All about dinosaurs, fossils and prehistoric animals by Everything Dinosaur team members.
30 11, 2024

Scotland’s Contribution to Palaeontology and Geology on St Andrew’s Day

By |2024-12-01T05:52:30+00:00November 30th, 2024|Geology|0 Comments

Today, November the 30th is St Andrew’s Day.  We celebrate the patron saint of Scotland and that country’s contribution to palaeontology and geology.  The rugged landscapes of Scotland reveal some remarkable geology.  Indeed, researchers have uncovered some of the world’s most significant fossil sites in the land formerly known as Caledonia. For example, sedimentary rocks found on the Isle of Skye date from the Middle Jurassic and fossil discoveries have provided evidence of a unique dinosaur biota.  Furthermore, fossils of early mammals and unique pterosaurs have been discovered.

In 2022, a new rhamphorhynchid pterosaur was described from fossil remains found on the east coast of the Trottenish peninsula on the Isle of Skye (Lealt Shale Formation).  The new pterosaur was named Dearc sgiathanach.  Earlier this year, CollectA introduced a 1:3 scale replica of this Middle Jurassic pterosaur.

To view the CollectA Deluxe range available from Everything Dinosaur: Scale Models of Prehistoric Animals.

The new for 2024 CollectA Deluxe Dearc,

The CollectA Deluxe Dearc pterosaur model.

To read about the legal protection now offered to the Isle of Skye fossil sites: Fossil Sites on Skye to get Legal Protection.

Famous for Palaeontology and Geology

In 2015, the British Geological Society asked the public to vote for their favourite geology related sites in the UK and Ireland. Three of the top five locations are found in Scotland. The basaltic columns of Staffa and Siccar Point were voted number five and three respectively. The favourite location as voted for in this survey was also Scottish. The Foreland Mountains Assynt (Sutherland, Scotland) with its breath-taking isolated mountains was the number one location.

In Praise of British Geology

Voted number one in the British Geological Society Survey. Picture credit: the British Geological Society.

Picture credit: Picture credit: British Geological Society

To read more about this survey: Celebrating Earth Science Week Top 100 Fascinating Geology Locations.

Famous Scientists

Moreover, Scotland has produced influential figures in the field of geology, including Sir Charles Lyell, regarded by many as the founder of modern geology. As we honour St. Andrew today, let us also acknowledge Scotland’s vital role in advancing our understanding of our planet’s past, shaping both science and a nation’s identity.

Visit the award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: Prehistoric Animal Models.

29 11, 2024

New CollectA Prehistoric Animal Models for 2025 – Part 5 (Final)

By |2024-11-28T15:11:02+00:00November 29th, 2024|CollectA Deluxe Prehistoric Animal Models|0 Comments

Everything Dinosaur in collaboration with our friends at CollectA reveal two new prehistoric animal models for 2025. These are the last of the new reveals from CollectA for next year. A 1:40 scale replica of the giant “Megaraptor” Maip macrothorax will be introduced. In addition, collectors can expect a 1:20 scale replica of a “Terror Bird” – Phorusrhacos. Both these predators roamed South America.  However, they were separated by tens of millions of years.  These two, new CollectA Deluxe prehistoric animal models are welcome additions to the CollectA model portfolio.

  • CollectA Deluxe 1:40 scale Maip macrothorax.
  • CollectA Deluxe 1:20 scale Phorusrhacos.
The 1:40 scale Maip macrothorax model one of the new for 2025 CollectA Deluxe prehistoric animal models.

The new for 2025 CollectA Deluxe M. macrothorax figure shown in lateral view.

The image (above) shows the new theropod model, the 1:40 scale Maip macrothorax model.

One of the new for 2025 CollectA Deluxe prehistoric animal models - the 1:20 scale Phorusrhacos.

The CollectA Deluxe 1:20 scale Phorusrhacos model.

