All about dinosaurs, fossils and prehistoric animals by Everything Dinosaur team members.
11 11, 2024

The Official Image of the New CollectA Deluxe Giant Short-faced Bear

By |2024-11-08T16:48:24+00:00November 11th, 2024|CollectA Deluxe Prehistoric Animal Models|0 Comments

Everything Dinosaur recently received the official image of the CollectA giant short-faced bear model.  We had received some exclusive images of the prototype, however, now we can post up the official image from the manufacturer. It certainly is a wonderful model of Arctodus simus.  A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur confirmed that it would be in stock next year (2025), but they were not quite sure when. It should be available in the spring.

The CollectA Deluxe giant short-faced bear model.

The CollectA Deluxe giant short-faced bear figure. This model will be in stock at Everything Dinosaur in 2025. This is the official CollectA image included in the media release.

Intriguingly, the model in this view does not show the torn right ear.  This was a detail we highlighted in an earlier blog post when we announced this new figure.

To read our earlier blog post about the CollectA Deluxe Arctodus simusNew CollectA Models for 2025 (Part 2).

The CollectA Giant Short-faced Bear

This is the third prehistoric animal figure for 2025 to have been announced.  It joins the CollectA Age of Dinosaurs Popular Furcatoceratops and the remarkable 1:20 scale CollectA Deluxe Jaekelopterus.  Congratulations to CollectA these three models represent the enormous variety in the CollectA range.

The CollectA Deluxe Arctodus simus model has already attracted a lot of interest from dinosaur fans and model collectors.  Furthermore, having received the official CollectA image we can comment on some of the additional details that can be seen.  However, if you only have the official image to guide you, you will have missed that torn ear detail.

CollectA Arctodus simus model.

The CollectA Deluxe 1:20 scale giant short-faced bear. This figure shows some remarkable details, including a damaged ear. The red arrow points to the torn ear.

How Big is the Model?

There has been speculation as to the model’s size.  We can now confirm that the official measurements for this figure are height 17.3 cm, and length including that outstretched left paw, is around 9.5 cm.  With a declared height of 17.3 cm, this suggests an animal standing around 3.46 metres tall in 1:20 scale.

This confirms that this figure probably represents a male.  Males were much larger than the females.  In addition, it demonstrates the accuracy of this model, in terms of its scaling. The largest specimens of A. simus probably stood around 3.4 metres tall when they reared up onto their hind legs.

Confirmation of the height measurement of the CollectA Deluxe Arctodus simus model.

Confirming the size of the CollectA Deluxe giant short-faced bear model. Picture credit: Additional annotation by Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Additional annotation by Everything Dinosaur.

Mike from Everything Dinosaur confirmed that this model should be available around the same time as the Furcatoceratops and the 1:20 scale Jaekelopterus model (spring 2025).

To view the range of CollectA Deluxe figures in stock at Everything Dinosaur: CollectA Deluxe Models.

Paws for Thought – A “False Thumb”

A close-up examination of the right paw of the CollectA figure reveals further carefully crafted details.  The pad has an enlarged and raised area under digit I (the thumb). This feature is seen in the only extant bear in the Tremarctinae subfamily (Tremarctos ornatus). In addition, almost diagonally opposite, there is a second, oval-shaped pad. It is the pad associated with the radial sesamoid bone.

This feature is also found in T. ornatus (the spectacled bear), as well as extant pandas.  This suggest that the sesamoid pad is a primitive, more basal characteristic that was lost in later bear taxa.  It is often referred to as the “False Thumb” as it has a role in helping the bear to grasp plant stems and other items.

The right paw of the CollectA giant short-faced bear figure.

A close-up view of the right paw of the CollectA giant short-faced bear model. The “False Thumb” is highlighted along with a secondary fleshy area of pad opposite it. This morphology reflects what is seen in the spectacled bear (Tremarctos ornatus).

Picture credit: Additional annotation by Everything Dinosaur

Team members at Everything Dinosaur are looking forward to the CollectA giant short-faced bear model coming into stock.

Mike from Everything Dinosaur added:

“The official CollectA image shows the details on the paw of the figure nicely.  This 1:20 scale figure should be in stock sometime in the spring of 2025.”

