A team member from Everything Dinosaur spotted an unusual stegosaur replica on display at the Manchester Museum. The label next to the armoured dinosaur figure stated that this was a Victorian stegosaur model. The model must indeed be old, as stegosaurs such as Stegosaurus stenops are viewed very differently by palaeontologists today.
A model of a stegosaur in a display cabinet in the fossils and dinosaurs gallery at the Manchester Museum. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
Stegosaurus stenops
The fossilised remains of an immature Stegosaurus stenops is on display at the Natural History Museum in London. The dinosaur, nicknamed Sophie comes from Wyoming and the fossil material represents one of the most complete stegosaur fossils known to science. The skeleton consists of more than three hundred bones.
The London Natural History Museum exhibit shows a modern interpretation of this iconic herbivorous dinosaur.
Everything Dinosaur stocks a large number of armoured dinosaur figures and models.
Sophie the Stegosaurus (S. stenops), a star exhibit at the London Natural History Museum. This is a modern interpretation of this iconic armoured dinosaur. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
The Victorian Stegosaur Model
The Victorian stegosaur model provides a reminder to visitors about how are views of the Dinosauria have changed. The side of the figure facing the public has been fleshed out, whilst the side which is not visible shows the animal’s skeleton. Note the bones of the lower portions of the limbs on the right side which are visible in the photograph.
A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur commented:
“This Victorian dinosaur model is not an accurate representation of a Stegosaurus. However, it does remind us how dinosaurs used to be depicted. It acts as bellwether informing visitors about how our views regarding dinosaurs such as Stegosaurus have changed over time.”
The curators at the Museums Victoria confidently predict that their Triceratops exhibition will exceed one million visitors next month. In an email sent to Everything Dinosaur, the Museums Victoria state that “Triceratops: Fate of the Dinosaurs” will have received over a million visitors by the middle of June 2023.
“Triceratops: Fate of the Dinosaurs” is an immersive voyage into a lost world. Visitors will explore the landscapes of the Late Cretaceous and get to know the prehistoric animals that thrived there. The star exhibit is a specimen of Triceratops horridus. The fossils of this dinosaur were discovered in Montana (2014).
The bones found represent about 87% of the entire skeleton. It is one of the most complete, large dinosaur fossils ever found. The skull and neck frill are the most complete of any known Triceratops specimen (greater than 99% complete). The assembled frill measures over 1.48 metres wide.
One Million Visitors
The exhibition has proved to be extremely popular. Museum staff have predicted that the attraction would have received a million visitors by the middle of next month (June 2023).
To celebrate this milestone, staff will be dressing up as dinosaurs for the day. Visitors to Melbourne Museum, the location of the Triceratops exhibit, will also be encouraged to channel their “inner dinosaur”. Visitors will be invited to come to the museum in dinosaur fancy dress. According to the correspondence received by Everything Dinosaur, spot prizes will be offered for the best costumes.
A Triceratops Exhibit
The Triceratops skeleton has been nicknamed “Horridus”. The fossils inspired CollectA to create a 1:40 scale Triceratops horridus figure.
The CollectA Triceratops in right lateral view. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur stated:
“We are delighted that the Triceratops exhibit has proved to be so popular. Our customer surveys confirm that Triceratops is a favourite dinosaur. It is pleasing to see this plant-eater taking centre stage.”
Dinosaur fan and model collector William sent into Everything Dinosaur his review of the recently introduced PNSO Meraxes model. William began his review by highlighting how quickly PNSO have produced a replica of Meraxes. This dinosaur was only named and scientifically described last year (2022).
He explained that collectors can never have enough PNSO theropods in their collections. The head sculpt was praised for its scientific accuracy. The well-defined lacrimal crests and the nasal ridge were commented upon. The model has an articulated lower jaw. When the mouth is opened the characteristic “shark-like” teeth of the theropod can be seen.
The carcharodontosaurid from the Late Cretaceous of Argentina Meraxes gigas. The PNSO model is in stock at Everything Dinosaur in the spring (2023).
The reviewer states that the body sculpt is highly accurate and reflects what is known about this predator from the holotype fossil material. The figure has a muscular neck, a strong body and a powerful tail. He comments that members of the Carcharodontosauridae family tended to have very similar body shapes.
William explains:
“From start to finish all areas are detailed to the highest degree. No blank spots on the PNSO Meraxes model, there is even a cloaca.”
When reviewing the dinosaur’s limbs, the reviewer outlines the evolutionary path of these giant theropods. Reference is made to an earlier PNSO model review (Giganotosaurus 2.0). The small, highly detailed muscled forearms and the hands are well armed with the three fingered hand retaining powerful claws.