A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur confirmed that these figures would be in stock at Everything Dinosaur.  However, at this time, it was not possible to give an exact date.  It is likely that both these figures will be available later next year, after the first batch of new models such as the CollectA Deluxe Arctodus simus had arrived.

To view the CollectA Deluxe range in stock: CollectA Deluxe Prehistoric Animal Models.

The CollectA Deluxe 1:40 Scale Maip macrothorax

Maip macrothorax (My-eep mac-row-thor-ax) was formally described in 2022 (Rolando et al).  Its fossils come from the Chorrillo Formation of Santa Cruz, Argentina.  Maip lived at the very end of the Cretaceous (Maastrichtian faunal stage).

One of the new for 2025 CollectA Deluxe prehistoric animal models - the 1:40 scale Maip macrothorax.

A model of the Late Cretaceous “megaraptor” M. macrothorax from CollectA.  The model could have an articulated lower jaw.

Creating CollectA Deluxe Prehistoric Animal Models Based on Fragmentary Fossils

Although known from fragmentary material, palaeontologists have been able to learn more about the enigmatic “megaraptors”. Maip macrothorax was a giant. With an estimated body length of around ten metres, this theropod is the largest member of the Megaraptoridae family known to science. Rib bones indicate that Maip was deep chested and extremely robust. The new CollectA Deluxe model depicts the body shape of this formidable predator nicely.  For example, the model has long, strong grasping forelimbs and there is a huge claw on digit I. The terrifying Maip was named after an evil spirit of the Andes.

CollectA Deluxe 1:40 scale Maip macrothorax model.

The CollectA Deluxe Maip macrothorax model measures 26 cm in length.  The figure has a recent injury on its shoulder/coracoid. The deep lacerations indicate it was attacked by another Maip.

The model measures approximately twenty-six centimetres long.  At this size, the 1:40 scale representing a dinosaur in excess of ten metres in length is quite accurate.  The model has a wound on its right shoulder/coracoid. The three deep scratches indicate that it received a blow from another Maip!

To read about the discovery of Maip macrothoraxA New, Giant Megaraptor from South America.

The discovery of Maip lends support to the theory that these theropods were not members of the Allosauria clade.  Instead, they were coelurosaurs and therefore related to the dinosaur lineage that gave rise to the birds. The CollectA Deluxe Maip macrothorax model has been given a flamboyant crest of feathers.  In addition, there is a light covering of bristle-like feathers on the back of its neck and running down the spine as a tribute to its avian affinities.

The CollectA Deluxe 1:20 Scale Phorusrhacos

The seventh and final new CollectA figure for 2025 is a “Terror Bird” model.  Fans of prehistoric animal figures have been requesting a new phorusrhacid model to accompany the CollectA Deluxe Kelenken that came out in 2011. Phorusrhacos (Four-rus-rak-cus) was a large, carnivorous, flightless bird from the Miocene of South America.

CollectA Deluxe prehistoric animal models - the CollectA Deluxe Phorusrhacos.

The new for 2025 CollectA Deluxe 1:20 scale Phorusrhacos model shown in an oblique posterior view.

It had a total body length of around 2.8 metres.  Moreover, the head with that vicious, hooked beak stood approximately 2.4 metres tall.  The skull of this formidable predator was nearly sixty-five centimetres in length.  Numerous CollectA Deluxe prehistoric animal models have articulated jaws. This Phorusrhacos figure is likely to have an articulated beak.

At around fourteen centimetres in length, this model accurately reflects the 1:20 scale declaration. The model’s colouration has been influenced by the only living relative of the phorusrhacids, the seriema. The extant seriemas are the only surviving members of the order Cariamiformes which also includes the extinct Phorusrhacidae. The CollectA Deluxe Phorusrhacos model has a paint scheme similar to a red-legged seriema (Cariama cristata).

Fossilised footprints from a “Terror Bird” have revealed that these flightless birds had a large, curved claw on their second toe, just like the sickle-shaped toe claw of dromaeosaurids!  The CollectA Deluxe Phorusrhacos figure shows this feature.  In addition, the second toe claw is raised off the ground.  This toe claw probably helped Phorusrhacos to pin down its victims.