Visit the award-winning website of Everything Dinosaur: Dinosaur and Prehistoric Animal Toys.

8 11, 2024

New CollectA Models for 2025 – Part 2

By |2024-11-07T21:28:32+00:00November 8th, 2024|CollectA Age of Dinosaurs Popular and CollectA Prehistoric Life Models|2 Comments

Today, we make a second announcement about new CollectA prehistoric animal models for 2025.  A CollectA Deluxe 1:20 scale giant short-faced bear model will be available next year.  CollectA seem to have listened carefully to the requests of model collectors, and as a result, they have made a replica of Arctodus simus.  We at Everything Dinosaur are not sure when this prehistoric bear figure will be available. Perhaps, we will be able to stock it in the spring.  CollectA have kindly sent us some exclusive images of this new Arctodus simus model.  We can share some of these images with you.

  • CollectA Deluxe 1:20 scale giant short-faced bear (Arctodus simus).
CollectA Deluxe Arctodus simus model.

The new for 2025 CollectA Deluxe giant short-faced bear (Arctodus simus). The figure has a stated scale of 1:20.

The CollectA Deluxe Arctodus simus Model

The CollectA Deluxe giant short-faced bear is depicted rearing up.  The engineering team should be congratulated as they have created quite a dynamic pose, whilst maintaining the model’s stability.  The figure represents a male, and that white flash on the chest is most distinctive.  The closest living relative to A. simus is the spectacled bear (Tremarctos ornatus).  It too, tends to have a lighter coloured chest compared to the rest of its body, which is mainly covered in black fur.

CollectA Deluxe giant short-faced bear (Arctodus simus).

The image of the CollectA Deluxe 1:20 scale A. simus shows the distinctive short snout of this genus. The figure has a disproportionately short snout compared to extant bears within the Ursinae subfamily (polar bear, black bear, brown bear).

The figure has a disproportionately short snout compared to most living bears.  Hence the common name for this taxon – the giant short-faced bear.

To view the range of CollectA Deluxe prehistoric animal models in stock: CollectA Deluxe Prehistoric Life Figures.

The Giant Short-faced Bear

This giant bear inhabited North America during the Pleistocene Epoch. It had an extensive range. Fossils of A. simus have been found as far south as Mexico and in Canada. Once thought to be almost entirely carnivorous, it is likely that, like most extant bears, it was omnivorous. The CollectA model represents a male. Males were much larger than the females. The largest specimens stood nearly 1.7 metres high at the shoulder and would have weighed nearly a tonne.  When rearing up, a large male could stand around three and a half metres tall.

Isotope analysis of fossil teeth and bones suggests that this bear browsed on vegetation.  However, it also consumed other animals such as deer and tapirs.  Large males probably chased predators off their kills, allowing these big animals to feed on the carcase.  The white flash on the face, neck and chest of the CollectA model would have helped to intimidate both diurnal and nocturnal hunters allowing the bear to take over the kill.

CollectA Arctodus simus model.

The CollectA design team have provided some nice touches of detail on this model. For example, a small fleshy pad can be seen below the left paw. This is the “false thumb” associated with the sesamoid bone. This feature is found in the living member of the Tremarctinae subfamily – the spectacled bear (Tremarctos ornatus). The red arrow points to a torn ear.

The CollectA Arctodus simus Model and the “False Thumb”

The CollectA figure shows lots of detail such as the “false thumb” just below the main pad of the paw.  This hard pad marks the location of the radial sesamoid bone in the wrist.  This anatomical trait is seen in the spectacled bear and also in the distantly related giant panda.  The CollectA figure has a torn right ear (as indicated by the red arrow in the image).

A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur confirmed that this figure would be in stock next year (2025), but at this time they were not sure when.

Our thanks to CollectA for sending us these fantastic photographs of their new Arctodus simus model.

Visit the award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: Prehistoric Animal Models and Toys.

7 11, 2024

The Remarkable Artwork of Richard Bizley

By |2024-11-07T10:09:58+00:00November 7th, 2024|Dinosaur and Prehistoric Animal Drawings|0 Comments

Richard Bizley is a talented artist based in Dorset. He has a lifelong passion for art, astronomy and the natural sciences. This passion fuels his creativity and inspires his remarkable work.  We have known Richard for many years.  Indeed, we have several of his illustrations of prehistoric fauna and flora around our house.  You may have come across his amazing artwork, it has featured in numerous books, magazines and other publications.  Indeed, we have featured Richard Bizley’s art on this blog previously.

