All about dinosaurs, fossils and prehistoric animals by Everything Dinosaur team members.
About Mike
Mike runs Everything Dinosaur, a UK-based mail order company specialising in the sale of dinosaur and prehistoric animal models, He works alongside Sue, and between them they have become the "go to guys" for museum quality prehistoric animal models and figures. An avid fossil collector and reader of dinosaur books, Mike researchers and writes articles about palaeontology, fossil discoveries, research and of course, dinosaur and prehistoric animal models.
The Rebor Diplodocus models recently arrived at the Everything Dinosaur warehouse. Team members have been busy picking, packing and despatching orders. These Diplodocus carnegii models require assembly. The neck and tail pieces have to be inserted into the body. Here are some helpful tips and advice to help you assemble your Rebor dinosaur model.
The new for 2023 Rebor Diplodocus carnegii dinosaur models are supplied in three parts. Each figure has a neck, and a tail piece and these need to be inserted into the main body. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
Use Hot Water/Hair Dryer
The white plugs on the end of the neck piece and tail piece can be heated and this will help them to slot into the main body of the Diplodocus. A hairdryer can be used to gently warm up the plastic plug. Heating the plastic makes it more malleable. It should be easier to slot the neck and tail pieces into position.
Alternatively, the plug can be dipped into a cup of boiling water. Quickly dry the plug and then insert it into the body. Please take care when using hot water.
The plug pieces can be difficult to insert. Please take care when inserting the pieces as you might damage the delicate raised scutes that run along the back of the model.
Try not to force the pieces into place. If the hot water treatment or the hairdryer has not helped, try adding a little oil. Adding a drop of vegetable oil to the white plugs will lubricate them and help them slide into place. Only a little oil is needed, excess squeezed out of the joint can be wiped away.
To help ease the neck and the tail into place add a small amount of oil such as vegetable oil to the plug on each piece. This will help these pieces slide into place. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur commented:
“Sometimes the Rebor models can be tricky to assemble. Try the heating method first, if this does not work, then add a smear of oil to the plugs. Using vegetable oil, olive oil or something similar should do the trick. These are the types of oil used in cooking. You can find them in most kitchens.”
Researchers from the University of Southampton studying a partial spinosaurid tooth have concluded that several different spinosaurs inhabited southern England during the Early Cretaceous. The tooth consisting of a crown with a partial root is reputed to have come from East Sussex, most probably from Lower Cretaceous (Valanginian) exposures of the Hastings Group (part of the Wealden Supergroup). If this is the case, then this tooth is amongst the oldest spinosaurid fossils known from the UK.
The spinosaurid tooth (specimen number HASMG G369a) shown in lingual view (left) and mesial view (right). Picture credit: University of Southampton.
Sorting the Stratigraphy
In common with many other isolated teeth found in strata associated with the Wealden Supergroup, it had been suggested that this tooth represented Baryonyx (B. walkeri). However, The Hastings Group underlies the Weald Clay Group from where the famous Baryonyx walkeri fossil material (NHMUK PV R9951) originates. Therefore, this fossil tooth is much older than the Baryonyx holotype material.
The fossil tooth could be around 138 million years old, much older than Baryonyx walkeri and therefore probably a different spinosaurid genus.
The Southampton University EvoPalaeoLab team carried out a series of tests on the isolated tooth. A statistical analysis confirmed that whilst the tooth was spinosaurid, it did not match any already described spinosaur species.
Project supervisor and co-author of the paper Dr Neil Gostling (University of Southampton explained:
“While we can’t formally identify a new species from one tooth, we can say this spinosaur tooth doesn’t match any of the existing species we know about. Given how many individual teeth exist in collections, this could be just the tip of the iceberg and it’s quite possible that Britain may have once teemed with a diverse range of these semi-aquatic, fish-eating dinosaurs.”
Many Different Spinosaurs
The Wealden Supergroup is famous for its dinosaur fossils. Baryonyx was discovered in a Surrey clay pit in 1983. Since then, isolated teeth from spinosaurids have tended to be assigned to this genus. Spinosaurids are a highly derived group of theropods. They evolved into piscivores and specialised in hunting and eating fish. Their jaws became elongated and crocodile-like and spinosaurids may have had their evolutionary origins in Europe.