The reviewer comments that a new unique feature of “Mungo” are the pair of ankle spur claws that may have been used in intraspecific combat.
The new for 2023 PNSO Mungo the Meraxes dinosaur model, which will be available shortly from Everything Dinosaur.
The Dinosaur Model’s Colour Scheme
The main body colour is described as a mixture of stunning silver which phases into a silvery-blue. There is a rose tint added to the face, head, neck and jaw area. The charcoal stripes have been executed with careful consideration. The stripes on the tail are reminiscent of those seen on extant tigers.
William comments that the model measures around 11.9 inches long. The head height is 4.1 inches and the declared scale 1:35.
As with previous model reviews, William confirms that the PNSO Meraxes model is supplied with a transparent support stand, full-colour booklet and a poster.
To view the range of PNSO prehistoric animal figures available from Everything Dinosaur: Age of Dinosaurs PNSO Models.
The Meraxes model will have an articulated lower jaw.
Meraxes gigas
William also sent in some information about this dinosaur’s fossils and their discovery.
Time Period: Late Cretaceous 95–93.9 million years ago (Cenomanian stage).
Location: Argentina Province of Mendoza in the western central of the Cuyo region.
Discovery: Meraxes’s holotype the “Campanas carcharodontosaurid” was found in 2012. It is the most complete carcharodontosaurid skeleton ever unearthed. The skull material permitted scientists to better understand the skull morphology of other carcharodontosaurids including Giganotosaurus and Mapusaurus.
The name Meraxes is derived from the name of a great, grey, female dragon from the fantasy book series, “A Song of Ice and Fire” by George R. R. Martin. William speculated whether the colour scheme chosen for the PNSO figure had been influenced by this book.
Classification:
Order: Theropoda.
Superfamily: Allosauroidea.
Clade: Carcharodontosauria.
Family: Carcharodontosauridae.
Subfamily: Giganotosaurini.
Genus: Meraxes.
Species: M. gigas.
William commented that this dinosaur has been estimated to have been around 33 feet long, with a head height of 9 feet. It weighed approximately 4.26 tonnes.
In concluding his review William declared:
“Meraxes is the second of three recent Carcharodontosauridae releases by PNSO. “Mungo” alone is spectacular by himself from his sculpt to paint application, to the spurs on his heels. No soul can say he is a toy, he is a museum display piece or teaching aid demonstrating what a theropod should be.”
William added:
“Purchasing from Everything Dinosaur is fast, safe and secure with no nonsense.”
The Nanmu Studio Jurassic Series Giganotosaurus dinosaur models have arrived in stock at Everything Dinosaur. These three exciting dinosaur figures feature in the latest Everything Dinosaur company newsletter. The dinosaur replicas are named “Gustave”, “Typhon” and “King of the Border”. They pay tribute to the Giganotosaurus featured in the film “Jurassic World Dominion”.
The Nanmu Studio Jurassic Series Giganotosaurus Typhon Deluxe model complete with display base. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
Jurassic Series Giganotosaurus Dinosaur Models
The headline model in the latest Everything Dinosaur newsletter is the Nanmu Studio Jurassic Series Giganotosaurus Typhon Deluxe figure. This beautifully detailed figure comes complete with a display base and an Everything Dinosaur fact sheet.
Each of the Giganotosaurus dinosaur models measures 44 cm in length approximately. When secured to their display base the models have a head height of 18.5 centimetres. The dinosaur model display base (supplied with each figure), measures 14 cm x 8 cm.
Gustave and King of the Border
The latest Everything Dinosaur customer newsletter also features Gustave and King of the Border. Everything Dinosaur offers three new Nanmu Studio Giganotosaurus figures.
The Nanmu Studio Jurassic Series Giganotosaurus King of the Border Deluxe (left). The Nanmu Studio Jurassic Series Giganotosaurus Gustave Deluxe (right). Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
A spokesperson for the UK-based mail order company commented:
“We are delighted to have brought into stock these three figures. Each Giganotosaurus dinosaur model is beautifully painted. We decided to only bring the models that included display bases out of China. These figures are large and heavy, when displayed without the base they might fall over and get damaged.”
The second series of “Prehistoric Planet” has recently concluded, the last episode “North America” having been broadcast yesterday on Apple+TV. The programmes have proved to be immensely popular with dinosaur fans and natural history film viewers. The five episodes in the series have achieved an audience rating of 100% on Rotten Tomatoes.
The programmes have also inspired lots of prehistoric animal fans to create drawings of the dinosaurs featured. For example, young artist Caldey sent in a magnificent illustration of a Qianzhousaurus concentrating intently as it hunted prey.
A beautiful illustration of a theropod dinosaur stalking prey. Picture credit: Caldey.