Our article from 2019 that highlights Richard’s work in a book explaining the emergence of giant arthropods during the Carboniferous and the eventual demise of these bizarre ecosystems: “Carboniferous Giants and Mass Extinction”.

His work encourages us to appreciate both the history of our own planet as well as the wonders of the universe.  Richard has a deep understanding of his subjects.  For example, his knowledge of palaeontology and the fossil record helps him to create realistic prehistoric scenes. He often features prehistoric animals and events that are often overlooked by other artists, bringing them to life with remarkable detail and imagination.

Phytosaur skeleton by Richard Bizley.

The southwestern United States at the end of the Triassic. The skeleton of a large phytosaur (Redondasaurus) lies exposed on a dried-up lakebed. Picture credit: Richard Bizley.

Picture credit: Richard Bizley

The picture (above) shows a scene from the end of the Triassic. During this time in Earth’s history there was a mass extinction event, probably caused by dramatic global warming as a result of extensive volcanic activity. A skeleton of a phytosaur, a Redondasaurus, lies forlorn on a dried-up lakebed in this harsh and unyielding environment. The once abundant phytosaurs became extinct along with many other types of reptiles such as the aetosaurs and the rauisuchians.

The Remarkable Art of Richard Bizley

As a Fellow of the International Association of Astronomical Artists, Richard stands out in his field. His paintings capture the beauty of life on Earth and the wonders of the cosmos. Richard’s illustrations document significant moments in the long history of Earth.  For instance, he has produced many compositions that illustrate our planet not long after its formation.

Hadean - the early Earth by Richard Bizley.

The early history of our planet is captured in this image of the Hadean Eon. The super-heated and molten surface is subjected to frequent impacts from asteroids, comets and other space debris left over from the formation of the planets. Picture credit: Richard Bizley.

Picture credit: Richard Bizley

Illustrating the Mesozoic

Much of his work portrays life during the “Age of Dinosaurs”. However, Richard often chooses to highlight some of the lesser-known animals that co-existed with the dinosaurs, giant marine reptiles and pterosaurs.  His extensive knowledge of palaeontology permits him to put into the spotlight some of the incredible invertebrates and other creatures that thrived during the Mesozoic. Often his work is devoid of vertebrates.  For example, the illustration (below) is dominated by crinoids (sea lilies). It depicts a shallow marine seascape during the Bathonian faunal stage of the Middle Jurassic.

A crinoid dominated seafloor during the Middle Jurassic by artist Richard Bizley.

A scene showing the seafloor during the late Bathonian stage of the Middle Jurassic. Crinoids dominate the seascape, but brachiopods and sea urchins also thrive. Picture credit: Richard Bizley.

Picture credit: Richard Bizley

The seafloor is shown carpeted with two types of crinoids. The taller stalked crinoids (Isocrinus) and the stalk-less comatulid crinoids (Eocomatula). Eocomatula crinoids were able to swim as highlighted in this captivating image. Also on the seafloor are some brachiopod shells, and a spiny sea urchin (Acrosalenia).

Our thanks to Richard for sending into us some examples of his remarkable artwork.

For further example of the work of Richard Bizley and to purchase prints: Richard Bizley Art.

6 11, 2024

Exclusive CollectA Deluxe Jaekelopterus Images and a YouTube Video

By |2024-11-06T22:28:03+00:00November 6th, 2024|CollectA Deluxe Prehistoric Animal Models|0 Comments

Everything Dinosaur has been sent some exclusive images of the new for 2025 CollectA Deluxe Jaekelopterus model. It is a fascinating eurypterid figure. The model represents the species Jaekelopterus rhenaniae and it comes complete with a luckless agnathan prey item.  Team members created a short YouTube video that permitted them to share the images with model collectors.  The video was posted up on the company’s YouTube channel.

