A new television documentary featuring Sir David Attenborough is due to be shown on the BBC tomorrow (New Year’s Day). Entitled “Attenborough and the Giant Sea Monster”, it tells the story of the excavation of a huge pliosaur skull from the Dorset coast.
The life-size replica of the pliosaur (P. carpenteri) suspended from the ceiling at the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery. Pliosaurus carpenteri was formally named and described in 2013 (Benson et al). Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
The image (above) shows a replica of a pliosaur on display at the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery. Scientists from Bristol University were involved in the study of this pliosaur skull. The skull likely represents a new genus of pliosaur, and at around ten metres long it was a monster!
The Giant Pliosaur Skull
Such is the preservation of the skull, that although crushed the bones remain in articulation. An accurate three-dimensional image of the fossil could be produced. From these images a three-dimensional model of the skull was made. Professor Emily Rayfield (University of Bristol) and expert in jaw biomechanics was able to use this model to estimate the bite force of this apex predator.
Based on scaling up bite force calculations from Saltwater crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus), a biteforce of around 32,000 newtons was calculated for the pliosaur. Although there is a margin of error to take into account with these calculations, the result represents the highest bite force estimated for a marine animal living or extinct.
The film follows Sir David Attenborough as he investigates the discovery of a lifetime. Sir David joins two of Britain’s most intrepid fossil hunters, Steve Etches and Chris Moore, as they face a race against time to excavate the fossil material from its precarious position halfway up a cliff near Kimmeridge Bay.
“Attenborough and the Giant Sea Monster” is due to be shown on BBC1 at 8pm on January 1st (2024).
The CollectA Deluxe 1:40 scale Pliosaurus model.
The image (above) shows a replica of a Pliosaurus marine reptile. It is similar in appearance to the CGI pliosaur images revealed in the documentary. The figure comes from the CollectA Deluxe range.
Everything Dinosaur has been sent photographs of the 1:35 scale Haolonggood Alamosaurus prototypes. Previously, only concept art images were available for versions A and B. Model collectors can gain a better appreciation of the selected colour schemes.
A prototype of the Haolonggood Alamosaurus figure (version A). The horned dinosaur figures in the image help to convey the size of the Alamosaurus model.
Haolonggood Alamosaurus Photographs
The picture (above) shows the proposed colour scheme for Alamosaurus version A. The horned dinosaurs included in the photograph help to show the size of the titanosaur model. The Haolonggood Alamosaurus is in 1:35 scale and it will stand around thirty-five centimetres tall.
The first batch of these figures will be supplied with a display base, tree and an unpainted pterosaur figure.
Email Everything Dinosaur if you want to reserve one of these special dinosaur models: Email Everything Dinosaur.
A prototype of the Haolonggood Alamosaurus figure (version B).
Those Alamosaurus models reserved prior to the end of the year will be sent out with a display base, tree and an unpainted pterosaur model. The image (above) shows the Alamosaurus version B. It is standing on the display base and unpainted pterosaur figures (both designs) can be seen in the photograph. Only one unpainted pterosaur model will be sent out with each Alamosaurus.
The Limited-edition Alamosaurus (Version C)
The limited-edition (plain) Alamosaurus figure will only be made once. After the first batch of these models have been sold, that colour scheme will be retired.
A prototype of the Haolonggood Alamosaurus figure limited-edition figure (version C).
A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur thanked Haolonggood for providing the photographs and stated:
“These images will demonstrate the quality of these 1:35 scale figures to collectors.”
Today, we at Everything Dinosaur continue our countdown of our favourite blog posts of 2023. In the second of this two-part series, we look at the months July to December (2023).
In July we received some amazing prehistoric animal drawings, undertook model review videos, released newsletters and learned about a prehistoric mammal attacking Psittacosaurus. Fans of the invertebrates were not disappointed to read about Arthrolycosa wolterbeeki, the oldest fossil spider to be found in Germany: Germany’s Oldest Spider Arthrolycosa wolterbeeki.
