Our thanks to dinosaur model collector William who sent into Everything Dinosaur his detailed review of the PNSO Sinraptor dinosaur model. In his comprehensive review, William states that Sinraptor is one of the more obscure members of the Metriacanthosauridae family, although the exact phylogeny of this theropod has yet to be resolved.
A Clear Winner
Describing Xinchuan as a “clear winner”, William comments that there are so many traits and characteristics of the figure to admire including the pugnacious, robust head. PNSO have depicted Sinraptor as a “do or die type of theropod, ready to hunt or as easily plunder a kill”.
Beginning with the head, William describes it commenting on the very fine skin texturing and smooth appearance of the skull, with no shrink wrapping of the model detected. The perfect eye orbits and subtle ear apertures are praised.
The lacrimal crests progress upwards from above the nostrils high over the eye sockets before tapering off just behind the orbits. The fully articulated jaw with no lips is highlighted. The opening and closing of the jaw is described as having a smooth, fluid action. William praises the design team behind this dinosaur figure.
Reviewing the Body of the Figure
A deep keel bone is the anchor point of a powerful rib cage which can be seen just under the skin and William suggests the thigh muscles on this figure look even more powerful than the recently introduced PNSO Allosaurus model. He also reports that the replica has an accurate and detailed cloaca.
The tail is described as being a little shorter than expected, but the length could be deceptive as it bends.
William adds:
“It is truly a pleasure to add this bruiser to my collection.”
William highlights the robust forelimbs and comments that they are longer than those of the PNSO Allosaurus figure and give the impression of great strength and power.
Colour and Texture
The colour scheme is described as being not just a pink and grey object but a highly painted figure with subtle mixtures of rosy pinks and elephantine greys. The colouration of the underside of the model is praised, as are the details depicted around the eyes. William comments that the stained and discoloured teeth are great and states:
“Such a nicely executed colour scheme plus superb skin sculpture.”
The Sinraptor Model’s Measurements
Scale: 1/35.
Length: 9.5 inches.
Height: 3 inches.
Model Accessories
- Clear plastic support stand.
- A beautiful, fully illustrated, colour booklet.
- Stunning A3-sized colour poster.
- QR code with a link to a short, informative video.
Sinraptor Facts and Figures
As in previous reviews of prehistoric animal models by William, he provides some information on Sinraptor, choosing to focus on the second species named in this genus S. hepingensis. Sinraptor hepingensis was erected in 1992, based on fossils formerly ascribed to Yangchuanosaurus, some palaeontologists have challenged the validity of this taxon.
Time Period:
Temporal range: Middle Jurassic (169-142 million years ago).
Location: North-western China.
Classification: Sinraptor hepingensis.
Meaning: Hepingen’s Chinese plunderer.
Superfamily: Allosauroidea.
Family: Metriacanthosauridae.
Subfamily: Metriacanthosaurinae.
Family: Sinraptoridae.
Weight: 3.9 tons.
Length: 25 feet.
Height: 9.8 feet.
Sinraptor Discovery
William also commented on the second Sinraptor species to be erected stating that a second species was named in 1992 (Gao). Originally named Yangchuanosaurus hepingensis this specimen was later reclassified as Sinraptor hepingensis. The holotype Sinraptor hepingensis fossil is now on public exhibit in Zigong, China at the Zigong Dinosaur Museum in Sichuan Provence.
In completing his PNSO Xinchuan Sinraptor review William described the palaeoenvironment, stating that Sinraptor lived in a dinosaur dominated sub-tropical environment.
Our thanks to William for sending into Everything Dinosaur his PNSO Sinraptor review.
To view the range of PNSO models and figures in stock at Everything Dinosaur: PNSO Age of Dinosaurs.
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