New Stegosaur Model available in Spring 2012
CollectA are going to be introducing a model of the European, Jurassics stegosaur called Miragaia in the spring of 2012. Fossils of this type of stegosaur were found in Upper Jurassic strata of the Lourinhã Formation of western Portugal, an area rich in dinosaur fossil remains that has yielded a number of new and exciting dinosaur genera over the last fifty years or so. Team members at Everything Dinosaur are looking forward to the arrival of the CollectA Miragaia dinosaur model.
Most of the front portion of this dinosaur was excavated, including elements of the snout, the first stegosaur skull material to have been discovered in Europe. As well as the nasal, maxilla and premaxilla bones (snout), the fossils included the postorbital bone from the skull and an element from the lower jaw plus shoulder bones, most of the front forelimbs, fifteen cervical vertebrae (neck bones) and a number of armour plates. Although, just two specimens are known (one a probable juvenile), the design team at CollectA have created a very credible dinosaur model.
The New Miragaia Model (available Spring 2012)
Jurassic stegosaur model. The CollectA Miragaia dinosaur model.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur/CollectA
To view the CollectA not-to-scale range of dinosaur and prehistoric animal models: CollectA Dinosaur Models and Replicas.
CollectA Miragaia Dinosaur Model
The elongated neck is well depicted, this dinosaur had more cervical vertebrae than most sauropods. The shoulder spikes are perhaps a little too erect and if this animal did possess shoulder spikes, they might have been at a more acute angle to provide more protection on the shoulders.
To read an article on the discovery of Miragaia: New, Long-necked Stegosaur Discovered.
This model contrasts with the 2011 introduction by Safari into their Carnegie Collectibles series. The skin on this version of Miragaia has a more roughened texture and this model has a bright and more prominent red throat patch.
The Miragaia Model from Safari Ltd
A Jurassic stegosaur – Safari’s Interpretation.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur/Safari Ltd Carnegie Collectibles.
The “Thagomiser”
It is interesting to contrast the design of the “thagomiser” – the spikes on the end of the tail. The rear end of this dinosaur is not known in the current fossil record, so it is intriguing to note the differences, with the Safari Ltd specimen having a larger pair of double spikes at the end of the tail.
Both stegosaur figures are fabulous, to view the diverse range of ornithischian dinosaur models available from Everything Dinosaur: Everything Dinosaur Prehistoric Animal Models and Figures.
I agree with Manuel, a superb figure and very much preferable to the Safari version. Next year is going to be really something for dino. collectors, all thanks to the vision of CollectA.