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.
Our thanks to budding young artist Caldey who sent into Everything Dinosaur her wonderful illustration of the head of an Atrociraptor dinosaur. An Atrociraptor featured in the last “Jurassic Park/Jurassic World” movie to be released (summer 2022). Our thanks to Caldey for sending in her detailed dinosaur drawing.
The head and neck of Atrociraptor (Atrociraptor panthera) a dinosaur which featured in the sixth instalment of the “Jurassic Park/Jurassic World” movie franchise. Picture by Caldey.
Atrociraptor marshalli
Named and described in 2004 from fossilised jaws, teeth and fragmentary skull bones (Currie and Varricchio), Atrociraptor marshalli is known from the Horseshoe Canyon Formation of south-western Alberta (Campanian to Maastrichtian faunal stage of the Late Cretaceous). It is one of several small (less than two metres long), theropod dinosaurs known from these strata. Isolated teeth suggest that Atrociraptor (or a dromaeosaurid very like it), may have been present throughout all parts of the Horseshoe Canyon Formation from the Drumheller Member through to the youngest – the Whitemud Member.
A scale drawing of the dromaeosaurid Atrociraptor marshalli.Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Atrociraptor Dinosaur
The illustration by Caldey shows the deep, robust skull associated with this genus and the texturing around the muzzle, over the eyes and at the back of the head is exquisite. We congratulate Caldey on her most impressive Atrociraptor drawing.
The eye looks extremely realistic, and the colour scheme chosen by Caldey is striking.
Our thanks once again to Caldey for sending in her drawing to Everything Dinosaur.
Everything Dinosaur in collaboration with our chums at CollectA announce the fourth and final batch of new CollectA prehistoric animal models for 2023. Two new prehistoric animal figures have been announced, both scale models, one a recently named dinosaur, the second the first replica of an ancient amphibian to be made by CollectA namely:
CollectA Deluxe 1:20 scale Koolasuchus cleelandi – due to be available mid-2023.
CollectA Deluxe 1:6 scale Stegouros elengassen – due to be available mid-2023.
New CollectA Prehistoric Animal Models
New CollectA prehistoric animal models for 2023. Koolasuchus cleelandi (top), the CollectA Deluxe 1:6 scale Stegouros elengassen (bottom). These new CollectA models should be available from Everything Dinosaur by the middle of 2023. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
CollectA Deluxe Koolasuchus cleelandi
The Koolasuchus figure is the first prehistoric amphibian model to be made by CollectA. It was the last of its kind, surviving in the fast-flowing rivers of what was to become Australia some fifty million years after its closest relatives had become extinct. In the notes that accompanied the model photographs, reference is made to the Koolasuchus figure having paired tusks and tiny teeth embedded into the roof of its huge mouth, anatomical features found in other temnospondyls and presumed present in this ambush predator.
The CollectA Deluxe (Other Prehistoric Animals) 1:20 scale Koolasuchus cleelandi model, due to be in stock at Everything Dinosaur in the middle of 2023.
The tail is deep and broad, which would have helped propel this three to five-metre-long carnivore through the water. The tail looks to have a few nicks in it, very appropriate for a replica of a large, mature animal. The mottled green markings on the model would have helped to camouflage this amphibian as it lurked amongst the weeds waiting to catch its next meal. Those formidable, different-sized teeth look most impressive too.
CollectA Deluxe 1:6 Scale Stegouros
The final new for 2023 prehistoric animal figure to be announced is a replica of the bizarre, armoured dinosaur Stegouros (S. elengassen), which was formally, scientifically described in December 2021.
Roaming the southernmost parts of Chile in the Late Cretaceous, Stegouros demonstrates skull features that reflect a close affinity with the Ankylosauria, but the postcranial skeleton shows more primitive stegosaur-like characteristics.
The CollectA Deluxe 1:6 scale Stegouros elengassen dinosaur model – due to be available mid-2023.
The unique tail club, reminiscent of an Aztec warrior’s club (macuahuitl) is depicted along with the dermal armour and the skin texture looks amazing. The model has been posed as if it is about to swing its tail. The white flash over the eye reflects the view that facial markings could have been important visual signals to denote maturity and the health of an individual. The figure has a declared scale of 1/6th.