Spotting a Detail on the Phorusrhacos Base

A broken canine tooth has been spotted on the base of the Phorusrhacos figure. Phorusrhacos is often depicted fighting sabre-toothed cats such as Smilodon.  However, Phorusrhacos became extinct long before the formation of the Isthmus of Panama that united North and South America and permitted the migration of big cats into South America. During the Miocene, the main mammalian predators in South America were sparassodonts (Sparassodonta). Sabre-toothed forms evolved (Thylacosmilidae) such as Patagosmilus goini which lived during the middle Miocene. So, it is entirely plausible that a Phorusrhacos may have walked by a broken canine from a sabre-toothed sparassodont.

There is a broken canine tooth incorporated into the base of the CollectA Deluxe Phorusrhacos.

When viewed in left lateral view the broken canine tooth of a mammalian predator can be seen on the base of the figure.

CollectA Deluxe Prehistoric Animal Models

Mike from Everything Dinosaur confirmed that both figures would be in stock at Everything Dinosaur sometime in 2025.

He added:

“Maip and Phorusrhacos are great additions to the CollectA Deluxe model range.  We are not sure when they will be available, but we will do all we can to bring them into our warehouse as quickly as possible.  Thank you CollectA for sending us these exclusive images.”

Confirmation of the details of these latest CollectA Deluxe prehistoric animal models:

  • CollectA Deluxe 1:40 scale Maip macrothorax (model length 26 cm approximately.  This figure may have an articulated lower jaw).
  • CollectA Deluxe 1:20 scale Phorusrhacos “Terror Bird” (model length 14 cm approximately.  This figure may have an articulated beak).

Our thanks to CollectA for providing Everything Dinosaur with some exclusive images of these new figures.

Visit the award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: Everything Dinosaur Toys and Models.

28 11, 2024

Important News About Deliveries to Canada

By |2024-11-29T15:43:28+00:00November 28th, 2024|Everything Dinosaur News and Updates|0 Comments

Everything Dinosaur team members do their best to pack and despatch parcels quickly.  However, sometimes there are issues in the international delivery network that are beyond our control.  For example, the national postal service of Canada has been disrupted due to strike action.  We continue to monitor the situation for our customers.  In addition, we work closely with Royal Mail in the UK and receive regular updates.

Royal Mail and Everything Dinosaur

With regards to the industrial action in Canada, Everything Dinosaur team members have taken steps to help minimise disruption for customers.  However, due to the industrial action in Canada deliveries of parcels to Canadian customers will be subject to delays. UK Royal Mail has released a statement. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Everything Dinosaur Updating Canadian Customers

After raising concerns about the situation in Canada, Everything Dinosaur can highlight the following statement. This statement was released in response to concerns about Christmas deliveries.

The Royal Mail statement:

“Canada Post has been on strike since the morning of Friday, 15th November. The duration of the industrial action is unknown at this stage. Items already in the network will experience significant delays. All services to Canada are suspended from 19.00 Wednesday, 27th November until further notice.”

Team members have been alerting customers whose parcels may be affected.  We have put in place a range of options to assist them with deliveries.

Moreover, Royal Mail has stated:

“Canada Post has informed us items sent prior to the service suspension will be held by them until the end of strike action and will be delivered (first in, first out approach) once operations resume.”

Management at Royal Mail in the UK are in regular contact with Canada Post. Furthermore, Royal Mail have pledged to keep customers informed and updated.

Hopefully, this industrial action will soon be resolved with the minimal amount of disruption for Christmas deliveries.

Contacting Everything Dinosaur

Everything Dinosaur team members are taking a proactive approach.  They have reached out to our customers who have placed orders for delivery to Canada.

However, for further information and advice: Email Everything Dinosaur.