Video credit: Everything Dinosaur

The CollectA Deluxe Jaekelopterus Figure

This remarkable figure of arguably the largest arthropod known to science has a declared scale of 1:20. In the Everything Dinosaur video, we take a look at this scale statement and try to determine whether it is accurate. Exquisite details on the eurypterid figure are shown. For example, the compound eyes are highlighted. In addition, the scale-like surface ornamentation is discussed.

It is likely that this figure will be in stock at Everything Dinosaur sometime in the spring of 2025.

To view the range of CollectA Deluxe models in stock: CollectA Deluxe Prehistoric Life Models.

The new for 2025 CollectA Deluxe Jaekelopterus figure.

The new for 2025 CollectA Deluxe Jaekelopterus figure complete with a pteraspidid fish victim.

The Jaekelopterus has splashes of green. However, they are only found on the top of the model.  This suggests that these markings represent algae growing on the animal’s exoskeleton.  In our video, we look at the underside of the model and discuss the colouration.  Furthermore, we examine the pincers and assess their accuracy when compared to the J. rhenaniae fossil material.

The Contents of the Video

Our video highlighting the exclusive Jaekelopterus images lasts for just over nine minutes and thirty seconds.  It provides model collectors with the opportunity to get a really close look at this new invertebrate figure.

Video Contents

0:00 – The First 2 CollectA figures for 2025.
0:41 – Introducing the CollectA Jaekelopterus!
1:07 – The Compound Eye.
1:40 – Green Patches of Algae?
1:57 – Deadly Pincers (Chelicerae).
2:46 – Fish Prey (pteraspidid)!
3.15 – The Amazing Underside.
4:40 – The Mouth and Legs.
5:33 – Jaekelopterus rhenaniae!
5:53 – Probably Algae.
6:22 – Scales on the Body!
7:12 – Praising the CollectA Jaekelopterus.
7:33 – Is it 1:20 Scale?
8:28 – Where to Buy?

The Everything Dinosaur YouTube channel (please subscribe): Videos of Dinosaur Models.

Mike from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“We know that model collectors have been after a sea scorpion figure for a while.  It’s great that CollectA have added one to their range, especially as it is a replica of Jaekelopterus.”

Visit the award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: Prehistoric Animal Models.

4 11, 2024

New Book Provides a Fresh Perspective on Dinosaur Extinction

By |2024-11-04T06:49:38+00:00November 4th, 2024|Book Reviews|0 Comments

A new book written by English author Andrew Norman entitled “The Dinosaurs and their Mysterious Demise” proposes a new theory to explain the dinosaur extinction.  The K-Pg extinction event remains one of the most dramatic episodes in the history of life on our planet.  Of the five mass extinction events, referred to as the “Big Five”, that have occurred during the Phanerozoic, it is perhaps the end-Cretaceous event that has attracted the most interest.  We suspect that this interest is largely down to the dramatic end of the reign of the non-avian dinosaurs.

We seem to be fascinated with the Dinosauria. Our curiosity prompts us to delve into the scientific theories that attempt to explain their extinction.  It is the dinosaur extinction that reminds us of our own fragility of existence.

Renowned author Andrew Norman puts forward a new hypothesis that explains why some groups of animals survived this extinction event, whilst others such as the non-avian dinosaurs did not.

The front cover of "Dinosaurs and Their Mysterious Demise".

The front cover of “Dinosaurs and Their Mysterious Demise”. This newly published book looks at the extinction of the non-avian dinosaurs and provides a new perspective on why some groups of animals died out whilst others survived. Picture credit: Pen and Sword Books Ltd.

Picture credit: Pen and Sword Books Ltd

A New Idea About the Dinosaur Extinction

Published by Pen and Sword Books Limited, this new release has already attracted extremely favourable reviews.  The author’s writing style has been praised.  Team members at Everything Dinosaur were intrigued when they heard about this new publication.  There have been numerous hypotheses put forward to explain the dinosaur extinction.  However, fresh perspectives are always welcome, and we exchanged emails with the publisher, requesting further information.

Whilst it would not be fair to elucidate on the new ideas proposed by the author Andrew Norman, we did receive this statement:

“The question as to why the dinosaurs became extinct is no longer in doubt. However, the question that has not been addressed is, why was it that the dinosaurs, which ranged in size from the largest terrestrial creatures ever known, to ones the size of chickens, were completely eliminated when an asteroid struck the Earth, whereas the mammals and reptiles survived? The likely answer is to be found in my newly published book.”