The CollectA new for 2020 Prehistoric Life Baryonyx dinosaur model. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
The model (above) is a CollectA Prehistoric Life Baryonyx figure.
Palaeontologists had suspected that there were several spinosaurid taxa represented by the Wealden Supergroup material. Spinosaurid teeth are known from formations that span much of the circa 25-million-year depositional history of the Wealden Supergroup, and recent works suggest that British spinosaurids were more taxonomically diverse than previously thought.
“We used a variety of techniques to identify this specimen, in order to test whether isolated spinosaur teeth could be referred to Baryonyx. The tooth did not group with Baryonyx in any of our data runs. It must belong to a different type of spinosaur.”
Distinct and Distantly Related Spinosaurids Lived in Southern England
The results demonstrate that distinct and distantly related spinosaur types lived in the region during the Early Cretaceous. This backs up research by the EvoPalaeoLab team, who argued in previous studies that the spinosaurs of southern England are more diverse than previously thought.
Illustration of White Rock spinosaurid. Picture credit: University of Southampton/Anthony Hutchings.
The Importance of Museum Collections
The study was able to take place as the researchers had access to a wealth of data as well as the fossil specimens themselves. It demonstrates the importance of maintaining access to fossil material for research purposes.
Dr Gostling explained:
“What this work highlights is the importance of keeping collections alive, and developing our understanding of them. Curators are essential to help us navigate the cupboards and displays, helping us to unpick the often-incomplete records – either never fully recorded, or lost to time. The diversity of palaeoenvironments is not always hidden in rocks, it is often waiting in a museum, its importance waiting to be rediscovered!”
Co-author Darren Naish added:
“Dinosaur teeth preserve numerous anatomical details, and we can use various analytical techniques to see how similar, or different, they are to other teeth. Our new study shows that previously unrecognised spinosaur species exist in poorly known sections of the Wealden’s history, and we hope that better remains will be discovered that improves our knowledge. Here’s another reminder that even well-studied places like southern England have the potential to yield new dinosaur species.”
Everything Dinosaur acknowledges the assistance of a media release from the University of Southampton in the compilation of this article.
The scientific paper: “Isolated tooth reveals hidden spinosaurid dinosaur diversity in the British Wealden Supergroup (Lower Cretaceous)” by Chris T. Barker, Darren Naish and Neil J. Gostling published in PeerJ.
The new for 2023 Rebor Diplodocus carnegii models have arrived at Everything Dinosaur. Three fabulous 1:35 scale sauropod figures. Choose from the male figure “Stargazer”, the female Diplodocus “Catch the Rainbow” or the “Artist Proof” model.
The three, new for 2023 Rebor Diplodocus carnegii dinosaur models. “Stargazer” (top), the “Artist Proof” centre and “Catch the Rainbow” (bottom). Collect them all! Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
Rebor Diplodocus carnegii Models
Each Rebor Diplodocus model measures over 82 cm in length when assembled. The necks are flexible and so are the tails. Three stunning sauropod figures for dinosaur fans to collect.
The three, new for 2023 Rebor Diplodocus dinosaur models. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
“Stargazer”, “Catch the Rainbow” and “Artist Proof”
The “Stargazer”, “Catch the Rainbow” and “Artist Proof” replicas have keratinous spines running the length of their long bodies. The figures have been beautifully painted. “Stargazer”, the male has a subtle patch of red on the top of his head. This might indicate his fitness for breeding. Visual signals were probably extremely important in the Dinosauria.
The Rebor Diplodocus “Stargazer” dinosaur model has a patch of red on the top of his head. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur commented:
“These are the first sauropod figures to be made by Rebor. “Stargazer” and “Catch the Rainbow” are beautifully painted. Collectors have the opportunity to paint their own figure with the “Artist Proof” model”.
Each of the Diplodocus models has a poseable neck and a poseable tail. The “Artist Proof” Diplodocus is supplied with two sets of head/neck pieces.
The Rebor “Artist Proof” Diplodocus is supplied with two interchangeable necks.One of the heads shows the mouth open, the other shows the mouth closed. Dinosaur model fans can paint these figures to create their own unique Diplodocus carnegii replica.