CollectA Deluxe 1:20 scale Koolasuchus (Other Prehistoric Animals) – length 21.4 cm, height 4 cm (approximately).
CollectA Deluxe 1:6 scale Stegouros (CollectA Age of Dinosaurs Deluxe) – length 30.5 cm, tail height 9.5 cm (approximately).
This exciting pair of Cretaceous prehistoric animal models should be available from Everything Dinosaur in the middle of 2023.
This concludes the new for 2023 CollectA prehistoric animal announcements.
To view Everything Dinosaur’s blog post about the first batch of new CollectA prehistoric animals for 2023 to be announced (Ceratosuchops, Hadrosaurus and Triceratops horridus – confronting: New CollectA Models for 2023 (Part 1).
To read our blog post about the second batch of new CollectA prehistoric animal figures for 2023: Ruyangosaurus, Brighstoneus and Anomalocaris: New CollectA Models for 2023 (Part 2).
In the on-going industrial dispute between Royal Mail and the Communication Workers Union further days of industrial action have been announced. There will be no parcel collection services by Royal Mail from our warehouse today (November 24th, 2022) and tomorrow (November 25th, 2022). Further strike action is planned for the end of November and into December.
Everything Dinosaur is doing all it can to implement contingency plans but delays to parcel deliveries over the lead up to the festive season are inevitable.
We have compiled a list of the days when industrial action has been scheduled:
Everything Dinosaur has listed the days of scheduled industrial action by the Communication Workers Union (November/December 2022) and urges customers to shop early for the festive season. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
A Statement from Royal Mail
The management of Royal Mail have provided the following statement:
“The CWU has formally notified Royal Mail they plan to call on their members who collect, sort and deliver parcels and letters to take national strike action on Thursday 24, Friday 25 and Wednesday 30 November and Thursday 1 December 2022.”
Royal Mail management added:
“Royal Mail has well-developed contingency plans, but we cannot fully replace the daily efforts of our frontline workforce. We’ll be doing what we can to keep services running, but we are sorry this planned strike action is likely to cause you some disruption.”
Industrial Action at Royal Mail
Royal Mail has stated that after previous strikes services have been able to recover quite quickly. However, the end of November and December are the busiest times for the company, and we suspect that the industrial action is going to cause severe delays and disruption.
We at Everything Dinosaur are doing all we can to find alternative collection/delivery options, and we are switching to other carriers to help mitigate the impact of these strikes, but we urge everyone to shop early for the festive season to avoid disappointment.
Everything Dinosaur team members are putting in place contingency plans to minimise the disruption to customers caused by the industrial action at Royal Mail. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Everything Dinosaur has won the Excellence in Customer Service Award at the South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce Business Awards. This year, a record number of entries were received by South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce and all the finalists had fantastic records in customer service, but our dedication and passion for customer service impressed the judges and we are truly delighted to receive this accolade.
Everything Dinosaur has won the Excellence in Customer Service Award at the annual South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce Business Awards.
Customer Service Award
Everything Dinosaur has been a Chamber of Commerce member for ten years, it is wonderful to receive recognition, in what are, extremely challenging times for British businesses.
Commenting on the award, Mike, who together with Sue (Tyrannosaurus Sue), founded the dinosaur model and toy mail order company back in 2005, praised the other nominees in the category and thanked KPI Recruiting Ltd who sponsored the award.
Mike and Sue of Everything Dinosaur proudly show their certificate and trophy after winning the Excellence in Customer Service Award at the South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce Business Awards. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Award-winning Customer Service
Mike added:
“We have been extremely grateful for the support and assistance the Chamber has given us over the years. They have played a vital role in our success, especially when it comes to developing international sales. Thanks to the help we have received and our wonderful customers, here’s one dinosaur company that is far from extinct!”
Sue with the trophy and the certificate from the South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
The UK-based dinosaur and prehistoric animal model mail order company has customers in over one hundred countries and Everything Dinosaur plans to offer even more prehistoric animal replicas and figures next year.
