Our thanks to model collector and prehistoric animal fan Robert who sent into Everything Dinosaur a photograph of his rearing Rhoetosaurus model. The sauropod figure is part of the CollectA Age of Dinosaurs model range.  We think this model was introduced by CollectA in 2009.  Robert has been making a diorama focusing on Australian dinosaurs. The CollectA figure has been incorporated into Robert’s carefully researched Australian dinosaur diorama.

Robert has placed the rearing CollectA Prehistoric Life Age of Dinosaurs Rhoetosaurus amongst a variety of plants in his Australian dinosaurs diorama. Picture credit: Robert Townsend.

Picture credit: Robert Townsend

A Rearing Rhoetosaurus Model

Robert has spent many years creating extensive prehistoric landscapes. His displays highlight different continents and geological periods. Furthermore, he carefully selects prehistoric animal figures appropriate for each scene. The CollectA Rhoetosaurus model measures approximately seventeen centimetres tall and was designed by British designer Anthony Beeson. Significantly, it was the first CollectA sauropod figure depicted in a rearing pose.

The dramatic pose makes the model particularly eye-catching. Robert has used this unusual figure to great effect in his Australian dinosaur display.

Rhoetosaurus brownei is an important Australian dinosaur. It was named and scientifically described by Heber Longman in 1926. The fossils come from Queensland and date from the Middle Jurassic. Indeed, Rhoetosaurus remains the only named Australian sauropod known from the Jurassic. Consequently, its fossils provide palaeontologists with a rare insight into the early evolution of Australian sauropods.

Rhoetosaurus brownei with a human figure for scale. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

To view the range of CollectA Age of Dinosaurs figures in stock: CollectA Age of Dinosaurs/Prehistoric Life Figures.

Rhoetosaurus may have been scientifically described a hundred years ago, but its fossils are still contributing to research.  For example, fossilised foot bones have helped palaeontologists to study the structure of the sauropod foot.

To read about this research: Research into Sauropod Locomotion.

Creating a Prehistoric Australia Diorama

Robert’s diorama demonstrates how prehistoric animal models can be used to create informative scenes. Careful selection of figures can help illustrate the remarkable dinosaur fauna of Australia.

Mike from Everything Dinosaur praised Robert’s work and stated:

“We congratulate Robert on creating such a detailed and carefully researched display. A tremendous amount of thought has gone into selecting the models and creating the landscape. The rearing Rhoetosaurus model makes a striking addition to this wonderful Australian dinosaur diorama.”

Our thanks to Robert for sending in the photograph and allowing Everything Dinosaur to share his impressive model-making work.

A model of the Middle Jurassic sauropod Rhoetosaurus brownei.

The multi-award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: Models of Australian Dinosaurs.