The New Papo Baryonyx Divides Opinions

The new for 2016 Papo Baryonyx dinosaur model has been in stock at Everything Dinosaur for about a month now and team members have been monitoring the feedback and model reviews that we have received.  The figure measures an impressive thirty-three centimetres long and that head is approaching seventeen centimetres high, however, some dinosaur model collectors have found it difficult to come to terms with the very distinctive look that Papo have chosen to give this theropod.

Papo Baryonyx

The Papo Baryonyx Dinosaur Model Divides Opinions

Available from Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

A “Marmite Model”

This replica is one of the largest models that Papo intend to release in 2016, it certainly is a very striking figure with its row of spikes running down its back from the long neck to the tip of the tail.  Some collectors have suggested that the chosen colour scheme with half the model painted with brown stripes overlying battleship grey and the orange top line, is just a little too showy and elaborate, some have even termed the paint scheme as “positively garish”.

One thing is for sure, the Papo Baryonyx certainly stands out from the crowd, particularly when the more toned down greens and browns of the Papo tyrannosaurids and the Papo Spinosaurus are considered.

Those clever people at JurassicCollectables provided a very insightful guide to this dinosaur model in their recent video review.  Everything Dinosaur featured this video in an earlier blog post, to see the video and the accompanying article click the link: JurassicCollectables Reviews the Papo Baryonyx Model.

The “Wet Look” Dinosaur

The finish applied to the top half of the Baryonyx gives the model a sheen, an almost “wet look”.  This has been commented upon by many collectors, it may not be to everyone’s taste but it is very likely that Baryonyx made its home in low-lying flood plains with extensive rivers and many lakes in the vicinity and as a piscivore (fish-eater), it would have been very much at home in or near water.

Baryonyx May Have Specialised in Eating Fish

Papo Baryonyx dinosaur model – available from Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Correct Anatomical Features on the Papo Baryonyx

The tripodal stance might annoy some, but there is a lot to admire in terms of the way in which the known anatomy of this Early Cretaceous dinosaur is reflected in the model.  For example, the nostrils are in the approximate correct place and the first digit has a large and strongly recurved claw (the thumb claw).  In addition, the jaw is elongated and care has been taken to give the upper jaw that distinctive notch.

The paintwork on the skull and in the very large mouth is quite exquisite, although we remain uncertain as to how wide this dinosaur could gape.  The folds of skin under the jaw give the impression that this dinosaur may have had a throat pouch, something that a number of palaeontologists have speculated upon.

To purchase the Papo Baryonyx and other prehistoric animal models in the Papo range: Papo Dinosaur and Prehistoric Animal Models.

Manipulation of the Feet to Improve the Stance

Some models, with a little bit of care and persuasion can stand and support themselves without the tip of the tail resting on the ground.  We have heard of dinosaur model fans using hair dryers or hot water treatment to make the lower legs more pliable and then have them manipulated so that they can provide more support.  We note the pads on the bottom of the feet are somewhat splayed out, this will help with stability as well as giving the impression that this heavy biped was well adapted to walking on soft mud.

The new for 2016 Papo Baryonyx model has got people talking, that in itself is not a bad thing.  We have nicknamed this dinosaur the “marmite model” as some people love it some people dislike it.

We would love to hear what you think about it.

Visit Everything Dinosaur’s website: Everything Dinosaur.