Stocking the Haolonggood Model Range
Book launches, addressing international conferences and discussing trilobites. Just a few of the highlights from August (2023). New abelisaurs were described along with possibly, the heaviest vertebrate that ever lived (Balaenoptera musculus). We welcomed new Beasts of the Mesozoic and PNSO models, but it was another manufacturer that we focused upon. Everything Dinosaur announced that they would be stocking the Haolonggood prehistoric animal model range.
The Haolonggood prehistoric animal models will have their own product category area on the Everything Dinosaur website. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
In September, we wrote a blog about the first dicraeosaurid from India. Fossil feather proteins and the complexity of birds were discussed along with a new, bizarre theropod from China. Haolonggood models arrived in stock and brachiopods took centre stage. The second Isle of Wight member of the Hypsilophodontidae was described, over 150 years after the first. The dinosaur named Vectidromeus insularis is geologically much older than Hypsilophodon foxii. Blog readers can expect to hear about more new Wealden Group dinosaurs in the future.
Vectidromeus insularis life reconstruction. Picture credit: Emily Willoughby.
“Lonesome George”
Hollywood film premieres, mentoring university students and the boom in mammoth tusk sales threatening extant elephants were all highlighted. Talented model makers and new theropod figures from PNSO and Nanmu Studio were discussed in October. We enjoyed writing about “Lonesome George” an amazing replica of a Pinta Island giant tortoise.
The Rebor 1:6 scale Pinta Island tortoise “Lonesome George” in oblique lateral view. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
In November in the UK, the nights were certainly drawing in. The longer evenings allowed us more time to prepare blog posts on the new for 2024 CollectA figures, a new fleet-footed theropod from Brazil and TetZooCon. Rebor introduced GrabNGo Alligators and the Wild Past Scutosaurus and Kotlassia arrived. It was the front page of a national newspaper that drew most attention. Mammoths were going to be back within five years:
A tabloid newspaper on Saturday 18th November was predicting the return of the Woolly Mammoth by 2028. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
In the last month of 2023, we wrote about last recommended parcel posting dates and a new television documentary presented by Sir David Attenborough. A new, enormous titanosaur from Argentina was described and we learned about the last meal of a Gorgosaurus. We highlighted our model video reviews and discussed blog maintenance and new model releases.
The first production figure of the new CollectA Deluxe Dearc sgiathanach arrived and this was certainly a highlight of our entire year.
The CollectA Deluxe Dearc pterosaur model. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
There are lots of exciting research papers due to be published. Several new books about prehistoric animals are due to be launched. We at Everything Dinosaur have some exciting plans of our own. There is certainly a lot to do in 2024 and a lot of fascinating stories to cover.
We look forward to continuing our blog and trying to write a daily article.
At Everything Dinosaur, we try and post up an article on this blog site every single day. This can be quite a challenge considering all our other activities and projects. However, as a result of our work on this weblog we have managed to compile a huge amount of information, articles and features chronicling (for the most part), advances in the Earth sciences and new fossil discoveries along with research into prehistoric animals.
We thought it would be interesting to look back at some of our blog posts this year and list the top ten favourite and most popular posts.
Here is part one, numbers ten to six covering January to June.
It was an action-packed January for Everything Dinosaur. The company was awarded Feefo Platinum Trusted Service Award once again, there was a cyber incident at Royal Mail, and we discussed Carboniferous suction feeders. However, it was a superb pterosaur fossil from southern Germany that caught the eye.
A life reconstruction of the newly described pterosaur Balaenognathus maeuseri. Picture credit: Megan Jacobs
In February a baby Torosaurus model was reunited with its mum, Mojo models took centre stage and the Rebor Deinosuchus figures arrived. We wrote articles about the larynx of Pinacosaurus, how to leave a review and rare dinosaur footsteps. For the first time, frogs spawned in the office pond in February.
At the end of March, we published an article summarising a new scientific paper that postulated that dinosaurs had lips. The lips versus lipless debate has existed for more than a century. Early depictions of dinosaurs gave them lips like extant lizards. When it came to depicting dinosaurs such as Tyrannosaurus rex in early films, the lips were ditched so that cinema goers could see their teeth. The teeth on show made the dinosaurs more frightening. Movie monsters bearing their huge teeth became a recurrent theme that is still seen in movies today. However, this new paper came firmly down in support of lips on theropod dinosaurs.
