Sue and I at Everything Dinosaur would like to thank everyone who helped make DinoCon 2025 such a memorable weekend.  Thank you for all your hard work.  Thank you for making DinoCon 2025 such a fantastic success.

DinoCon 2025

The event was held on the beautiful campus of Exeter University (Devon).  The inaugural DinoCon celebrated all things prehistoric (not just dinosaurs). With a strong focus on both learning and fun, the convention featured presentations from acclaimed palaeontologists, exclusive palaeoart workshops, book signings, quizzes and an art exhibition. From ancient marine reptiles, tyrannosaur camouflage, to the integument of Jurassic sauropods, the event highlighted the full wonder of palaeontology.

For us, it was an opportunity to meet many of our customers.  Sue and I rarely get the chance to leave our warehouse, we are always busy.  However, we made a special effort to support this event, the successor to TetZooCon which we have supported for many years.  Furthermore, we could bring down some of the latest prehistoric animal figures to arrive at our warehouse. The vendor’s hall was packed with eager dinosaur model collectors.

We were so busy, we did not get much time to explore and to attend any of the brilliant talks and presentations.  However, we did take some photographs, such as the one below, showing Sue just as we had finished packing up and carrying some boxes back to our vehicle.

Sue at DinoCon 2025. A huge thank you to all the organisers, helpers, volunteers, security, vendors, medical staff and everyone else who helped to make DinoCon 2025 such an incredible success. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Acknowledging All the Hard Work

Events like this do not happen without the hard work of numerous people. We want to thank the organisers for their foresight and vision. A special thank you also goes to the helpers and volunteers who kept everything running smoothly throughout the weekend.  It was hot and the little touches such as providing bottled water really helped. This commitment ensured visitors had a safe and enjoyable experience.

We also extend our gratitude to the presenters and palaeo-artists. Security staff and medical teams were on hand throughout the convention, and their presence gave visitors confidence and peace of mind.

The support from the Earth sciences community and the enthusiasm of fans of dinosaurs made DinoCon 2025 truly special. We are already looking forward to seeing how the event grows in future years.

Thank you once again to everyone who made DinoCon 2025 such a success!

The award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur Models and Prehistoric Animal Figures.

Explore the benefits of collecting dinosaur models. Learn how this satisfying hobby inspires, educates, and connects collectors worldwide. Why collect dinosaur and prehistoric animal models? Collecting prehistoric animal figures is more than a hobby.  It opens a door to prehistory.  Each dinosaur and prehistoric animal model tells a story.  Often the figure is a testament to the years of research and fossil study.  The pose can capture a moment in deep time.

Five new prehistoric animal models in stock at Everything Dinosaur (August 2024). The new 1:6 scale Deluxe Velociraptor (left), the 1:20 scale Deluxe Diprotodon (back), Placerias 1:20 scale (centre) and the CollectA Age of Dinosaurs Nanuqsaurus is at the front. The new Polacanthus foxii figure in 1:20 scale is on the right. There are a huge number of prehistoric animal models and figures to collect. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Learn While You Collect

Dinosaur fans and collectors enjoy more than incredible figures.  They learn about the Dinosauria, geology, prehistoric life and evolution.  Each new figure can spark the imagination.  Collectors read scientific papers, they want to know more about the fossil evidence.  Insights are gained into the Earth sciences.

The benefits of collecting prehistoric animal models include lifelong learning. This hobby keeps curiosity alive at any age.

The Benefits of Collecting Dinosaur Models

Collecting dinosaur models connects people.  There is a global model collecting community. Enthusiasts share knowledge discussing reconstructions, their own model builds and ideas on display.  At Everything Dinosaur, we know how diverse this community is.  We appreciate how well-informed collectors are. Communities welcome all ages.  You might meet someone elsewhere in the world that shares your passion.  You might discover a neighbour is a collector too. The benefits of collecting dinosaur models often extend to lasting friendships.

Five Eofauna Scientific Research prehistoric animal models.  The quality and accuracy of prehistoric animal figures has risen dramatically over the last few years.

