New CollectA Models 2019 (Part 2)

Here is the second part of our series of articles introducing the new for 2019 prehistoric animal models from CollectA and fittingly, part two features two new figures to be added to the range.

The two new prehistoric animal figures are:

• A 1:20 scale replica of the sail-backed reptile Edaphosaurus (available first quarter 2019).
• A 1:40 scale replica of the “meat-eating bull” Carnotaurus (available first quarter 2019).

The New for 2019 CollectA 1:20 Scale Edaphosaurus Model

The CollectA Deluxe 1:20 Scale Edaphosaurus Model

CollectA have expressed a wish to increase the number of Palaeozoic creatures represented in their range, hence the introduction of the Permian pelycosaur Edaphosaurus.  This beautiful figure is a great accompaniment to the Dimetrodon model that came out last year.  It is great to see another synapsid introduced into the CollectA range, especially a herbivore.

Commenting upon the 1:20 scale Deluxe Edaphosaurus model, designer Anthony Beeson stated:

“I have tried to make the Deluxe Edaphosaurus a more active animal than generally portrayed and again less sprawling.  My version of the sail is quite thickly fleshed, unlike the sails of Dimetrodons and you will see that only the knobs of the cross-pieces protrude from the sides.  I have always liked Edaphosaurus and never really understood why there are so few toy versions around.  The shape of the sail is very pleasing.”

The CollectA Deluxe 1:40 Scale Carnotaurus

2019 will see CollectA add to their collection of abelisaurid dinosaurs.  Joining the Rugops, Rajasaurus and the Majungasaurus will be a spectacular Carnotaurus figure.  Unlike the existing members of the Abelisauridae within the CollectA portfolio, this will be a scale model (1/40th), the first of this type of dinosaur to be added to CollectA’s Deluxe range.

The New for 2019 CollectA 1:40 Scale Carnotaurus Dinosaur Model

Fans Requesting Carnotaurus

Fans of the CollectA dinosaurs have been requesting a Carnotaurus for quite a while.  It is wonderful to see a replica of this Argentinian giant from the Late Cretaceous added to the scale model range.  Dinosaur enthusiasts will probably know that skin impressions have been found in association with the fossils of this dinosaur.

A considerable portion of the right side of the dinosaur left a skin impression which was preserved in the rock.  The design team at CollectA have taken great care to ensure that the texture of their Carnotaurus reflects what is known about the skin of this carnivore, although, the striking flashes of colour on the head and neck are purely speculative.

The short, deep skull and those amazing horns that give this dinosaur its name have been beautifully crafted.  Note the use of a base to support the figure, this has permitted the sculpting team to give the Carnotaurus appropriately sized feet, after all, this dinosaur was nicknamed by palaeontologists studying the locomotion of this theropod, the “Dinosaur Speed Demon” .

Commenting on the introduction of a Carnotaurus, designer Anthony Beeson remarked:

“The Deluxe Carnotaurus is the result of repeated requests from fans for a CollectA version of this creature.  I was never very keen to do it in the past as, when we started, almost every firm was producing models in the wake of the Disney dinosaur film and Jurassic Park.  I am glad that we waited.  I have tried to emphasise in the tail the shape proposed in the work of Currie and Persons and the fact that the caudofemoralis muscle in Carnotaurus was very large enabling great speed to be maintained.”

It was W. Scott Persons IV and Phil Currie who looked at the tail muscle structure in Carnotaurus sastrei and published a paper in 2011, suggesting that this dinosaur had a larger caudofemoralis muscle than any other Theropod described at the time – hence the “Dinosaur Speed Demon” nickname.  This muscle provides the power to help move the dinosaur forward and such a huge muscle indicated that Carnotaurus was capable of great bursts of speed.  Ironically, straight line running was its speciality, the shape of the muscle and the tail bones supporting it suggested that Carnotaurus was not so good at making tight turns.

We suspect that both the new 1:40 scale Deluxe Carnotaurus and the 1:20 Deluxe Edaphosaurus will be flying off our shelves in the warehouse when they come into stock in early 2019.

Model Measurements

Here are those all-important model measurements:

• CollectA Edaphosaurus 1:20 scale – length 20 cm, height of sail just under 8 cm.
• Carnotaurus Deluxe 1:40 scale The Age of Dinosaurs – length 28 cm, height 10.5 cm.

To view the current range of CollectA Deluxe scale prehistoric animal models including that superb Dimetrodon: CollectA Deluxe Prehistoric Life.

To read about the first of the 2019 models to be introduced: New CollectA Models 2019 (Part 1).