It also gave us the opportunity to display the excellent artwork of Mark Witton.
A juvenile Edmontosaurus disappears into the enormous, lipped mouth of Tyrannosaurus. Picture credit: Mark Witton.
Top Everything Dinosaur Blog Posts (April to June 2023)
In April we discussed T. rex brain size, took into stock new CollectA figures, new staff training and praised the Wyoming “Jurassic Fest”. One of our highlights was the article that examined newly published research on marine reptiles. The study focused on the wide variety of swimming styles adopted by Mesozoic marine reptiles.
A museum exhibit showing the jaw of a large ichthyosaur. These “fish lizards” figured prominently in the University of Bristol study. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
Schleich model retirements were discussed in May along with new Nanmu Studio and PNSO model releases. A rare letter penned by Mary Anning finding a home and a New York prehistoric animal exhibit mystery was solved. However, our highlight was the opportunity to visit the new April the Tenontosaurus exhibit at the Manchester Museum.
It seems appropriate to mention April the Tenontosaurus when reviewing our blog posts from May 2023.
A New Armoured Dinosaur – Vectipelta barretti
Dinosaur drawings, new models and rapidly metamorphosising frogs featured in June. Team members got to visit the astonishing Patagotitan exhibition at the London Natural History Museum. This provides an appropriate segway into our favourite post of that month. A new species of armoured dinosaur was named. Vectipelta barretti honours Professor Paul Barrett of the Natural History Museum.
Vectipelta life reconstruction. Picture credit: Stuart Pond.
Dinosaur fans can expect further new dinosaur announcements from Wealden Group strata.
We hope you enjoyed reading these blog posts as much as we enjoyed researching and writing them. Part two documenting July to December 2023 will be published shortly.
Haolonggood recently launched a new dinosaur model initiative. The company is offering three versions of a 1:35 scale Alamosaurus figure. Customers have until the 28th December (2023) to inform Everything Dinosaur which version they would like. The special Haolonggood Alamosaurus offer will close shortly.
There is just a little over 24-hours left to let Everything Dinosaur know which of the new for 2024 Haolonggood 1:35 scale Alamosaurus models you would like. Choose from version A, version B, and the limited-edition, plain brown model version C. If we can place our order with Haolonggood on 28th December then we will be able to supply each figure with a display base, tree and an unpainted pterosaur model.
There is no obligation to buy, no need to pre-order or to place a deposit, just email us at Contact Us at Everything Dinosaur and tell us which version you want reserving and we would be happy to set a figure aside for you. Models expected in stock in March.
There are three colour variants to choose from, version A, B and the limited-edition version C. If ordered before December 28th 2023 the models will include a display base, tree and an unpainted pterosaur figure.
The actual model measurements have yet to be confirmed. However, each PVC Alamosaurus figure will weigh several kilos and the proposed product packaging suggests that the 1:35 scale Alamosaurus will stand about 35 cm tall and measure around 65 cm in length.
If ordered before the cut-off date of December 28th (2023), the model will be supplied with a base and one of two unpainted pterosaur figures.
Haolonggood have provided helpful box dimensions: 65 cm (25.6 inches) long, width 14 cm (5.5 inches) and height 36 cm (14.1 inches).
If customers reserve an Alamosaurus model before 28th December (2023), the 1:35 scale Alamosaurus figure will be supplied with a display base and one of two unpainted pterosaur models.
Remember, please email Everything Dinosaur to let us know which figure you would like. You have until December 28th (2023) to contact us: Email Everything Dinosaur.
In the meantime, visit the award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: Everything Dinosaur.
Royal Mint in collaboration with the London Natural History Museum and palaeoartist Bob Nicholls have unveiled a trio of new dinosaur coins. The 50p coins feature iconic dinosaur genera. There is a Diplodocus dinosaur coin, along with a Tyrannosaurus and a Stegosaurus.