Everything Dinosaur team members have continued their series of YouTube videos highlighting the new for 2023 CollectA prehistoric animal models by creating a video that introduces the 1:100 scale Ruyangosaurus, the Brighstoneus and the Anomalocaris figure. This video focuses on the second set of new for 2023 CollectA prehistoric animal models to be announced.
Part 2 of the video series from Everything Dinosaur highlighting the new for 2023 CollectA prehistoric animal models.
CollectA Prehistoric Animal Models
In this slightly longer video than usual (running time about nineteen minutes), we look at the three new CollectA models (CollectA Deluxe Ruyangosaurus, CollectA Age of Dinosaurs Popular Brighstoneus and the Anomalocaris in the Other Prehistoric Animals series) and discuss some of the science behind the replicas.
New CollectA prehistoric animal models. Anomalocaris (top left), the CollectA Deluxe 1:100 scale Ruyangosaurus (right) and the ornithopod Brighstoneus (bottom left). All three new CollectA models should be available from Everything Dinosaur in early 2023.
The Video Contents
The video has a running length of more than nineteen minutes, but it has been divided up into helpful sections so that viewers can skip parts and focus on the areas that most interest them.
The question posed in the video is:
Given the introduction of an Anomalocaris model, what other ancient invertebrate would you like CollectA to make a model of?
We will collate the comments received and pass them onto our chums at CollectA.
Video Contents 0:00 – CollectA Models for 2023. 0:38 – Three New Prehistoric Animals! 1:28 – Subscribe! 1:38 – Ruyangosaurus (1:100)! 6:21 – Brighstoneus Model. 10:45 – Anomalocaris canadensis! 16:38 – In Stock Early When? 17:32 – Question of the Day! 18:12 – Forthcoming CollectA Announcements. 18:55 – New Models Blog Post! 19:06 – Buy CollectA Figures!
More Video Reviews to Come
Everything Dinosaur plans to create a video to showcase the new marine reptile figures that CollectA announced recently (Shastosaurus and the 1:40 scale CollectA Deluxe Mosasaurus model). In addition, the company will add a fourth video to this short series when the final batch of new for 2023 CollectA prehistoric animal models are announced.
A new species of Chinese dromaeosaurid dinosaur has been described based on superbly preserved remains found in Inner Mongolia. The new dromaeosaurid species has been named Daurlong wangi and a phylogenetic assessment suggests that this dinosaur was closely related to Tianyuraptor and Zhenyuanlong.
Daurlong wangi holotype fossil material, a new dromaeosaurid from the Lower Cretaceous Jehol Biota of Inner Mongolia, China. The whole specimen (a), close-up view of the skull (b) scale bar = 2 cm, with (c) detail of the orbit scale bar = 1 cm. Traces of feathers associated with trunk (d) and (e) the preserved remains of a frog in association with the dromaeosaurid. Picture credit: Wang et al.
Daurlong wangi
Described by the scientists, which include researchers from Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences and the Inner Mongolia Museum of Natural History, as a mid-sized dromaeosaurid, Daurlong is estimated to have been around 1.5 metres long. The nearly complete specimen comes from Lower Cretaceous exposures of the Longjiang Formation in the Morin Dawa Daur Autonomous Banner (Inner Mongolia). The fossilised remains were excavated from Pigeon Hill, apt as this feathered dinosaur was related to modern birds (Aves). Both birds and the Dromaeosauridae are members of the Eumaniraptora clade.
New Dromaeosaurid Species
The binomial scientific name for this new dromaeosaurid is derived from the indigenous Daur Nation and from the Chinese word for dragon. The species name honours the director of the Inner Mongolia Museum of Natural History, Mr Wang Junyou.
The Daurlong wangi holotype – specimen number IMMNH-PV00731. Skull (a, b), left scapula (c), sternum and left hand (d, e), right forelimb (f). Reconstruction in (g) by M. Auditore (CC-BY 4.0). Note scale bar in skeletal reconstruction = 10 cm. Picture credit: Wang et al.
Finding a Frog
Some evidence of plumage is preserved along the top of the back of the skull, around the trunk and along the edges of the tail. The scientists writing in the academic journal “Scientific Reports” found no evidence of preserved melanosomes in association with the feather filaments.
