CollectA Excalibosaurus and Basilosaurus

Today we reveal the next two new for 2017 prehistoric animal models to be introduced by CollectA, both are marine creatures, and predators but they are separated by some 150 million years of our planet’s history.

CollectA Prehistoric Animal Models

First up is the splendid Excalibosaurus, a wonderful replica of this Early Jurassic member of the Order Ichthyosauria.  This marine reptile had an elongated rostrum, its upper jaw was much longer than its lower jaw.  Palaeontologists have suggested that it used its bizarre jaws to slash at shoals of fish, the stunned and wounded fish would have then been easier to catch.

New for 2017 the CollectA Excalibosaurus Model

The CollectA Excalibosaurus model.

Picture credit: CollectA

Known from two specimens, both found in Lower Jurassic strata exposed on the Somerset coast of England, this rare ichthyosaur would have been an apex predator some 190 million years ago.  The holotype material is in the vertebrate collection of the Bristol Museum (England), whilst a much larger and more complete specimen is housed at the Royal Ontario Museum (Toronto, Canada).

A Somerset Favourite!

Each prehistoric sculpture is approved by Anthony Beeson, a highly-respected expert in palaeoimagery and Anthony commented:

“Excalibosaurus is a local Somerset favourite of mine.  As the holotype is in Bristol Museum and is local to me, I have been able to spend some time studying it.  I think that both the name with its allusions to King Arthur’s magic sword and the animal’s own unusual swordfish-like upper jaw, make it a fascinating ichthyosaur and one that is not well known amongst children.  It is certainly one of Bristol Museum’s star attractions.”

The colouration of this model reflects some of the latest research into the skin colour of marine reptiles and the new Excalibosaurus compliments the wide range of marine reptile models that have already been introduced by CollectA into their “Prehistoric Life” collection.

CollectA Excalibosaurus Measurements

The official measurements for this new for 2017 marine reptile model are: length just under 13 cm and a height (top of the dorsal fin) of just over 3 cm.

CollectA Basilosaurus Model

The second model to be announced this week is a fantastic replica of the early toothed whale Basilosaurus and what an amazing model it is.

New for 2017 the CollectA Basilosaurus Model

The CollectA Basilosaurus model.

Picture credit: CollectA

We know that prehistoric animal model collectors and fans of the CollectA range have long been after such a replica and CollectA have certainly delivered with this carefully crafted figure.

Basilosaurus and Excalibosaurus – Fantastic Prehistoric Animal Models

Anthony explained:

“Basilosaurus is another animal that I have been intending to produce for some time.  Basilosaurus was a strange colossal early whale, with its vestigial back legs and evolving front flippers.  The colour scheme again veers away from the ubiquitous black and white of many reconstructions and towards the colouring of sperm whales, dolphins and dugongs.”

The colouration is fascinating, at the time Basilosaurus roamed the oceans (Eocene Epoch) a number of other mammal groups had taken to a marine existence, for example, the first sea cows, had evolved.  The grey patches in the picture seen behind the head and along the back are patches of barnacles.  Scientists have concluded that Basilosaurus was not capable of diving to great depths and spent most of its life swimming near to the sea surface (the Epipelagic Zone).  As this part of the sea is inhabited by barnacles it seemed logical for CollectA to give their model a few patches of barnacle infestation.

A Closer View of the Head Shows the Barnacle Patches Behind the Skull

The Basilosaurus early whale model by CollectA.

Picture credit: CollectA

The picture above shows a close up of the head of the model, several patches of barnacles can be seen on the figure.

CollectA Basilosaurus Measurements

The model measures over 35 cm long and it is approximately 3 cm high.  The very large size of a fully grown Basilosaurus has meant that, for practical reasons, CollectA were unable to make this figure to the same scale as the terrestrial models in their range.  The model is described by CollectA as “extra-large”, since it is longer than the CollectA Deluxe Feathered T. rex, this description does not do this fantastic figure justice.

As for a scale, we estimate that a male of the species could reach a length of around 18 metres, this would make the CollectA Basilosaurus to be around the 1:50 scale mark.

Prehistoric Marine Animals

As for when these models will be available, we are expecting our first stock of the Excalibosaurus sometime around the end of February, or perhaps the first week of March.  The Basilosaurus replica is due out sometime in the middle of 2017, perhaps as early as June or July.

To view the CollectA Prehistoric Life range including 2016 models: CollectA Prehistoric Life Figures.

To view the CollectA Deluxe model range: CollectA Deluxe Models and Figures.