The picture (above) shows some of the Eofauna Scientific Research range of models.  These scale models are popular with collectors.

To see the range of Eofauna models in stock: Eofauna Scientific Research Models.

Appreciate Nature, Deep Time and Ancient Environments

Just like animals today, prehistoric animals lived in complex ecosystems.  Collectors learn about ancient climates, the flora and other organisms.  You gain an insight into palaeontology and concepts such as deep time.  That insight and knowledge encourages an interest in conservation today.  The benefits of collecting dinosaur models include a deeper respect for the natural world.

Each model is an example of miniature art. Models capture fine anatomical details and some are highly accurate.

Sue from Everything Dinosaur stated:

“It is a hobby for everyone.  You may build a complete set from one geological formation.  Collecting gives an excellent sense of achievement.  Furthermore, the hobby suits many budgets and spaces.  Some collectors fill entire rooms.  Others keep a few treasured figures on their desk.  Every collection is unique.”

Start Your Collection Today!  The Benefits of Collecting Dinosaur Models

Collecting prehistoric animal models can be shared, family adventure.  Parents and children learn together.  Visiting museums, they can compare their models to real fossil skeletons.  These moments create lasting memories. Collecting models and figures keeps the wonders of prehistory alive. Curiosity is turned into knowledge.  Collecting can transform an interest into a passion.

Mike from Everything Dinosaur added:

“Collecting keeps the fascination with prehistoric animals strong for future generations. Start your collection today and enjoy the many benefits of collecting dinosaur models.”

The award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur and Prehistoric Animal Models.

The inaugural DinoCon event is less than three weeks away. This exciting event is taking place over the weekend of 16th and 17th of August.  Sue and I are looking forward to attending DinoCon 2025.  We are keen to promote this wonderful convention, it is great to be involved.  Previously, we supported TetZooCon and for the first DinoCon we will be in the vendors hall offering for sale a range of prehistoric animal models, including the Everything Dinosaur Evolution T. rex.

DinoCon is Britain’s largest palaeontology-themed convention, celebrating all things prehistoric. It brings together talks and presentations by scientists from around the world, hosts stalls selling a wide variety of items, runs exclusive palaeoart workshops, and offers much more.

Everything Dinosaur has been adding a promotional flyer to some of their customer’s parcels.

Everything Dinosaur team members supporting DinoCon 2025 by including a promotional flyer about this exciting event in parcels being sent out to customers relatively close to Exeter University – the venue for the first ever DinoCon. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Supporting DinoCon 2025

The convention takes place on the campus at Exeter University (Devon). It uses The Great Hall and Devonshire House. Organisers have placed Everything Dinosaur in the vendor hall. This large room sits directly below The Great Hall.

Visit the DinoCon website for more information: DinoCon 2025 Convention.

Mike from Everything Dinosaur explained that he received DinoCon leaflets at the Lyme Regis Fossil Festival. Everything Dinosaur was a main sponsor at that event. Over the last few weeks, the team added the leaflets to customer parcels. They sent them to customers living not too far from Exeter University.

He added:

“DinoCon is a great idea!  We wish the organisers every success and are happy to do what we can to help promote this wonderful event.”

Sue and I are thrilled to be involved with DinoCon 2025 and can’t wait to catch up with old friends and meet new ones.

About the Author

Mike is part of the team at Everything Dinosaur. With a background in teaching and science communication. He has shared his fascination with prehistoric animals, fossils, palaeontology and dinosaurs on this blog since 2005. He and Sue are prehistoric animal model collectors too.

Visit: Everything Dinosaur for dinosaur toys and prehistoric animal figures.

Sue and Mike from Everything Dinosaur are looking forward to DinoCon 2025. There are just three weeks to go to this exciting event.  We are getting ready and planning what ranges of prehistoric animal models we should bring down to sell.

DinoCon is the UK’s biggest palaeontology and prehistoric animal themed convention. It builds on the legacy of TetZooCon. There is a focus on education and fun. An incredible guest lineup has been organised and furthermore, there will be talks and presentations from acclaimed palaeontologists. In addition, there are lots of workshops, palaeoart presentations and so much more.