A bluish layer located towards the back of the rib cage has been putatively described as remnants of the intestines. Such a soft tissue discovery would be exceptionally rare within the Dinosauria, and could help inform palaeontologists over the origins and evolution of the digestive tract of birds and other closely related genera.
The fossilised remains of a small frog were found in the same slab as the Daurlong specimen. Everything Dinosaur is not aware of any gut contents indicating that this small, meat-eater ate frogs, but it is very likely that Daurlong would have consumed amphibians such as frogs as well as lizards and small mammals.
A scale drawing of Zhenyuanlong suni. The newly described dromaeosaurid Daurlong wangi is thought to have been closely related to Zhenyuanlong. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
The Beasts of the Mesozoic range of articulated prehistoric animal figures contains several examples of Cretaceous dromaeosaurids.
The scientific paper: “Intestinal preservation in a birdlike dinosaur supports conservatism in digestive canal evolution among theropods” by Xuri Wang, Andrea Cau, Bin Guo, Feimin Ma, Gele Qing and Yichuan Liu published in Scientific Reports.
Are you looking for an entertaining and colourful story book to help inspire the next generation of young palaeontologists? With the festive season fast approaching, we recommend “The Plesiosaur’s Neck” written by Dr Adam S. Smith and Jonathan Emmett, with lots of superb illustrations by Adam Larkum, a graduate of the Edinburgh College of Art.
“The Plesiosaur’s Neck” by Dr Adam S. Smith and Jonathan Emmett with illustrations by Adam Larkum that explores the question why did plesiosaurs like Poppy the Albertonectes have a long neck?
Prehistoric Prose, Puns and Palaeontology
Poppy is an Albertonectes plesiosaur. Her neck is seven metres long! This fun book, aimed at young readers sets out to explore some of the theories put forward by scientists as they attempt to explain why some plesiosaurs had super-sized necks.
The rhyming text bounces along and has been devised to help young readers maintain concentration and attention. Alfie the ammonite and Bella the belemnite accompany Poppy on her quest to solve this palaeontological puzzle and they chime in with cheeky comments as Poppy considers whether her neck can zap predators with electricity, helps her pluck off pesky parasites or allows to sneak up on her dinner.
Why did Poppy the Plesiosaur have a long neck?
Highly Praised
In the competitive field of children’s books, “The Plesiosaur’s Neck” has been singled out for praise. For example, shortly after it was launched it was “Children’s Book of the Week” in both Books for Keeps magazine and The Independent newspaper.
“The Plesiosaur’s Neck” was included in Teach Primary magazine’s “Fifty Modern Reads Every School Library Needs” and the book was also a finalist in the Sparks! School Book Awards.
“The Plesiosaur’s Neck”
When this delightful book was first published, team members at Everything Dinosaur had the opportunity to review a copy.
We stated:
“This book combines colourful characters with a cornucopia of fun facts. It is an entertaining exploration of a genuine palaeontological puzzle.”
“The Plesiosaur’s Neck” is suitable for ages 5 years plus, this rhyming picture book has thirty-two pages and is published by UCLan Publishing.
Dr Adam S. Smith (left) and Jonathan Emmett (right) the authors of the rhyming picture book.
More Books in the Pipeline
Dr Adam S. Smith told Everything Dinosaur that a second publication was in the pipeline, this time the story would evolve around a dinosaur, a tyrannosaur!
Dr Smith exclaimed:
“We’re excited to be working on a follow up book, ‘The Tyrannosaur’s Feathers’, to be published in 2024.”
In the meantime, if you are looking for a children’s book as a gift idea for the festive season, “The Plesiosaur’s Neck” is highly recommended.
Everything Dinosaur has opened a priority wait list for the two Rebor 1:35 adult Deinosuchus hatcheri museum class replicas, two splendid crocodilian replicas, in the estuary and swamp colour schemes. These exciting Rebor scale models are due in stock at Everything Dinosaur in early 2023.