We welcome, this new addition to a controversial area of vertebrate palaeontology and we are sure that the ideas expressed in this new book will inform and intrigue a whole new generation of readers.

Book Details

Here is further information about this new publication:

Title: “The Dinosaurs and Their Mysterious Demise”

Author: Andrew Norman

ISBN: 9781399041126

Publisher: Pen and Sword Books Ltd

Published on October 16th, 2024. It contains 160 pages and 32 mono illustrations.

The publisher’s website: Pen and Sword Books.

3 11, 2024

Exclusive CollectA Furcatoceratops Images and a Video Review

By |2024-11-03T14:22:55+00:00November 3rd, 2024|Everything Dinosaur videos|0 Comments

Thank you CollectA for sending to Everything Dinosaur some more images of the recently announced CollectA Furcatoceratops model.  These photographs display this new dinosaur figure for 2025 from various angles.  Their high resolution permits model collectors to get a good look at the fine details.  Our thanks to CollectA for sending us these images.  As a result, we have created a short YouTube video.  Our video looks at the skin texture and discusses the painting of the head and horns.  In addition, we examine how the model’s jugal horn and epoccipitals (pronounced eh-pox-ci-pi-tals) reflect the holotype.

Video credit: Everything Dinosaur

Everything Dinosaur on YouTube

The Everything Dinosaur YouTube channel is packed with news and updates about prehistoric animal models. There are helpful hints and tips for model collectors too.  Moreover, we can post up YouTube shorts and other videos highlighting our work as well as dinosaur model reviews.

To visit the Everything Dinosaur YouTube channel and subscribe: Everything Dinosaur’s YouTube Channel.

Commenting upon the new CollectA Furcatoceratops figure, Mike from Everything Dinosaur stated:

“This new horned dinosaur model will be available sometime in 2025.  We hope to have it in stock by the spring.  It is a figure in the Age of Dinosaurs Popular range.”

To view the CollectA Age of Dinosaurs Popular range of prehistoric animal models in stock at Everything Dinosaur: Age of Dinosaurs – Popular.

The Age of Dinosaurs CollectA Furcatoceratops

The CollectA Age of Dinosaurs Popular Furcatoceratops is one of two new CollectA figures to be announced.  The second figure is the remarkable Jaekelopterus model.

To read a blog post about these two new prehistoric animal models: New Prehistoric Animal Models from CollectA for 2025 (Part 1).

Furcatoceratops has been classified as a member of the Centrosaurinae subfamily of ceratopsids.  It is closely related to Avaceratops and Nasutoceratops.  Furcatoceratops was formally named and described in 2023 (Ishikawa et al).

The CollectA Furcatoceratops model.

An image showing the new for 2025 Furcatoceratops dinosaur model from CollectA.

To read about the discovery of Furcatoceratops (F. elucidans): Furcatoceratops – A New Centrosaurine.

Mike from Everything Dinosaur added that the company’s YouTube video would highlight features that the image on the media release did not show.

He explained:

“The Furcatoceratops video lasts around five minutes.  We look at the fine details on the skin of the model, including tubercles. In addition, we comment on the paint scheme chosen for the horns and highlight the details that can be found on the neck frill.”

Mike confirmed that he hoped to have the model in stock in the spring of 2025. Furthermore, he thanked CollectA once again for sending the Furcatoceratops photographs.

Visit the Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur Toys and Models.

2 11, 2024

New Haolonggood Stegosaurus Models Reviewed by a Dinosaur Fan

By |2024-11-03T08:29:38+00:00November 2nd, 2024|Product Reviews|0 Comments

Our thanks to dinosaur model collector Carl who sent into Everything Dinosaur his review of the new Haolonggood Stegosaurus models.  As well as sending in his review, Carl kindly provided some information about the Stegosaurus genus.  In addition, we received some photos of his recently acquired models too.

Haolonggood Stegosaurus models.

A pair of Stegosaurus dinosaur models (Haolonggood figures. The model known as Sun Li (left) and Hao Si Wen (right). Picture credit: Carl.

