Makeover for Iconic Dinosaur – Spinosaurus

Everything Dinosaur can exclusively reveal that those clever people at CollectA will be adding new Spinosaurus models to their prehistoric animal range.  CollectA will be introducing a new Deluxe Spinosaurus replica into the company’s highly successful “Prehistoric Life” model collection.  In total, three new Spinosaurus models will be available as CollectA updates its model range to reflect changes in the way that scientists interpret fossils.

 New for 2015 Deluxe Spinosaurus Dinosaur Model

Leading the way in interpreting dinosaur fossils.

Picture credit: CollectA

Spinosaurus is one of the most famous of all the dinosaurs and 2015 marks the 100th anniversary of the naming and formal scientific description of this iconic dinosaur, widely believed to be the largest predatory dinosaur that ever lived.  Back in September of last year, Everything Dinosaur team members reported upon the publication of a new scientific paper that showed this dinosaur in a whole new light.  Based on a comprehensive review of the known fossil data, scientists proposed that Spinosaurus walked on all fours rather than just its hind legs (obligate quadruped).

The title of the paper, published in the journal Science “Semi-aquatic Adaptations in a Giant Predatory Dinosaur”, just about says it all.  Here was a new way of interpreting the fossils of a theropod dinosaur.  Spinosaurus aegyptiacus was depicted as a predator perfectly adapted to a life in rivers and lakes.  Think of Spinosaurus as “a dinosaur that decided to become a crocodile”, it’s a crude analogy but it does make the point.

A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“The publication of the new research into Spinosaurus was one of the most eagerly anticipated scientific papers last year.  It’s amazing how quickly CollectA have been able to take the very latest information about a dinosaur and to create a replica that strongly reflects the scientific literature.  This new Deluxe Spinosaurus really shows how much care and attention this company pays to the science of palaeontology.”

Ironically, Everything Dinosaur had been inundated with  enquiries from dinosaur fans and serious model collectors about whether a replica showing this new interpretation of Spinosaurus was going to be produced.  We can exclusively reveal that CollectA have done this, and this model will be available from Everything Dinosaur in July (or thereabouts).

To read the article published by Everything Dinosaur on the new Spinosaurus interpretation: Spinosaurus – Four Legs are Better than Two.

The Deluxe Spinosaurus measures approximately 36cm in length making it around 4cm bigger than the Deluxe 1:40 scale T. rex dinosaur model also made by CollectA.  The size of this new replica, reflects the current scientific thinking that Spinosaurus aegyptiacus was indeed, larger than Tyrannosaurus rex.

This new model has been very skilfully crafted and it will have an articulated lower jaw.  The introduction of articulated jaws is going to be a feature of many of CollectA’s 2015 product offerings.  Both the eagerly awaited Deluxe feathered T. rex and the 1:40 scale Acrocanthosaurus dinosaurs, which are due to be introduced in the spring, will have articulated lower jaws, as will the 1:4 scale Guidraco pterosaur replica.

CollectA Deluxe Spinosaurus will have an Articulated Lower Jaw

Model features an articulated jaw.

Picture credit: CollectA/Everything Dinosaur

In Total Three New Spinosaurus Models from CollectA in 2015

If this news wasn’t enough to get dinosaur fans roaring with excitement, CollectA will be introducing a total of three Spinosaurus replicas in 2015.  The new Deluxe Spinosaurus will be replacing the company’s current Deluxe Spinosaurus.  Joining it will be two smaller models in the very popular, not-to-scale model range.  The existing Spinosaurus model in the not-to-scale range will be replaced by two replicas, one depicting Spinosaurus on land, the other, a model of Spinosaurus swimming.

These two figures will be available from Everything Dinosaur later on this year, and, as soon as we have photographs we will be posting them up, but we do know that each of these replicas measures around 26 cm in length.

The 2014 reinterpretation of Spinosaurus attracted  a lot of attention from the scientific community. One of the most controversial areas was how this dinosaur might have protected its huge thumb claw when it walked on four legs.  The idea of Spinosaurus walking on its knuckles has been suggested.

Commenting on these exciting new additions and their relationship to the recently published research, model designer Anthony Beeson stated:

“I am not happy with the idea that the animal walked on its knuckles so I have made the hands point outward when on land as is the other theory [locomotion of an obligate quadruped].  As is the case with the Ichthyovenator [a Spinosauridae dinosaur replica introduced by CollectA last year] I have given the animals many crocodilian features especially the tail scutes that are such a decorative part of those creatures.”

We at Everything Dinosaur are delighted to hear this news and we can’t wait to see the models themselves.  When we have more information we will post it up. Promise!

To view Everything Dinosaur’s range of not-to-scale CollectA prehistoric animal models: CollectA Prehistoric Life/World Models.

To view the CollectA Deluxe figures (scale models): CollectA Deluxe Prehistoric Life/World Figures.