27 11, 2024

Celebrating the Remarkable Art of Richard Bizley

By |2024-11-29T15:21:30+00:00November 27th, 2024|Dinosaur and Prehistoric Animal Drawings|0 Comments

Recently, Everything Dinosaur posted up an article featuring the artist Richard Bizley.  There are many fans of Richard Bizley art, and it is always a pleasure to feature his illustrations.  Richard has had a lifelong obsession with art, astronomy and the natural sciences. As a Fellow of the International Association of Astronomical Artists his paintings have been used to depict astonishing views of our solar system and beyond. Working mostly in acrylics, Richard has also built up an extensive portfolio of fabulous illustrations that highlight our planet’s history.

He paints a variety of subjects including palaeontology, biology and astronomy.  The palaeontology artwork covers the Earth’s formation right up to the Quarternary and the evolution of hominins.

A Lower Cretaceous Wealden Group scene created by artist Richard Bizley.

The artwork illustrates the variety and diversity of flora present in the Early Cretaceous prior to the domination of the angiosperms (flowering plants). Picture credit: Richard Bizley.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

The Artwork of Richard Bizley

Richard enjoys illustrating a wide variety of prehistoric animals including dinosaurs.  Moreover, the artwork often highlights other aspects of the ecosystem with animals like dinosaurs featuring in the background.  For example, the artwork (above) highlights the flora of the Mesozoic whilst a Mantellisaurus and flying pterosaurs can be seen in the background.

This painting shows some of the plants that grew during Late Jurassic and Early Cretaceous. In the background are some Monkey Puzzle trees, sequoias and other gymnosperms (pine trees). In the foreground are two species of seed plants – Bennetittales. These plants were cycad-like, but they formed into small shrubs. These had flowers and there is evidence that insects such as the butterfly-like lacewings (kalligrammatids) fertilised the plants, some even had eyespots! This is a good example of convergent evolution. The kalligrammatids appeared 165 million years ago and became extinct around 120 million years ago. Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths) probably appeared 45 million years later. The two species (Bennetittales) shown here are Wielandiella angustifolia and Kimmerella densifolia.

To visit Richard Bizley’s website: Bizley Art.

Magical Marine Reptiles

Richard Bizley’s paintings of marine reptiles brilliantly capture an ethereal quality that transports viewers into a mesmerizing underwater world.  For example, the illustration (below) depicts a juvenile plesiosaur swimming with its mother in moonlit waters.

Plesiosaur mother and juvenile by Richard Bizley.

An adult plesiosaur accompanied by a juvenile swim close to the surface on a moon-lit night. Picture credit: Richard Bizley.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Mike from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“Richard Bizley masterfully recreates prehistoric landscapes and long extinct creatures. He uses his considerable scientific insight to illustrate life in the past. In addition, his boundless imagination has allowed him to create amazing images depicting our solar system and beyond.”

Our thanks to Richard for allowing us to share some of his wonderful artwork.

26 11, 2024

New Papo Ampelosaurus Dinosaur Model In Stock

By |2024-11-27T06:13:21+00:00November 26th, 2024|Papo Prehistoric Animal Models|0 Comments

The new for late 2024 Papo Ampelosaurus dinosaur model is now in stock at Everything Dinosaur.  Dinosaur fans and model collectors have been eagerly awaiting the arrival of this new figure.  Team members have been busy contacting all those customers who wanted to be informed of this dinosaur’s arrival.  Mike from Everything Dinosaur confirmed that all those customers who had requested a model had now been contacted.

Papo Ampelosaurus dinosaur model.

A Papo Ampelosaurus figure in the Everything Dinosaur packing room. The model is shown in lateral view. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

To view the range of Papo dinosaur and prehistoric animal models in stock: Papo Prehistoric Animal Models.

The Papo Ampelosaurus Dinosaur Model

The Papo Ampelosaurus joins a Brachiosaurus, young Apatosaurus and an Amargasaurus in the Papo “Les Dinosaures” range.  Indeed, the last sauropod model to be added to the Papo range was the Amargasaurus.  It was introduced in 2018.  The new Ampelosaurus is a typical Papo figure.  It has that certain Papo “je ne sais quoi”, extremely apt for a French manufacturer.