Picture credit: Carl

Reviewing Haolonggood Stegosaurus Models

Here is the review sent into Everything Dinosaur:

I’d like to thank the award-winning team at the exceptional Everything Dinosaur for supplying these beautiful representations of the Late Jurassic thyreophoran clade – the majestic Stegosaurus in 1:35 scale from Haolonggood.

In 1877 the name Stegosaurus was first described as the “roofed lizard”, but Haolonggood have created a model called Stegosaurus ungulatus. In Greek and Latin, it means “clawed roofed lizard”.

Greek – stego = roofed.
Greek – saurus = lizard.
Latin – unguis = claw, hoof, nail.

It was originally thought that the dermal plates covered the animal’s body like the tiles on a roof. Hence the genus name meaning “roofed lizard”. This was not the case. Actually, the plates are not fused to the spinal vertebrae of the Stegosaurus skeleton.

In books, TV and film productions the plates are depicted on the top of the animal’s body. The plates could have been used for regulating body temperature, helping to keep the Stegosaurus cool in hot, humid climates. Or perhaps the plates were used to attract a mate, or to provide a threat display to deter an attack from predatory dinosaurs. I don’t think that anyone will know for sure, but I am confident our imaginations will fill the gaps.

A Haolonggood Stegosaurus figure (Sun Li).

A closer view of the Haolonggood Stegosaurus figure Sun Li. Picture credit: Carl.

Picture credit: Carl

The “Thagomizer” and its Origins

Stegosaurus plates had an irregular arrangement along the top of the animal’s body, from the base of the head to almost the end of the tail. At the end of the tail, it had large spikes. This arrangement of spikes is referred to as a “Thagomizer”. What a fantastic name!

To learn how the “Thagomizer” term came into common usage: How the “Thagomizer” was Named.

These spikes were no doubt defensive weapons. They were used to protect the animal and any offspring from theropod dinosaurs.

Haolonggood have done an impressive, and highly detailed sculpt for their take on Stegosaurus. There are three colour variants to choose from. Two of the three have a flamboyant paint application. However, once in the hand the colour scheme is not as vibrant as the promotional images.

A graceful gait, a high hip girdle as well as long hind legs and an almost horizontal tail gives the appearance of a very elegant animal indeed. A very narrow head with its small beak and the throat armour are also nicely done.

View the Haolonggood range of prehistoric animal models: Haolonggood Prehistoric Animals.

The Haolonggood Stegosaurus model (Hao Si Wen).

The Haolonggood Stegosaurus model (Hao Si Wen) on display. Picture credit: Carl.

Picture credit: Carl

The Colour of Stegosaurs

I think a lot of herbivorous dinosaur taxa would not have had vibrant and flamboyant colouration. Such colour patterns could easily attract predatory dinosaurs. So, I don’t think that would have been the case. Camouflage would have been best and a safer colour design in nature, whether it was an extant animal or an animal that lived millions of years ago.

Nonetheless, Haolonggood’s version of Stegosaurus are still impressive figures. I would like to add that for anyone who is interested in the world of dinosaurs and prehistoric animals, please make your purchases from the fantastic team members at Everything Dinosaur.

Trust me, you will never be disappointed in the service that is provided.

I hope this review has been informative to some degree and enjoyable for all the people who are fascinated by dinosaurs.

I would like to send my sincere thanks and gratitude to the ever-hard-working team members at the simply exceptional Everything Dinosaur – thank you!

Our thanks to Carl for sending in his review and photographs of the Haolonggood Stegosaurus models.

Visit the award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur Toys.

1 11, 2024

New Baryonyx Model Arrives on a Memorable Date

By |2024-11-01T16:02:34+00:00November 1st, 2024|PNSO Age of Dinosaurs Models|0 Comments

The new PNSO Baryonyx model has arrived at Everything Dinosaur.  The delivery coincides with an important date in the history of spinosaurids.  For, as the PNSO Maxim the Baryonyx was being unloaded, our thoughts turned to November 1st 1986.  It was on this day thirty-eight years ago that the scientific paper describing Baryonyx (B. walkeri) was published. Sadly, the two authors of that publication Alan J. Charig and Angela Milner have both passed away. However, as we unloaded the boxes today, we took time out to reflect on their immense contribution to vertebrate palaeontology.