Picture credit: Caldey
“Prehistoric Planet” Qianzhousaurus and Corythoraptor
In a beautifully crafted scene, a female Qianzhousaurus stalks a flock of Corythoraptors in a Late Cretaceous forest. The first hunt is unsuccessful and the Corythoraptors escape. However, with the approach of a storm, the odds turn in the favour of the hunter and this clever theropod is able to catch her quarry.
A beautiful illustration showing the diversity of theropod dinosaurs. Picture credit: Caldey.
Picture credit: Caldey
Qianzhousaurus although a Late Cretaceous tyrannosaur, was not closely related to Tyrannosaurus rex. It has been classified as a member of the Alioramini tribe of long-snouted tyrannosaurs within the Tyrannosauridae. Corythoraptor is an oviraptorid. Oviraptorids seem to have been particularly abundant in the Late Cretaceous of China.
“Prehistoric Planet” has continued to delight, entertain and inform.
A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur commented:
“Thank you Caldey for sending in your stunning illustrations. We hope you enjoyed watching the five television programmes. We have printed out the drawings and put them on display in our office and warehouse.”
A new study examining diapsid fossil teeth from Lower Triassic sediments in South Africa has provided further evidence of the recovery of terrestrial ecosystems after the end-Permian mass extinction event. The research highlights the growing diversity of archosauromorphs following the extinction of parareptiles and therapsids.
Diapsid fossil teeth study sees rise of the Archosauromorpha in southern Africa. Temnospondyls (grey), archosauromorphs (monochrome), early mammals (yellow) and extinct therapsids (red). Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
The research team collected teeth from the Driefontein locality in Free State Province, South Africa. The strata represent Lower Triassic deposits (late Olenekian stage). The rocks are part of the Burgersdorp Formation and form part of the Karoo Basin, which provides an extensive geological record, crucially deposition that occurred before and after the end-Permian extinction event.
A total of 102 teeth were collected. The scientists identified 81 diapsid teeth with the remaining teeth classified as coming from temnospondyls. Analysis of the tooth morphology demonstrated that there was a greater diversity of archosauromorphs and other diapsids.
This research suggests that diapsids, especially archosauromorphs benefitted from the mass extinction event. They played an important role in the recovery of terrestrial ecosystems. Archosauromorphs filled many of the niches left vacant after the extinction of therapsids and anapsid reptiles.
The prehistoric life of South Africa. The image shows the diverse flora and fauna that had evolved in South Africa by the Early Jurassic (Hettangian faunal stage). Archosaurs dominated terrestrial ecosystems but shared these habitats with other diapsids and early mammals. Picture credit: The Evolutionary Studies Institute (The University of Witwatersrand).
The fossil teeth from Driefontein provide palaeontologists with an important window into how terrestrial ecosystems recovered. The largest mass extinction recorded in the Phanerozoic occurred approximately 252 million years ago. The end-Permian mass extinction event devastated both marine and terrestrial ecosystems. The Karoo Basin may yield further evidence to help palaeontologists to better understand how life bounced back from the mass extinction event. It may also help scientists to understand how the Archosauromorpha were able to gain an evolutionary advantage over other tetrapods. This may have ultimately helped the Dinosauria and their close relatives to dominate terrestrial habitats.
The scientific paper: “A diverse diapsid tooth assemblage from the Early Triassic (Driefontein locality, South Africa) records the recovery of diapsids following the end-Permian mass extinction” by Devin K. Hoffman, John P. Hancox and Sterling J. Nesbitt published in Plos One.
Whilst on a short visit to the London Natural History Museum Everything Dinosaur team members took some photographs of the Diprotodon fossils on display. Diprotodon (D. optatum) is the largest marsupial known to science. Males measured around 1.8 metres high at the shoulder. Their body length was approximately 4 metres, and the largest specimens are thought to have weighed up to 3,500 kilograms. Females were smaller than males.
An extinct giant. The fossil skeleton of Diprotodon the largest marsupial known to science. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
Diprotodon Fossils
Diprotodon (pronounced dip-pro-toe-don) was part of the Australian “megafauna” of the Pleistocene. The genus name is from the ancient Greek meaning “two protruding front teeth”. It is thought that this rhino-sized marsupial became extinct 40,000 years ago. At this time, Australia’s climate changed. It became much more arid. This climate change is thought to have been the main cause for their extinction. However, hunting from the first Aboriginal Australians cannot be ruled out.
A replica of the largest marsupial known to science Diprotodon on display at the London Natural History Museum. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
The picture (above) shows a replica of Diprotodon on display alongside Diprotodon fossils at the London Natural History Museum. There are very few Diprotodon models/toys available. It is rare for examples of ancient marsupials to made into replicas by mainstream model manufacturers.