The model measures an impressive forty-three centimetres in length.  It stands approximately sixteen centimetres tall.

Papo Ampelosaurus dinosaur model.

The Papo Ampelosaurus dinosaur model.

Ampelosaurus was formally named and described in 1995 (Le Loeuff).  It is regarded as a member of the Titanosauria clade. Ampelosaurus fossils have been found in France. Other material from Spain previously ascribed to Ampelosaurus is now thought to represent a different titanosaur taxon. It lived at the end of the Cretaceous (Early Maastrichtian faunal stage).  Size estimates vary.  However, palaeontologist Gregory S. Paul estimated that this dinosaur grew to around sixteen metres in length.  He thought this dinosaur would have weighed around eight tonnes. Papo do not declare a scale for this figure.  Notwithstanding this, if the model measures forty-three centimetres long, then this would represent a 1:37 scale figure.

Mike from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“We had wanted to get this figure into stock before the end of the year.  There had been a lot of requests to reserve a model.  Moreover, many of these requests came from our French customers. I guess, they wanted to get their hands on a model of an iconic French dinosaur.”

Visit the award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur Toys and Models.

25 11, 2024

Empowering Entrepreneurs: Everything Dinosaur Provides Essential Advice for Local Business Leaders

By |2024-11-25T15:55:48+00:00November 25th, 2024|Everything Dinosaur News and Updates|0 Comments

Sue from Everything Dinosaur was invited to talk at an event helping to encourage entrepreneurs and small business owners. It’s part of our wider commitment to give something back to the local community. Moreover, delegates had the opportunity to talk to Sue about their own particular issues when running a small firm. Her engaging presentation highlighted vital resources and support available for entrepreneurs and small business owners.  She even got to talk about dinosaurs too!

Sue from Everything Dinosaur speaking at a business event.

Sue from Everything Dinosaur addressing the audience and taking questions at an event aimed at helping to support small business owners and start-up companies. Picture credit: Lewis Pullan at 240 films.

Picture credit: Lewis Pullan at 240 films

Everything Dinosaur Helping the Local Business Community

The event was part of the Cheshire East Business Support programme.  We were happy to participate, it is all part of Everything Dinosaur’s commitment to supporting local companies and helping the community.  Sue emphasised the importance of networking and collaboration during her talk.  As part of a panel of experts, she was able to offer practical advice and tips.

To visit the award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: Prehistoric Animal Toys.

Delegates left inspired.  The speakers had been able to provide some useful advice.  Afterwards, Sue chatted to numerous attendees who wanted further information.  She fielded questions about customer service, setting up a website and developing niche markets.

Sue from Everything Dinosaur speaking on the panel at the business event.

Sue outlined some of the challenges facing small companies and explained some of the help and support that is available to small businesses and start-ups. Picture credit: Lewis Pullan at 240 films.

Picture credit: Lewis Pullan at 240 films

Attendees left inspired, equipped with practical tools to navigate their entrepreneurial journeys. We believe that by sharing knowledge and resources, we can help nurture a vibrant local economy. Stay tuned for more initiatives from Everything Dinosaur aimed at supporting our community!

Speaking afterwards, Sue stated:

“At Everything Dinosaur, we believe that supporting small business owners and entrepreneurs is essential for fostering innovation and growth in our community. By sharing resources and knowledge, we empower individuals to turn their dreams into reality, creating a vibrant local economy that benefits everyone.”

To contact a team member from Everything Dinosaur: Email Everything Dinosaur.

24 11, 2024

The Official Image of the New CollectA Deluxe Gallimimus Model

By |2024-11-22T14:47:35+00:00November 24th, 2024|CollectA Deluxe Prehistoric Animal Models|0 Comments

Everything Dinosaur has received the official Gallimimus model image from CollectA.  A 1:40 scale replica of the largest ornithomimid dinosaur known to science is to be added to the CollectA Deluxe model range in 2025.  When we made the announcement of this exciting, new theropod figure we used the exclusive images that CollectA kindly sent us.  Now, we can show the official CollectA Deluxe 1:40 scale Gallimimus image.