Mike and Sue from Everything Dinosaur will be attending DinoCon 2025. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

DinoCon 2025

DinoCon 2025 takes place in the heart of Exeter University, taking over The Great Hall and Devonshire House. The Great Hall will host the main talks and presentations, while nearby spaces will come alive with palaeo-themed activities and displays. Organisers have set up the vendor hall in The Sanctuary, a spacious room just below The Great Hall.

Everything Dinosaur will be in the vendor hall, come on over and say hello.

DinoCon details:

When: Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th of August 2025

Where: University of Exeter

Tickets and further information: DinoCon – Further Information.

Mike from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“We are looking forward to the inaugural DinoCon event immensely. Hopefully, this will become an annual event. Sue and I have asked our fans and followers what sort of prehistoric animal models we should sell at DinoCon. So far, it looks like we will be taking down PNSO, Haolonggood and Beasts of the Mesozoic figures.”

In the meantime, visit the award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: Everything Dinosaur.

Palaeontologist and University of Bristol graduate James Ronan has launched a new monthly newsletter for fans of palaeontology.  Entitled “The Palaeo Minute” it is packed with insights into palaeontological research, information about fossil discoveries and research.  Published in the middle of each month, James intends to explore a wide range of topics.  For example, his first newsletter available for free explores how the tyrannosaurs became the apex predators over much of the Northern Hemisphere during the Late Cretaceous.

This free edition of “The Palaeo Minute” is entitled: “The Secrets of Tyrannosaurs: Growth, Dominance, and Evolution”.

Palaeontologist James Ronan a graduate of Bristol University has devised “The Palaeo Minute”, a new palaeontology-based newsletter highlighting research and providing expert insight. Picture credit: James Ronan.

Picture credit: James Ronan (artwork by Aram Papazyan)

“The Palaeo Minute”

James is UK-based and keen to connect with others with a passion for vertebrate palaeontology.  With an MSc in palaeobiology, he is well qualified to bring the fascinating world of the Dinosauria to life.  His new, monthly newsletter is a personal passion project for this young scientist.  He aims to make deep time more accessible.

Who is “The Palaeo Minute” for?

• Teens (16+) with a passion for dinosaurs or natural history.
• Undergraduate or Master’s students pursuing palaeontology.
• Adults curious about the science behind prehistoric life.
• Families eager to explore natural history together.
• Readers with little or no scientific background seeking to learn more about Earth’s geological past.

When asked about this new mid-monthly newsletter James commented:

“The concept had been on my mind for quite some time. I envisioned a dynamic way to share my expertise in palaeontology, something engaging, accessible and informative.”

We wish James every success with his exciting new venture.

Visit the website of the palaeontologist and consultant James Ronan: James Ronan MSc – Vertebrate Palaeontologist.

Here is the subscription link for the new mid-monthly newsletter: James Ronan – “The Palaeo Minute”.

What a great way to explore the Dinosauria, fossils, and scientific research.  A newsletter crafted by a vertebrate palaeontologist.

Palaeontology and palaeoart connected in the new for 2025 Everything Dinosaur Evolution Tyrannosaurus rex dinosaur figure. The latest post about Everything Dinosaur Evolution highlights how the science of palaeontology and palaeoart are connected.  Palaeontologist Dr Dean Lomax is responsible for the scientific accuracy of the figures.  Acclaimed palaeo-reconstruction artist Bob Nicholls provides the illustrations and brings the models to life.  In addition, award-winning digital sculptor Glen Southern brings his expertise to the model development process.

The Everything Dinosaur Evolution range of scientifically accurate prehistoric animal models unites palaeontology and palaeoart. Acclaimed palaeontologist Dr Dean Lomax and renowned palaeo-reconstruction artist Bob Nicholls are involved in this exciting project. In addition, the design team includes award-winning digital sculptor Glen Southern. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

To learn more about the Everything Dinosaur Evolution range: Everything Dinosaur Evolution.

From the toes to the tip of the tail everything about the Everything Dinosaur Evolution T. rex model has to look right and feel right. We have put together the best team to make perhaps, the most scientifically accurate scale model of Tyrannosaurus rex. Join the Evolution!