Three examples of the new PNSO Baryonyx model.

A trio of Baryonyx boxes. The new PNSO Maxim the Baryonyx models arrived on the day of the anniversary of the scientific publication announcing Baryonyx walkeri (published in the journal Nature). Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

The PNSO Baryonyx Model (Maxim the Baryonyx)

PNSO have made several spinosaurid figures.  However, this is the first, large Baryonyx model that the company has produced.  This figure measures twenty-four centimetres long.  The head height is around nine centimetres.  This beautiful Baryonyx has an articulated lower jaw.

Maxim the Baryonyx

Wandering close to the water. An image of the new for 2024 Maxim the Baryonyx dinosaur model.

The Maxim the Baryonyx figure is supplied with a sixty-four page, full-colour booklet and an A3-sized Baryonyx poster.  Baryonyx is one of our favourite theropods.

To see the PNSO range of prehistoric animal models available from Everything Dinosaur: PNSO Age of Dinosaurs Models.

The title of the 1986 scientific paper was “Baryonyx, a remarkable new theropod dinosaur”, it introduced an entirely different type of carnivorous dinosaur.  It is wonderful to see that, thirty-eight years later, Baryonyx is still fascinating collectors and dinosaur fans.

Alan Charig and Angela Milner significantly advanced our understanding of prehistoric life through their ground-breaking discoveries.  During our busy day, we spared a few moments to remember them.

The award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur Models and Toys.

1 11, 2024

New CollectA Models for 2025 – Part 1

By |2024-11-01T14:51:56+00:00November 1st, 2024|CollectA Age of Dinosaurs Popular and CollectA Prehistoric Life Models|0 Comments

Everything Dinosaur in collaboration with CollectA reveal two new prehistoric animal models for 2025. A new horned dinosaur – Furcatoceratops and an eurypterid.  The eurypterid is a replica of the giant “sea scorpion” Jaekelopterus (J. rhenaniae).

  • CollectA Age of Dinosaurs Popular Furcatoceratops.
  • CollectA Deluxe 1:20 scale Jaekelopterus rhenaniae.
The CollectA Age of Dinosaurs Popular Furcatoceratops model.

The CollectA Age of Dinosaurs Popular Furcatoceratops model.

At this time, we are not certain when these two CollectA prehistoric animal models will be in stock at Everything Dinosaur.  However, we estimate that they might be available in the spring (2025).

New for 2025 the CollectA Jaekelopterus model in 1:20 scale.

New for 2025 a scale model of Jaekelopterus rhenaniae.

New CollectA Prehistoric Animal Models (Part 1)

Furcatoceratops (pronounced Fur-kat-toe-sera-tops), is the latest horned dinosaur addition to the Age of Dinosaurs Popular range.  CollectA have been keen to highlight the great variety and diversity of North American ceratopsians.  Furcatoceratops (F. elucidans) joins other centrosaurines in this range such as Nasutoceratops, to which it was closely related.  It was formally named and described in 2023 (Ishikawa et al). Its large brow horns curved sharply downwards, and these have been carefully depicted in this new CollectA figure.

CollectA Age of Dinosaurs Furcatoceratops.

The new for 2025 CollectA Furcatoceratops model shown in lateral view.

The fossil material comes from the famous Judith River Formation of Montana.  The predominantly green-coloured body contrasts nicely with the carefully painted head in the images of a prototype CollectA kindly provided.

To read Everything Dinosaur’s 2023 blog post about Furcatoceratops elucidansFurcatoceratops – A New Centrosaurine.

CollectA Age of Dinosaurs Furcatoceratops dinosaur model.

The model has different-sized epoccipital bones lining the frill. This layout reflects the known fossil material.

Detailed Epoccipitals

The picture (above) shows the beautiful frill of Furcatoceratops more clearly.  The epoccipitals (bones lining the frill) are not all uniform and the same size.  This arrangement of epoccipitals reflects what is seen in the holotype fossil material.

It has been estimated that Furcatoceratops grew to about 4 metres in length.  This could mean a model of around ten centimetres in length with an approximate scale of 1:40.

To view the range of CollectA Age of Dinosaurs Popular figures in stock: CollectA Prehistoric Life Figures.