The official CollectA Deluxe Gallimimus model image.

The official CollectA Deluxe Gallimimus model image. The model is shown in lateral view.

To read Everything Dinosaur’s earlier blog post announcing this new dinosaur model: New CollectA Prehistoric Animal Models for 2025 – Part 4.

The CollectA Deluxe Gallimimus Model

It has been a tradition for CollectA to announce their new figures on Fridays in November.  In November 2025, there are five Fridays.  So, we expect another CollectA model announcement next week too. To date, five new prehistoric animal figures for 2025 have been announced:

  • CollectA Age of Dinosaurs Popular Furcatoceratops.
  • CollectA Deluxe 1:20 scale Jaekelopterus rhenaniae.
  • A CollectA Deluxe 1:20 scale giant short-faced bear (Arctodus simus).
  • CollectA Deluxe 1:40 scale Ingentia prima.
  • CollectA Deluxe 1:40 scale Gallimimus (G. bullatus).

It is certainly an eclectic mix with three dinosaurs, an eurypterid and a prehistoric mammal having been announced.  The new Gallimimus model is the first theropod to be introduced this year.  However, Gallimimus was very probably omnivorous, so, perhaps we can expect another theropod next week but this time a carnivore.

To view the range of CollectA Deluxe models in stock at Everything Dinosaur: Scale Models of Dinosaurs.

CollectA Deluxe Gallimimus model.

In this image, a more oblique view of the model the bones behind the rear leg can be more clearly seen.

Notes on the Model’s Base

The Gallimimus model will be on a base.  It would not be possible to create an accurate figure of this fast-running dinosaur without compromising on the model’s scientific accuracy.  The figure could have been put into a different pose, with perhaps one forelimb touching the ground, but given the size of the forelimbs, the figure would have had to be bent quite low to permit this.  Again, this would compromise scientific accuracy and depict the Gallimimus in an unlikely pose.

The base has some unusual features.  We think it features Gallimimus footprints and some articulated leg bones.  This reflects what has been found at one Gallimimus dig site in Mongolia.

To view the range of not-to-scale prehistoric animal models offered by CollectA: CollectA Prehistoric Life Figures.

A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur confirmed that the figure would be in stock next year (2025).

The spokesperson added:

“At this time, we are not sure when this figure will be available.  It could be released in the spring, or perhaps it is more likely this model would be available in the summer of 2025.”

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

23 11, 2024

Rare Fossil Bone Identified and a Decades-long Mystery is Solved

By |2024-11-23T10:51:43+00:00November 23rd, 2024|Palaeontological articles|1 Comment

Scientists have solved a five-decade-old mystery.  A strange bone found in 1974 has been identified as part of the pelvis from a Dimetrodon (D. teutonis).  In 1974, geologist Thomas Martens discovered a fossil bone whilst exploring the famous Bromacker fossil site in the Thuringian Forest near the village of Tambach-Dietharz (Germany).  This site consists of Permian-aged deposits that have yielded a treasure trove of fossils.  The Bromacker location is regarded as one of the world’s most important locations for fossils of Early Permian animals.  It is part of the UNESCO Geopark in the region, and the Lower Permian rocks have been extensively explored and mapped.

An aerial view of the famous Bromacker fossil site in Germany.

An aerial view of the famous Bromacker fossil site in Germany. Picture credit: Jakob Stubenrauch Team Drohne.

Picture credit: Jakob Stubenrauch Team Drohne

Fossil Mystery Solved at Bromacker Fossil Site

Prior to the fossil bone discovery, tracks of tetrapods had been found at the Bromacker site. However, fossil bones were rare.  It had been thought that preservation conditions had prevented body fossils from being formed.  However, the discovery of pelvic girdle bones demonstrated that this site could yield body fossils.  As part of the current research project, the bones were digitally analysed and reconstructed by researchers at the Museum für Naturkunde Berlin.

