the CollectA mini prehistoric animal set and the other models in the CollectA Prehistoric Life series: CollectA Prehistoric Life.

Commenting on the introduction of this apex Devonian predator, designer Anthony Beeson stated:

“I have never liked reconstructions where the plates appear like the fish is wearing a suit of armour, so they are covered with skin.  I have had second thoughts about the shape of the tail since producing the mini version and have now given him a heterocercal tail which would afford such a large animal a greater ability to manoeuvre in the water”.

CollectA Model Measurements

Here is the all-important measurement data for dinosaur fans and model collectors:

CollectA Deluxe 1:40 scale Iguanodon model – length 28 cm, height 11.5 cm – available from Everything Dinosaur early Spring

CollectA Deluxe 1:20 scale Estemmenosuchus – length 17.5 cm, height 10.5 cm – available from Everything Dinosaur mid 2018

CollectA Deluxe 1:2o scale Dunkleosteus – length 28 cm, height 6 cm – available from Everything Dinosaur early Spring

We look forward to posting up more news about 2018 CollectA releases, in the meantime, here is a link to our article on the first batch of CollectA models to be announced: New from CollectA 2018 (first batch).

To view the existing range of CollectA Deluxe models: CollectA Deluxe Prehistoric Life.

Visit the Everything Dinosaur website: Everything Dinosaur.