PNSO are to add a replica of a T. rex to their 1:35 scale Scientific Art Museum series. The PNSO Cameron the Tyrannosaurus rex figure will be in stock shortly.
PNSO Cameron the Tyrannosaurus rex dinosaur model.
PNSO Cameron the Tyrannosaurus rex
A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur confirmed that the PNSO Cameron the Tyrannosaurus rex dinosaur model would be in stock in just a few short weeks. PNSO have continued to impress dinosaur fans and model collectors with their ever-increasing range of prehistoric animal figures. The company has already produced several T. rex dinosaur figures. Cameron the T. rex will be a 1/35th scale figure.
The PNSO Cameron the T. rex figure has an articulated lower jaw.
Model Measurements
The new for 2023 tyrannosaur figure measures an impressive 35 cm long and the model stands 11.9 cm tall.
The new T. rex figure measures 35 cm in length and stands nearly 12 cm tall.
A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur confirmed that the model will be supplied with twenty scientific art posters, a forty-eight-page colour, fully illustrated booklet and a transparent support stand. The Tyrannosaurus rex model will have an articulated lower jaw.
The new for 2013 T. rex figure is supplied with a transparent support stand, a replica of a T. rex fossil skull, a 48-page, colour booklet and a set of 20 dinosaur posters.
A QR code on the product packaging will provide dinosaur fans with access to a video that explains how the model was created.
The Everything Dinosaur spokesperson added:
“In addition to the posters and the booklet, the new for 2023 T. rex model will be supplied with a replica T. rex skull. The Tyrannosaurus rex model skull that comes supplied with Cameron is based on an actual fossil Tyrannosaurus rex specimen. It will be a 1:35 scale model.”
The PNSO Cameron the Tyrannosaurus rex replica in lateral view.
The PNSO Cameron the Tyrannosaurus rex 1:35 scale dinosaur model is due in stock at Everything Dinosaur in a few weeks.
A garden inspired by Mary Anning has won an award at the prestigious Chelsea Flower Show. The Mary Anning Space to Learn Garden created by Sandhurst Garden Design has been awarded a bronze. The award-winning container garden was designed by first-time exhibitors Julie and Andrew Haylock.
The award-winning Mary Anning Space to Learn Garden at the prestigious Chelsea Flower Show. A garden inspired by the pioneering palaeontologist from Lyme Regis. The carefully selected plants including specimens of plants similar to those that existed in the Mesozoic is set against a backdrop that reflects the cliffs of Lyme Regis. Picture credit: Rachel Moffett Photography.
The Mary Anning Space to Learn Garden
The Yeovil-based garden design business wanted to create a container garden that reflected the work of Mary Anning, highlighting her contribution to the science of palaeontology. The theme for the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Chelsea Flower Show is encouraging young people to get involved in gardening. The husband-and-wife design team created an outdoor learning space for primary school students to help them explore nature.
Carved wooden seats for the students and their teacher echo the fern-dominated planting of the garden. Set amongst moss-covered tree stumps planted with Jurassic effect is a replica of a plesiosaur fossil. Mary Anning discovered an almost complete fossil of a plesiosaur in 1823.
A replica of the skeleton of a plesiosaur can be found in the garden along with the “she sells seashells” verse. Picture credit: Rachel Moffett Photography.
Mary and her family members made several significant and highly influential fossil discoveries. Ichthyosaur remains (another type of marine reptile), were uncovered and in December 1828, the first pterosaur fossil discovery in England was made by Mary Anning.
For models and replicas of plesiosaurs, ichthyosaurs and pterosaurs visit Everything Dinosaur’s award-winning website: Everything Dinosaur.
Prehistoric Plants
A variety of plants were incorporated into the outdoor space. Ferns selected include Blechnum spicant, Dryopteris wallichiana “Jurassic Gold”, Asplenium scolopendrium, and Asplenium trichomanes. An example of the evergreen Pseudopanax crassifolius was included along with the tree fern Dicksonia antarctica.
In addition, a Wollemia Pine specimen featured. This ancient tree lineage is thought to date back to the Early Jurassic. It was believed to be extinct, until a small group of trees was discovered in a deep gorge located in a temperate rainforest in New South Wales. Although commonly referred to as a pine, this tree is a member of the Araucariaceae and more closely related to the Araucaria (Monkey Puzzle Tree).