The non-destructive CT scans and digital modelling enabled the scientists to produce three-dimensional models of the material.

Project manager Professor Jörg Fröbisch (Museum für Naturkunde Berlin) commented:

“I was particularly fascinated by the first bone find right from the start. With the help of modern and CT-based 3D methods, we were able to isolate the bone, visualise it from all sides and compare it with other finds. The scales fell from our eyes, and we immediately realised that it was the pelvis of a synapsid most likely that of Dimetrodon, a distant relative of us mammals.”

Dimetrodon model.

Wild Safari Prehistoric World Dimetrodon model.

The picture (above) shows a Dimetrodon model. The Dimetrodon taxon associated with the Bromacker fossil site is Dimetrodon teutonis.  The model shown is from the Wild Safari Prehistoric World series of figures.

To view this range on Everything Dinosaur’s website: Wild Safari Prehistoric World Models.

Dimetrodon teutonis

Dimetrodon teutonis was probably one of the top predators in the Bromacker palaeoenvironment. It was named and described in 2001 (Berman et al). The type specimen is MNG 10598, which consists of a set of vertebrae including elements from the distinctive sail of the Dimetrodon genus. The Bromacker fossil material represents the first record of Dimetrodon outside of North America. Dimetrodon teutonis was one of the smaller species of Dimetrodon. Scientists have estimated that it measured around a metre in length and weighed approximately twenty-five kilograms.

The species epithet is from the Latin “teutonis”. This translates as an individual of a German tribe. This is a reference to the geographic origins of the fossil material.  It remains the only species of Dimetrodon known from the Bromacker fossil site.  To date, only an isolated upper jaw, skeletal parts of a dorsal sail, a shoulder girdle and limb elements have been found at the Bromacker location. The discovery of the pelvic girdle of D. teutonis will help scientists to better understand the animal’s locomotion.

Everything Dinosaur acknowledges the assistance of a media release from the Museum für Naturkunde Berlin in the compilation of this article.

The award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur Toys and Models.

22 11, 2024

New CollectA Prehistoric Animal Models for 2025 – Part 4

By |2024-11-21T23:04:50+00:00November 22nd, 2024|CollectA Deluxe Prehistoric Animal Models|0 Comments

Some exciting news! In collaboration with our friends at CollectA we make a fourth announcement about new CollectA prehistoric animal models for 2025. There is going to be a CollectA Deluxe Gallimimus model! Dinosaur model fans have been lobbying for more ornithomimids and CollectA have listened.  Our thanks to CollectA for sending Everything Dinosaur some exclusive images.

  • CollectA Deluxe 1:40 scale Gallimimus (G. bullatus).

We expect this theropod figure to be in stock sometime in 2025, we are not sure when at the moment, but we will do our best to keep everyone informed.

The CollectA Deluxe Gallimimus model.

The new for 2025 CollectA Deluxe Gallimimus model shown in lateral view.

The CollectA Deluxe Gallimimus Model

We know that dinosaur fans and model collectors have considered ornithomimid models somewhat underrepresented.  It can be challenging to make replicas of these graceful theropods, with their long legs and small heads.  However, CollectA have listened to dinosaur fans, and they have produced an intriguing dinosaur figure.  The model is bird-like and those striking blue wings with their flashes of red would be ideal for visual displays.  Perhaps this is a male in his courtship colours.  There are bright red quills on the top of the head and a large, flashy wattle on the throat.  This is one eye-catching theropod!

CollectA Deluxe Gallimimus model.

The striking colours of the Gallimimus figure. This is a very flamboyant dinosaur!

A view of the figure from the front provides the opportunity to see the paler throat and the lighter underside of the figure.  The CollectA Deluxe Gallimimus model measures around fifteen centimetres long.  If an adult Gallimimus bullatus reached a body length of approximately six metres, then, a scale declaration of 1:40 would be quite accurate.