Palaeontology and Palaeoart Connected

The Everything Dinosaur Evolution T. rex figure is a scientifically accurate model. It links palaeontology and palaeoart.  Team members include Dr Dean Lomax, Glen Southern and Bob Nicholls.  All three experts are working in collaboration with Mike and Sue from Everything Dinosaur.  The team aims to examine the fossil record and to produce figures by following the fossil evidence.

Mike from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“Palaeontology and palaeoart connected.  That is one of our ambitions.  If we are going to try to recreate prehistoric animals and depict them as real animals not movie monsters, we need to follow the fossil evidence. Furthermore, we must utilise the skills of a top designer and renowned palaeoartist to realise our dream.”

The award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur Models and Prehistoric Animal Figures.

Our thanks to Caldey who sent into Everything Dinosaur some photographs of her CollectA Deluxe figures.  Caldey and her family were on holiday on the beautiful Pembrokeshire coast.  It was a great location to take pictures of some of Caldey’s favourite figures.

The CollectA Deluxe Dearc sgiathanach looks very much at home on the rocky Pembrokeshire coast. This large Jurassic pterosaur very probably lived on the coast. Its fossils come from the Isle of Skye (Scotland). Picture credit: Caldey.

Picture credit: Caldey

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

Photographing CollectA Deluxe Figures

Caldey chose to photograph her CollectA Deluxe Dearc sgiathanach model perched on a rock close to the sea.  The fossils of this Jurassic pterosaur were found on the coast of the Isle of Skye (Scotland).  Palaeontologists think that this rhamphorynchid lived close to the coast and specialised in catching fish.

The CollectA Deluxe Ingentia prima dinosaur model wandering around the Pembrokeshire countryside. Picture credit: Caldey.

Picture credit: Caldey

Caldey kindly took several photographs of her model collection.  In addition to the pterosaur figure, Caldey photographed her CollectA Ingentia prima model.  This giant herbivore looks quite at happy in the Pembrokeshire countryside.

Mike from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“Thank you Caldey for sending into us your super photographs. It was so thoughtful of you to take time out of your holiday to take pictures of some of your favourite models.”

The new Everything Dinosaur Evolution EDE001 T. rex model was seen at the Lyme Regis Fossil Festival.  This exciting new figure made its debut at the Festival.  Lyme Regis with all its history regarding the early days of palaeontology and geology was an appropriate place for our figure to make its debut.  Our thanks to dinosaur model fan Tom who sent in photographs of our figure.

The new for 2025 Everything Dinosaur Evolution T. rex model on display at the Lyme Regis Fossil Festival. The model is beautifully balanced, just like a real T. rex.  It stands without the need of its display base.  In the background, the innovative product packaging can be seen. Picture credit: Tom

Picture credit: Tom

To learn more about the Everything Dinosaur Evolution range: Everything Dinosaur Evolution.

EDE001 T. rex Model

The first geological formation being explored by the team behind this new range of prehistoric animal models is the Hell Creek Formation.  The first figure in a series of four dinosaur models is Tyrannosaurus rex.  It has a product code of EDE001.  Sue from Everything Dinosaur talked about the production process and discussed the innovative product packaging.  In addition, she was happy to demonstrate that the figure is beautifully balanced.  It stands without the need of its display stand. After all, Tyrannosaurus rex was beautifully balanced, so our model, built following the fossil evidence is beautifully balanced too.

Sue and I were so busy throughout the Festival that we did not have time to take any photographs.

A Huge Success

The Lyme Regis Fossil Festival delivered a huge success and drew enthusiastic crowds throughout the event. To kick things off, we proudly unveiled our brand-new dinosaur model, capturing the attention of fossil enthusiasts and families alike. In addition, we actively invited visitors to engage with us by participating in an exciting survey—asking which geological formation we should explore next. We were inundated. Impressively, guests cast their votes in the poll approximately every seventy-five seconds, demonstrating just how engaged and curious our audience was. Overall, the festival provided an incredible platform to showcase palaeontology, spark scientific curiosity, and connect directly with the fans of prehistoric animals.