A geology hammer and a wicker basket similar to the one used by Mary Anning can be found in the garden. Picture credit: Rachel Moffett Photography.
Providing a Legacy
Stone replica ammonite shells are dotted around the garden and the large crazy paving stones are engraved by the “She Sells Seashells” tongue-twister, which is thought to have been written in honour of Mary Anning.
Having been part of the world-famous RHS Chelsea Flower Show, the garden will live on. Parts of it are being transplanted to Charmouth Primary School, close to Lyme Regis. Schoolchildren will be able to continue to enjoy elements of the garden and perhaps they may be inspired to follow in Mary’s footsteps.
A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur commented:
“It is a beautiful garden design. We are delighted to hear that it was awarded a bronze medal. Our congratulations to all the people who helped create this inspirational garden.”
Everything Dinosaur acknowledges the assistance of a press release from the RHS in the compilation of this article.
The Late Jurassic tyrannosauroid dinosaur from China Guanlong illustrated by a young fan of dinosaurs and prehistoric animals.
Our thanks to Caldey who sent into Everything Dinosaur a fabulous illustration of Guanlong wucaii inspired by the recently introduced Beasts of the Mesozoic articulated Guanlong figure.
A very colourful Guanlong. A beautiful illustration of the Late Jurassic tyrannosauroid inspired by the recently introduced Beasts of the Mesozoic articulated Guanlong model. Picture credit: Caldey
Picture credit: Caldey
Early Members of the Tyrannosauroidea
Assigned to the Proceratosauridae within the Tyrannosauroidea superfamily, Guanlong demonstrates that the tyrannosaurs are an ancient lineage within the Theropoda. Caldey has chosen to give the pneumatised cranial crest a striking blue colour with hints of green. The jaws too have been carefully coloured blue, but this time with patches of black. This colouration contrasts with the bold black and white stripes and bright red throat patch.
It is thought that these dinosaurs used their impressive crests in displays. Perhaps to demonstrate fitness for breeding or to ward off rivals.
A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur thanked Caldey for her excellent drawing and commented:
“Guanlong is known from two specimens, found in close proximity to each other. Its discovery helped palaeontologists to better understand the evolutionary changes in theropod dinosaurs leading to the Tyrannosauridae family. In addition, as the two Guanlong specimens represent individuals of different ages, scientists were able to learn more about how dinosaurs changed as they matured.”
The spokesperson praised Caldey’s illustration and added:
“The large, prominent crest may indeed have been brightly coloured and Caldey has carefully observed the Beasts of the Mesozoic model and produced a wonderful illustration.”
A return visit to the Manchester Museum permitted Everything Dinosaur team members to take a photograph of the Tenontosaurus gastroliths that form part of a new dinosaur exhibit at the Museum. The gastroliths (stomach stones) were found in the body cavity of a Tenontosaurus tilletti specimen discovered in Montana in 1994.
The gastroliths associated with “April” the Tenontosaurus specimen on display at the Manchester Museum. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
The specimen (MANCH LL.12275) was acquired by the Manchester Museum in 1999 and a recently opened exhibit has permitted the fossil bones of this dinosaur to be displayed. The fossil material represents one of the best-preserved and most complete examples of Tenontosaurus tilletti known to science.
Tenontosaurus drawing. An illustration of the Early Cretaceous iguanodontidTenontosaurus tilletti. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
The Tenontosaurus illustration (above) is based on the CollectA Age of Dinosaurs Popular Tenontosaurus model.
This amazing dinosaur fossil was nicknamed “April” after the wife of Barry James who cleaned and prepared the fossils for exhibition. Gastroliths (stomach stones) were found in the body cavity of this dinosaur. Some dinosaurs swallowed stones to help them grind up tough plants and aid digestion. These stones were held in a gizzard and helped to break down plant-material and assisted in the extraction of nutrients.
Only a handful of examples of stomach stones associated with ornithopods have been recorded. “April” the Tenontosaurus is the largest ornithopod dinosaur known to science associated with gastroliths.
“April” the Tenontosaurus on display at the Manchester Museum. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
“April” the Tenontosaurus is part of a new, permanent display highlighting research conducted by Manchester University scientists into the Dinosauria.
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.”