The REBOR 1:35 Adult Deinosuchus hatcheri Museum Class Replica Deluxe Pack Meta Estuary version. Each Deinosuchus replica is supplied with the head and torso of an unfortunate Appalachiosaurus theropod.
Contact Everything Dinosaur
With Everything Dinosaur, there is no need to pre-order, no deposit is required and there are no fees to pay. Team members have opened reserve, priority wait lists for these two 1:35 scale replicas and customers are encouraged to email Everything Dinosaur so that they can join these lists. Simply Email Everything Dinosaur ensuring that you state your Deinosuchus model preference, (estuary version, swamp version or both) and Everything Dinosaur will ensure that you receive a priority email alert when the figures are in stock (expected early 2023).
REBOR 1:35 Adult Deinosuchus hatcheri Museum Class Replica Deluxe Pack Meta Swamp version with the remains of the Appalachiosaurus. Contact Everything Dinosaur by email to join our priority waitlist for these wonderful replicas.
Appalachiosaurus montgomeriensis
Each Rebor 1:35 scale adult Deinosuchus hatcheri figure is supplied with a rather bloodthirsty accessory. The Deinosuchus models come with the head and partial torso of a theropod dinosaur (Appalachiosaurus). Appalachiosaurus is known from a single fossil specimen discovered in Upper Cretaceous aged sediments in Alabama, although other theropod fossils found elsewhere in the United States have been assigned to this genus.
Appalachiosaurus was named and scientifically described in 2005 (Carr and Williamson). The exact taxonomic relationship of this dinosaur is disputed, it is hoped that further fossil discoveries will help to clarify the phylogeny of this predator. The size of Appalachiosaurus is uncertain, the Alabama fossils represent a juvenile which measured approximately six metres long. A dinosaur this size coming down to the water’s edge to get a drink would have been a potential target for a Deinosuchus lying submerged ready to attack.
The Appalachiosaurus torso and head. A gory addition to the Rebor adult Deinosuchus models. Both Estuary and Swamp figures are supplied with an Appalachiosaurus model.
Deinosuchus Swamp and Estuary
In 2021, Rebor introduced a pair of limited-edition hatching Deinosuchus replicas. Only a few hundred of each figure (swamp and estuary) were produced. The adult Deinosuchus models are due to be in stock at Everything Dinosaur early in 2023, by then, it is likely that the hatching Deinosuchus models will have sold out.
The Rebor Club Selection Deinosuchus figures – the box contents. The limited-edition Estuary variant (right) and the limited-edition Swamp variant (left). Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur commented that they were happy to set up priority waitlists for customers, as a way of helping customers manage their finances, with no deposits, or prepayments required.
Everything Dinosaur in conjunction with our friends at CollectA announce the third batch of new CollectA models for 2023. Two new prehistoric animal figures, both marine reptiles, have been announced namely:
CollectA Deluxe 1:40 scale Mosasaurus with an articulated jaw – due to be available early 2023.
Shastasaurus (Age of Dinosaurs Popular) – due to be available early 2023.
New CollectA Models
New CollectA models for 2023. The 1:40 CollectA Deluxe Mosasaurus (top), and the Age of Dinosaurs Popular ichthyosaur replica Shastasaurus (bottom).
CollectA Deluxe Mosasaurus 1:40 Scale
A new 1:40 scale figure of a Mosasaurus, a giant, predatory marine reptile from the Cretaceous that was more closely related to modern snakes and lizards than it was to archosaurs such as the Dinosauria. The model incorporates the latest scientific thinking and includes an asymmetrical caudal fin, with a nick in the top portion as if this Late Cretaceous marine reptile has been bitten by another mosasaur. Inside the beautifully painted, articulated jaw, pterygoid teeth have been incorporated into the roof of the mouth.
The CollectA Deluxe 1:40 scale Mosasaurus will be available from Everything Dinosaur, early next year (2023). This figure is the second Mosasaurus model to be introduced by CollectA, as a not to scale Mosasaurus replica was added to the Age of Dinosaurs Popular range back in 2014.
CollectA Deluxe Mosasaurus model.
Articulated Lower Jaw
The new for 2023 marine reptile figure has a smooth, streamlined body, the skin texture has been carefully crafted and the front flippers give the impression of a powerful animal.