Our thanks to Tom for sending us wonderful photographs of the dinosaur model on display.

Photographer Tom commented:

“It was so lovely to have the opportunity to meet you both in person.”

The award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: Everything Dinosaur Website.

At the Lyme Regis Fossil Festival (2025), we met Steve Foote, founder of Megabeast Games. Steve has launched Megabeast: Last Titans – a fast, dinosaur-themed board game for two to four players. Playable in just 10 to 30 minutes, it’s perfect for families, gamers, and young dino-fans aged six and up.

Steve Foote the founder of Megabeast Games and his colourful trade stand at the Lyme Regis Fossil Festival. Picture credit: Megabeast Games.

Picture credit: Megabeast Games

Each game pits mighty creatures against one another in tactical, turn-based battles. Outmanoeuvre your rivals, adapt your strategy, and become the last titan standing!

Gameplay runs on just four core pages of rules. They are easy to learn and quick to teach. Each Megabeast uses five unique cards, plus one Encounter card per game.

Megabeast Games are Grounded in Science

The behaviour of every prehistoric creature has been carefully researched. This game is grounded in science. It’s palaeontology play! Each Encounter card includes real palaeontological insights, encouraging curiosity and learning while you play. Steve’s mission is clear: play in the past to help protect the future. All components are 100% plastic-free, including FSC-certified wooden dice.

Packaging is fully recyclable and manufactured as locally as possible, reducing transport emissions and the carbon footprint.

The Megabeast Games: Last of the Titans packaging photographed at Lyme Regis. Picture credit: Megabeast Games.

Picture credit: Megabeast Games

New beasts and behaviours will be released free on-line as palaeontologists describe new species. Players can easily download and expand their games over time.

We loved seeing this thoughtful, exciting game in action at the Lyme Regis Fossil Festival.

With science, sustainability, and strategy at its core, Megabeast: Last Titans is a roaring success.
Unleash your inner titan—discover the world of Megabeast at: Megabeast Games.

The new Everything Dinosaur Evolution Tyrannosaurus rex scale model is not a movie monster.  This no “Jurassic World” or “King Kong” tyrannosaur.  Instead, this dinosaur model has been designed by examining the fossil record.  We have followed the scientific evidence to try and create a scientifically accurate prehistoric animal model.  The design and development process has been extraordinary.  The toe claws took an incredible three weeks to perfect.  Choosing the paints for this figure EDE001 have taken five weeks of careful planning.

If you want a movie monster, then go to the cinema.  Sue and I will hopefully get the chance to see the next instalment in the “Jurassic World” franchise next month.  In the meantime, we shall continue working on EDE001.

The Everything Dinosaur Evolution Tyrannosaurus rex model is no movie monster. This model has been created by following the fossil evidence. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

The Everything Dinosaur Evolution Tyrannosaurus rex

Our chums and ourselves have been busy responding to all the comments we have received since we posted up the latest social media piece about this new T. rex figure.  In the artwork in the background, created by the very talented Bob Nicholls, the tongue is barbed.

Many extant birds have tongues with barbs. The correct term is lingual papillae. They vary in size and shape depending on the bird’s feeding habits. These papillae perform a variety of functions. They can hold and manipulate food in the mouth. They can also help to push food towards the back of the mouth and down the throat. Our Tyrannosaurus rex figure has a pair rear facing papillae on its tongue.  There is no record of a tyrannosaur tongue being preserved as a fossil.  However, as many living avians have papillae, let’s give them to our T. rex.  EDE001 is (we think) the first tyrannosaur model that we know with such a feature.

To learn more about the remarkable Everything Dinosaur Evolution Tyrannosaurus rex and to subscribe for more information: Everything Dinosaur Evolution.

This tyrannosaur tries to interpret the fossil record.  In addition, our design team have added some flourishes that help our figure stand out from the crowd.

As they might say if this was a movie monster, “Life finds a way.”

Visit the Everything Dinosaur website: Everything Dinosaur.