A new Tyrannosaurus dinosaur coin outside the London Natural History Museum. Picture credit: The Royal Mint.
Picture Credit: The Royal Mint
A Dinosaur Coin Collection
Each design featuring the iconic dinosaur specimens has been created by palaeoartist Robert Nicholls and depicts a scientifically accurate reconstruction of the dinosaur and the environment in which it lived.
The new 50p Diplodocus dinosaur coin. The coin was designed by renowned British paleo-artist, Robert Nicholls, with expert guidance from Professor Paul Barrett at the Natural History Museum. Picture credit: The Royal Mint.
Picture credit: The Royal Mint
Rebecca Morgan, Director of Commemorative Coin at The Royal Mint commented:
“We are excited to reveal the roar-some new collectable 50p coins by The Royal Mint, featuring some of the most legendary and mighty dinosaurs of all time – including Tyrannosaurus, Stegosaurus, and Diplodocus. For nearly 200 million years, dinosaurs roamed the Earth so it’s fitting that they are honoured forever on an official UK coin. Seeing these dinosaurs on a 50p coin we hope it will delight and inspire both current and budding palaeontologists for years to come.”
Tyrannosaurus on a 50p Coin
This trio of dinosaur coins are part of a series entitled “Tales of the Earth”. These coins celebrate the amazing diversity of prehistoric animals. According to the media release, although Tyrannosaurus is a famous genus, this is the first time this iconic animal has featured on a UK fifty pence piece.
The new Tyrannosaurus coin from the Royal Mint. Palaeontologist Professor Paul Barrett was consulted over the design. Picture credit: The Royal Mint.
Picture credit: The Royal Mint
All three dinosaurs, Tyrannosaurus, Diplodocus and Stegosaurus feature in the Natural History Museum model series.
Each design is a scientifically accurate reconstruction of the dinosaur and the environment in which it lived. Professor Paul Barrett acted as scientific consultant on the project. A selection of the coins available will feature colour, bringing the dinosaur to life on an official UK coin, depicting the dinosaur and its environment as it would have looked like.
Designer Bob Nicholls stated:
“I have dedicated my life to bringing extinct animals back to life through art, I started drawing dinosaurs as soon as I could hold a pencil – it is my obsession. Any project that allows me to work with long-dead animals is a joy but having an opportunity to create collectable coins for The Royal Mint, with royal approval, is very special indeed.”
The Royal Mint 50p Stegosaurus dinosaur coin. Picture credit: The Royal Mint.
Picture credit: The Royal Mint
This prestigious 50p dinosaur coin series is available to purchase from The Royal Mint’s website. There are special colour editions too. Prices start from £11 (at time of publication).
A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur exclaimed:
“What a fantastic collaboration! A new dinosaur coin collection featuring iconic dinosaurs has been created. It is great to see institutions such as The Royal Mint, the London Natural History Museum working with top designers like Bob Nicholls. Dinosaur fans will be delighted.”
Just time to wish all our customers, friends, fans and social media followers a very happy holiday. Seasonal greetings to one and all from Everything Dinosaur.
Seasonal greetings to all our customers, friends, followers and fans on social media. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
Seasonal Greetings from Everything Dinosaur
The big day has finally arrived and on behalf of everyone at Everything Dinosaur, we would just like to wish everybody a happy Christmas.
We will be taking a short break over the festive period, but we will be checking emails and other messages. In addition, we shall continue to prepare and pack orders for customers. Orders received over the festive period will now be despatched on Wednesday 27th December. For those customers who have requested that we send out their order after the Christmas break, we note their requests and shall accommodate their wishes.
We will be back with business as usual once the Christmas, Boxing and Bank holidays are over. A very special thanks to all those exceedingly kind, wonderful people who sent us prehistoric animal themed Christmas cards, gifts and drawings. These items have certainly brightened up the offices and the warehouse.
Haolonggood are continuing their production of prehistoric animal models. A pair of Baryonyx figures will be available from Everything Dinosaur in a few weeks. The recently announced Kosmoceratops models will follow a few weeks later. Haolonggood dinosaur models are proving to be extremely popular with collectors and dinosaur fans.