The new for 2023 CollectA Deluxe Mosasaurus marine reptile model has an articulated jaw.
CollectA plan to introduce another marine reptile model next year (2023). It is a replica of the primitive ichthyosaur Shastasaurus, a large reptile, possibly gigantic that lived more than one hundred million years before the Mosasauridae evolved.
CollectA Age of Dinosaurs Shastasaurus marine reptile model.
Shastasaurus was a big, whale-sized marine reptile from the Triassic. The replica has been given a striking black and white colour scheme reminiscent of the Killer Whale (Orca). These markings would have helped this giant hunter hide from its prey, the colour pattern making Shastasaurus less conspicuous from both above and below. The model has barnacles on its flippers and body, just like the barnacles associated with many large, extant cetaceans that swim in our oceans today. The asymmetrical tail fluke has also got a nick in it towards its apex.
The CollectA Age of Dinosaurs Popular Shastasaurus is due to be in stock at Everything Dinosaur in early 2023.
CollectA Deluxe 1:40 scale Mosasaurus with articulated jaw – length 39 cm, height 5.3 cm, width across the front flippers 15 cm (estimate).
CollectA Age of Dinosaurs Popular Shastasaurus – length 25 cm, height of tail fluke 3 cm, width across the front flippers 9 cm (estimate).
This pair of exciting marine reptile figures will be in stock at Everything Dinosaur in 2023.
To view Everything Dinosaur’s blog post about the first batch of new CollectA prehistoric animals for 2023 to be announced: New CollectA Models (Part 1).
To read our blog post about the second batch of new CollectA prehistoric animal figures for 2023: New CollectA Models (Part 2).
Having received confirmation from Papo, Everything Dinosaur can now release official details of the new Papo prehistoric animal models scheduled for introduction in 2023.
There are six figures to be added to the “Les Dinosaures” range, two new dinosaurs, two new marine reptiles and two re-introductions of figures that were recently retired.
New Papo Dinosaurs for 2023
Papo intend to add two dinosaurs to their range of prehistoric animal models and figures in 2023. A replica of the Late Cretaceous ceratopsian Einiosaurus is due to be introduced in Q3/Q4 of 2023 and there will also be a replica of a Concavenator (theropod dinosaur) added to the range. The Papo Concavenator will have an articulated lower jaw.
Two new Papo dinosaur models are scheduled for introduction in 2023, a horned dinosaur Einiosaurus and a replica of Concavenator.
Papo Marine Reptile Models
In addition, Papo will be introducing two marine reptiles. The Mosasaurus figure which was originally scheduled for launch this year (2022) is now scheduled for introduction in early 2023 (quarter 1), whilst the long rumoured Kronosaurus will be added to the range later next year.
A pair of Papo marine reptiles are also scheduled for 2023 release, the delayed Papo Mosasaurus and a Papo Kronosaurus model. Both figures have articulated lower jaws.
Both the Papo Mosasaurus and the Papo Kronosaurus models will have articulated lower jaws.
Papo Prehistoric Animal Models
In addition to the four new model sculpts planned for 2023. Papo intend to re-introduce recently retired, prehistoric animals. Two reissues are planned, the Papo Archaeopteryx which was originally launched in 2014 and subsequently retired in 2018 and the Papo Woolly Rhinoceros which was introduced in 2013.
Papo intend to re-introduce two recently retired models in quarter 1 of 2023 – the Papo Woolly Rhinoceros figure and the Papo Archaeopteryx model.
Both the Papo Woolly Rhinoceros figure and the Papo Archaeopteryx are scheduled to be available early in 2023 (quarter 1 of 2023).
A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur commented that it was good to see Papo increasing the number of new prehistoric animal figures, although they were not able to comment on any potential retirements from the “Les Dinosaures” range.
When asked about the introduction of the Archaeopteryx and the Coelodonta (Woolly Rhinoceros), the spokesperson commented:
“The introduction of previously retired Papo figures gives dinosaur fans and model collectors the opportunity to add these figures to their collections, if they had missed out first time around.”
