CollectA Pliosaurus 1:40 Scale Figure Diorama

The talented model maker and artist Martin Garratt has made a spectacular marine reptile diorama using a CollectA Deluxe 1:40 scale Pliosaurus model.  The skilfully painted figure has been supported on a raised mound of sand and the orientation of the flippers have been changed to provide a very realistic swimming effect.  If you look carefully, you can see lying on the sandy base an ammonite shell, it is these little touches of detail that help Martin’s creations to stand out from those of other model makers.

The Marine Reptile Diorama

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur/UMF Models

Pliosaurus – Top Ocean Predators for Much of the Mesozoic

Pliosaurs (short-necked plesiosaurs), were widely distributed.  Fossils of pliosaurs have been found in Europe and the Americas and some of these marine reptiles were giants, growing to lengths in excess of twelve metres.

These animals evolved in the Early Jurassic and persisted until the Early Cretaceous.  Biomechanical tests on the jaws suggests that some species had the most powerful bite of any known vertebrate.  In Martin’s diorama he has taken great care to paint the jaws and the inside of the mouth and that black band across the eye really gives this model a menacing look.  The back of the throat has been given a wash treatment that adds an extra sheen to the paint, giving a wet look to the animal’s mouth.

Superbly Painted Head and Jaws of the CollectA Pliosaurus Figure

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur/UMF Models

Clever Countershading

The subtle blues, mottled greys and that off-white underbelly reflect theories regarding the colouration of these apex predators.  Although the skin colour of these reptiles is unknown, they were very probably surface water predators and as many extant, pelagic predators show this sort of countershading today, Martin has opted for this colour scheme on his Pliosaurus diorama.

The Streamlined Body of the Model

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur/UMF Models

Pliosaurus Model Transformation

The diorama has certainly transformed the CollectA Deluxe 1:40 scale Pliosaurus figure.  However, it just goes to show what a good replica the CollectA Pliosaurus is, it provides the basic anatomical details that permits a skilled and experienced model maker to create such a stunning display.

The CollectA Deluxe 1:40 Scale Pliosaurus Marine Reptile Model

To view the CollectA Pliosaurus and the other Deluxe scale figures available from Everything Dinosaur: CollectA Deluxe Prehistoric Life Models.

Missing the Lampreys

When CollectA introduced their Deluxe Pliosaurus model in 2015, collectors noted that there were strange red markings on the flank of the figure.  The designer of this model Anthony Beeson, had added lampreys to the replica, as many large marine animals today are plagued by adult lampreys that attach themselves to their bodies, bore into their flesh and feed (micro-predation).  The lampreys effect was a clever touch on the original model, but Martin decided to utilise the lampreys and create a wound on his version.

Martin has Converted the Lampreys into a Bite Mark on the Model

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur/UMF Models

If you look carefully at the picture (above), you can see that just above the right shoulder, a bite-mark effect has been created.  This wound could have occurred as the pliosaur hunted or it could have resulted from intraspecific combat.

Marilyn of UMF models explained how Martin created this effect:

“He took the Lampreys off and used a hot needle to melt the rubber slightly to create a ‘bite mark’ and the red colouring is blood”.

This beautifully painted figure shows what can be achieved using an inexpensive model such as the CollectA Pliosaurus, it really is a spectacular marine reptile diorama.  Well done Martin!

To read an article that features a makeover of the Wild Safari Prehistoric World Kronosaurus figure by Martin Garratt: Kronosaurus Model Makeover.

Visit the award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: Everything Dinosaur.