A Beautiful Kronosaurus Model Display
In 2017, the American-based, award-winning model manufacturer Safari Ltd introduced two marine reptiles into their “Wild Safari Prehistoric World” range of prehistoric animal figures. The smaller of these two models, was the Plesiosuchus, (Plee-see-oh-sook-us), a detailed replica of a marine crocodile, a member of the Metriorhynchidae and as such, distantly related to today’s crocodiles. The second of the marine reptiles, was a depiction of a giant predator, a pliosaur, an animal that has, very fortunately, no modern descendants – Kronosaurus. Talented model maker and designer Martin Garratt has customised the Wild Safari Prehistoric World Kronosaurus figure and produced a stunning display piece.
The Customised Kronosaurus Replica
Picture credit: UMF Models (Martin Garratt)
The Marine Reptile Kronosaurus
Kronosaurus (Kroe-noe-sore-us), is best known from fossils discovered in Australia, although other remains assigned to this genus have been found in South America. Estimated to have reached lengths in excess of nine metres, Kronosaurus was an apex predator of marine environments during the Early Cretaceous.
Its jaws were huge and although mistaken for an ichthyosaur when first studied, it was correctly identified as a member of the Pliosauridae in 1924. Safari Ltd introduced a large Kronosaurus figure into their scale model series “Carnegie Collectibles”, some years ago and when this range was retired, it was not long before a Kronosaurus model was added to the company’s Wild Safari Prehistoric World range.
The Wild Safari Prehistoric World Kronosaurus
Kronosaurus Diorama
The beautifully detailed figures in the Wild Safari Prehistoric World range provide model makers and sculptors with plenty of scope when it comes to designing unique dioramas. In Martin’s display piece, the Kronosaurus has been carefully attached to a rock which acts as a stand for the figure. This permits the model to be depicted in a dramatic pose, as if this ferocious predator is swimming rapidly upwards to attack prey from underneath. This predation strategy is observed in many pelagic marine predators today, such as the Great White Shark (C. carcharias). Indeed, the countershading on the original Safari Ltd Kronosaurus and modified by Martin in his model, is typical of underwater ambush predators.
Martin has chosen a more muted colour scheme with dark bands, running across the back and down the flanks. Note also, that he has added a stabilising, diamond-shaped tail rudder, a feature not preserved in the fossil record for a pliosaur, as far as we at Everything Dinosaur are aware, but since the tail was mainly used for steering (the four, large flippers provided propulsion), the addition of this rudder makes anatomical sense.
A Skilfully Created Marine Reptile Diorama
Picture credit: UMF Models (Martin Garratt)
To view the Wild Safari Prehistoric World Kronosaurus figure and the other models in this range: Safari Ltd/Wild Safari Prehistoric World.
Amazing Detail
Martin’s diorama shows some amazing detail and we really admire those little flourishes such as the large sea shell at the base of the beautifully crafted rock and the evidence of sea weed. The teeth have been recoloured to give them a more realistic and weathered look. The underbelly is an off-white colour and blends seamlessly into the muted blues and subtle greys of the countershading.
A Close-up View of the Head Showing the Repainted Teeth
Picture credit: UMF Models (Martin Garratt)
A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur stated:
“The quality of the Safari Ltd prehistoric animal replicas gives model makers a head start when it comes to creating their own unique dioramas. Martin has done a fantastic job on customising this Kronosaurus model to create a museum quality display.”
Our thanks to Martin and Marilyn of UMF models for sharing these pictures with us.
Visit Everything Dinosaur’s website: Everything Dinosaur.
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