The CollectA Deluxe Jaekelopterus rhenaniae

CollectA have gained a reputation for creating wonderful replicas of prehistoric invertebrates.  Collectors have been after an eurypterid figure for years, and CollectA have delivered. The CollectA model represents Jaekelopterus rhenaniae (Yak-kel-op-ter-us ren-an-ee-aye), one of the largest arthropods to have ever lived.

The CollectA Deluxe 1:20 scale Jaekelopterus with prey.

The Jaekelopterus figure is holding a jawless fish in its huge claw (chelicera).

The prototype images provided by the manufacturer show some amazing details.  For example, the figure has large, compound eyes and dorsal ocelli (light-sensitive organs) located on the top of the head.  Remarkably, CollectA have been able to include a small replica of a jawless fish.  Jaekelopterus rhenaniae was probably the apex predator in the Early Devonian waterways of what was to become Germany.

It probably hunted primitive fish. The fish prey represents a generic jawless agnathan.  It is probably based on a group of prehistoric fish called Pteraspidiformes.  This was one of the last times in our planet’s history that an invertebrate was top of the food chain hunting vertebrates.

The model is predominantly a mottled brown but with patches of green on it.  When the underside of the model is viewed (see below), there are no green patches.

The underside of the CollectA Jaekelopterus figure.

A view of the underside of the Jaekelopterus model.  The reproductive organ can be seen as can the vent in the pretelson. The mouth parts have been carefully reconstructed along with the appendages.

The absence of any green colouration on the underside suggests that the green patches depict algae growing on the exoskeleton.  It is likely that algae did grow on this large predator as it lurked in the water ready to ambush its next victim.  The limbs were too weak to support this animal on land so, it was probably entirely aquatic.  The algae would benefit this predator. It would have helped to camouflage it.

We believe the CollectA Deluxe Jaekelopterus figure will be approximately sixteen centimetres in length.  At this size it would fit with an approximate scale of 1:20.

To view the range of CollectA Deluxe figures available from Everything Dinosaur: CollectA Deluxe Prehistoric Animal Figures.

A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur thanked the manufacturer for providing the additional images.  It is likely that these two CollectA prehistoric animal figures will be in stock in the spring of 2025 or thereabouts.

Hopefully, more new CollectA prehistoric animals next Friday.

Visit the Everything Dinosaur award-winning website: Dinosaur and Prehistoric Animal Models.

31 10, 2024

Packing Dinosaur Toys: We Tried to Make an Impressive Video

By |2024-10-31T14:21:19+00:00October 31st, 2024|Everything Dinosaur videos|0 Comments

At Everything Dinosaur, we take great pride in our customer service. We take care when it comes to packing up prehistoric animal models and dinosaur toys for customers. However, packing orders can sometimes lead to unexpected hilarity. For example, we thought it would be a good idea to produce a YouTube short, highlighting our packing prowess.

Sue showcased her impressive packing skills. She expertly packed a Beasts of the Mesozoic figure. Watching her work was poetry in motion. Within a few seconds the box had been assembled, protective packing materials added, and the prehistoric animal figure safely and securely packed inside.

As for me, things did not go as well. Watch our YouTube short to see what happens 🙂

Video credit: Everything Dinosaur

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Packing Dinosaur Toys

Sue is certainly an expert at packing and despatching parcels. Meanwhile, Mike found himself on the other side of the packing table, struggling to locate the parcel tape. While Sue swiftly packaged our beloved dinosaur toys, he fumbled around like a T. rex trying to tie its shoelaces.

Our viewers loved the contrast between Sue’s packing prowess and Mike’s struggles. It’s a reminder that while we take our prehistoric animal models and dinosaur toys seriously, we don’t always take ourselves seriously.

A trio of PNSO Lufengosaurus models.

Mike of Everything Dinosaur with three Lufengosaurus dinosaur models. It might be better for him to bring the models to the packing room for Sue to pack. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

If you want a good chuckle and to see how we ensure your dinosaur toys arrive safely, check out our YouTube short! Who knew packing could be this much fun?

In the meantime, for some serious prehistoric animal figures and dinosaur toys, take a look at the Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur Toys and Prehistoric Animal Models.

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