The new Haolonggood Baryonyx figures will be in stock at Everything Dinosaur in early 2024.
Haolonggood Dinosaur Models
Everything Dinosaur already stocks a large selection of Haolonggood prehistoric animal figures.
A spokesperson from the UK-based, mail order company commented:
“Haolonggood tend to make a pair of dinosaur figures. By doing this, collectors have a choice between two colour schemes. One of our personal favourites is the Haolonggood Ouranosaurus model. The company amended this figure after being contacted by collectors. Haolonggood corrected the model and improved the manus.”
Perched on the box, displaying their thumb spikes two Haolonggood Ouranosaurus models. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
The Haolonggood Kosmoceratops Models
Haolonggood will produce two Kosmoceratops models. There will be a red one (see image below), and also a green Kosmoceratops. These models will be available from Everything Dinosaur in 2024.
Haolonggood intend to introduce two 1:35 scale Kosmoceratops figures in 2024. A red figure and a dark green Kosmoceratops model.
A new species of giant titanosaur has been scientifically described. The dinosaur, known from fossils from Neuquén Province, (Argentina) has been named Bustingorrytitan shiva. This dinosaur may have weighed more than sixty-seven tonnes! Although the body mass estimates are prone to error, it is likely that this huge herbivore weighed at least fifty tonnes.
The fossil material was collected from the base of the Huincul Formation and consists of a relatively complete skeleton and the partial remains of three others. The strata have been dated to the upper Cenomanian (95 mya). The fossils were collected from the surroundings of Villa El Chocón. The genus name was erected to honour Manuel Bustingorry, who permitted the excavation work to take place.
The species name is from the Hindu deity Shiva, which transformed the universe. This alludes to the extensive faunal turnover that occurred in the Cretaceous towards the Cenomanian/Turonian boundary.
Forelimb bones of the new, giant titanosaurian sauropod dinosaur Bustingorrytitan shiva. Note largest scale bars equal 2 cm. Picture credit: Simón and Salgado (Acta Palaeontologica Polonica).
Calculating the Weight of a Giant Titanosaur
Both cranial and postcranial material was recovered. The fossil material includes right and left humeri and fragmentary thigh bones (femora). From these bones (humerus and the femur) the minimum circumference of these limb bones can be established. A formula (Campione and Evans, 2012) can then be applied to estimate the body mass of the animal. These calculations suggest that B. shiva was heavier than Dreadnoughtus schrani and perhaps comparable to the original body weight calculated for Patagotitan mayorum.
Pelvic and hindlimb elements ascribed to Bustingorrytitan shiva. Note scale bars equal 20 cm. Picture credit: Simón and Salgado (Acta Palaeontologica Polonica).
Intriguingly, the holotype material from which some of the limb bone measurements originate, suggests that the holotype specimen was not fully grown when it died. Bustingorrytitan shiva, may have been much larger.
The scientific paper: “A new gigantic titanosaurian sauropod from the early Late Cretaceous of Patagonia (Neuquén Province, Argentina)” by María Edith Simón and Leonardo Salgado published in Acta Palaeontologica Polonica.
Our thanks to Caldey who sent into Everything Dinosaur a festive photo of a Styracosaurus model. The figure, part of the Beasts of the Mesozoic range, is ready for the big day. Just three more sleeps until the 25th of December. Just three more blog posts to compose. The colourful, creative image certainly helps us to get ready for the festive fun.
Our thanks to Caldey who sent into Everything Dinosaur a wonderful Christmas dinosaur decorated with tinsel and bows. It is a very stylish Styracosaurus model.
Picture credit: Caldey
Beasts of the Mesozoic Styracosaurus Model
The horned dinosaur in the photograph is the Beasts of the Mesozoic Styracosaurus model.
A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur thanked Caldey for sending in her delightful seasonal photograph and stated:
“The Styracosaurus model certainly looks very festive. It is ready for the holidays. It was a clever idea to use a Styracosaurus, the spikes on the frill are ideal for hanging tinsel and bows.”
Our thanks once again to Caldey for her stylish Styracosaurus image.