To view the range of CollectA Deluxe figures in stock at Everything Dinosaur: CollectA Deluxe Prehistoric Animal Models.

The CollectA Deluxe Gallimimus figure.

A graceful dinosaur figure with bird-like features. The new for 2025 CollectA Deluxe Gallimimus bullatus.

An Intriguing Base

The model is perched (very appropriately for a bird-like theropod), on a small display base.  As the feet are in proportion to the rest of the figure, a base was required to allow the figure to stand up.  This base is predominately a light brown colour.  The base could represent a muddy area close to a body of water.  Mudstone deposits are associated with the Nemegt Basin of Mongolia.

Intriguingly, if you look carefully, these images give a tantalising glimpse of a couple of extra details on the base.  For example, at the back of the base there is a raised, grey-coloured area. Many Gallimimus quarries have been raided by illegal fossil collectors.  These poachers damage fossils in their haste to extract as many bones as they can before the alarm is raised.

In one Gallimimus quarry palaeontologists discovered an isolated right foot. It probably had been part of a much more complete specimen, but the site was raided by poachers and most of the fossil material had been removed.  In addition, three-toed Gallimimus tracks were found.  These tracks were of different sizes.  This indicates that juveniles as well as adults left their prints.

The Gallimimus base could show these tracks and the fossil foot bone.  These images show a prototype model, it is not attached to the base but has been stuck to it with blu tack.  We expect the production figure to be firmly attached to the base.

Details of the Gallimimus base.

The model’s base shows some amazing details. There is a Gallimimus foot bone and Gallimimus tracks.

Thank You CollectA!

Mike from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“Thank you CollectA!  It’s great to have a model of the largest ornithomimid known to science.  If the base includes tracks and a foot bone it demonstrates that CollectA have paid attention to the fossil record.  If the foot bone is present, then in a subtle way the manufacturer is raising awareness about the problem of poaching fossils.”

The new for 2025 CollectA Deluxe Gallimimus model.

The new for 2025 CollectA Deluxe Gallimimus model. The model measures around 15 cm long, so based on a 6-metre-long adult Gallimimus, this figure is in approximately 1:40 scale.

To paraphrase a line from the 1993 movie “Jurassic Park” – Gallimimus is flocking your way – sometime next year.

Visit the award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur Models and Toys.

21 11, 2024

Excellent Review for Everything Dinosaur

By |2024-11-24T10:12:58+00:00November 21st, 2024|Everything Dinosaur News and Updates|0 Comments

Another day, and another top Feefo review for Everything Dinosaur.  The company has received over three and a half thousand Feefo reviews along with thousands of reviews on the company’s own website.  Everything Dinosaur has hundreds of 5-star Google reviews too. A spokesperson for the UK-based mail order company stated that it was great to receive another 5-star customer review.

5-star customer review.

Another 5-star Feefo review for Everything Dinosaur. In this instance, the review was supplied by one of our many customers in Australia.  Picture credit: Feefo.

Picture credit: Feefo

To see the customer reviews on the Feefo website: Everything Dinosaur on Feefo.

The Importance of a 5-star Customer Review

Receiving numerous 5-star customer reviews can significantly enhance a mail order company’s reputation. Every positive review provides a powerful endorsement.  Reviews help to build trust with potential buyers.  When website visitors see a multitude of 5-star customer reviews, they feel more confident in their decision to shop.  Genuine customer reviews often lead to increased conversion rates and higher sales.

In this case, this review was from one of the many customers that Everything Dinosaur has in Australia.

The reviewer wrote:

“Multiple emails ensuring my order’s purchase and delivery. The package was well taken care of, and it was absolutely exhilarating opening the box.”

Mike from Everything Dinosaur thanked the reviewer for their kind words and added:

“We have said how grateful we are for the lovely review on the Feefo website.  It is always a pleasure to receive feedback from one of our many customers in Australia.”

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

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