Diprotodon is part of the Order Diprotodontia, which includes, wombats, kangaroos, koalas and possums. Syndactylous feet are a trait of the extant Diprotodontia and also assumed to be present in Diprotodon. The second and third toes are fused together. It is thought that Diprotodon also had fused second and third toes.
The toes on the robust feet of Diprotodon curve inwards. This is thought to have been an evolutionary trait passed onto these huge animals from their fossorial ancestors. The second and third toes were probably fused (syndactylous feet). Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Everything Dinosaur recently featured in a business magazine. The article focused on how companies can develop their potential for selling overseas. Everything Dinosaur team members are delighted to be successful in numerous markets all over the world. Mike and Sue were happy to talk about the Everything Dinosaur export success.
Everything Dinosaur team members Mike and Sue are praised for their export success. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
Everything Dinosaur Export Success
Selling business to consumer via mail order through the company’s website: Everything Dinosaur, the Cheshire-based firm has developed an international customer base.
It has not happened overnight, but slowly and surely Everything Dinosaur has built an excellent reputation for customer service and support. This has been reflected in the company’s sales overseas.
The Rebor Diplodocus carnegii “Artist Proof” replica. A reason for the company’s export success is their strong social media presence and willingness to engage with dinosaur model collectors. This includes posting up reviews and pictures of prehistoric animal figures. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Around the Corner or Around the World
When asked to explain their business success, Mike from Everything Dinosaur commented:
“Whether you are working with customers around the corner or around the world, you have belief in your product and you have belief in your service. If you have a good product and good service, then why not try to grow sales overseas.”
The Chamber of Commerce magazine article featured a trio of businesses who shared their stories and insight when it comes to developing export sales opportunities.
The article explained that Everything Dinosaur is passionate about dinosaurs and prehistoric animal models. The company sells these replicas including museum-quality scale models to customers all over the globe.
The Papo running T. rex dinosaur model was spotted by a sharp-eyed team member of Everything Dinosaur whilst on a visit to a local museum. The popular Papo dinosaur figure was in a display case next to a replica claw and a replica tooth of a Tyrannosaurus rex. The Papo running T. rex model was helping museum visitors to get an impression of what this huge theropod might have looked like.
A Papo green running Tyrannosaurus rex model on display next to a replica of a T. rex tooth and a T. rex claw. An exhibit at the Manchester Museum. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
The model in the display case is not a scale dinosaur model. It does help to demonstrate the size of the claw and the T. rex tooth. This Papo running T. rex figure measures 33 centimetres long.
The Papo Running T. rex Dinosaur Model
The Papo running T. rex dinosaur model was introduced into the Papo “Les Dinosaures” range in 2012. Since its introduction, it has sold well and been a firm favourite amongst model collectors. It is one of several T. rex models in the Papo range.
A brown coloured version was also introduced. This was a limited-edition figure. The limited-edition figure was withdrawn from sale after a few months. Everything Dinosaur lobbied Papo and the model was re-introduced. The brown running T. rex figure is available from Everything Dinosaur.
A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur commented that whilst the Papo figure may not be the most accurate figure of a T. rex, the model helps to contextualise the museum display.
Children seeing the familiar dinosaur model in a museum display can make the link between the toys that they play with and the actual animals that the model represents.
The spokesperson added:
“Children were excited to see the T. rex exhibit. Many also recognised the Papo dinosaur model. Hopefully, they can make a connection between toys and fossils.”
Our thanks to young dinosaur fan Jenson who provided Everything Dinosaur with a trio of colourful prehistoric animal drawings. A team member had visited Jenson’s school. The term topic had been dinosaurs and Jenson wanted to show his drawing of three colourful prehistoric animals.
Jenson provided Everything Dinosaur team members with a very colourful trio of prehistoric animal drawings. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
Colourful Prehistoric Animal Drawings
Several schoolchildren had produced dinosaur illustrations. The Everything Dinosaur team member praised the children’s efforts and commented:
“Such wonderful, colourful drawings of pterosaurs and dinosaurs. These illustrations make a fantastic classroom display. The boxes on the drawings allow the children to include some adjectives that describe their artwork. This helps them practice their writing skills as well as their hand-eye co-ordination.”
The spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur thanked the teaching team for inviting them to the school. He added that the term topic had been carefully planned. It contained lots of amazing lesson plans to help children with their reading, writing and general development.
Everything Dinosaur is based in the UK, and it supplies dinosaur and prehistoric animal related figures, gifts, soft toys, clothing and merchandise. Run by teachers and knowledgeable dinosaur enthusiasts helping collectors of prehistoric animal models and promoting education and an appreciation of the Earth sciences.
To visit the company’s award-winning and user-friendly website: Everything Dinosaur.
