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.

What have been the best dinosaur models introduced so far this year? Dinosaur enthusiasts have plenty to get excited about in 2025. This year brings stunning new prehistoric animal models to collectors. Leading brands like PNSO, Haolonggood and Safari Ltd continue to impress with lifelike figures. PNSO’s new horned dinosaurs are standout releases.  It’s great to see some of the lesser known ceratopsids step into the spotlight.

For example, Stella the Stellasaurus…

Stella the Stellasaurus from PNSO, one of the best dinosaur models of 2025.

To view the range of PNSO prehistoric animal models in stock: PNSO Prehistoric Animal Models.

What are the Best Dinosaur Models of 2025?

As we are nearly halfway through the year, we can reflect on recent prehistoric animal model introductions.  Haolonggood have continued to impress, and their range continues to grow.  We can expect the new Euhelopus, and the Tyrannosaurus rex figures in stock soon.

The Haolonggood T. rex models. Lu Jun Li is left) and the brown coloured variant Chao Gai is on the right.

In addition, there are the two Haolonggood Saurolophus models to look forward too.

The Safari Ltd Nanuqsaurus has arrived and is a firm favourite. Furthermore, we have received the Papo Corythosaurus model.

Sue from Everything Dinosaur holding the new Papo Corythosaurus dinosaur model. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Criteria to Consider

How do you choose a dinosaur model?  There are lots of criteria to consider, when purchasing what you might remark as being the best dinosaur model.  Consider the quality of the paint scheme, scientific accuracy and the pose of the figure.  For example, the new Nanmu Studio articulated figures are popular as they can be put into a variety of poses.  The same can be said for the Beasts of the Mesozoic range.

For every named prehistoric animal we provide Everything Dinosaur supplies a free fact sheet.  This little extra enhances value and the collector’s purchasing experience.

Everything Dinosaur stocks a wide range of top-quality prehistoric animal models. Our team carefully selects each figure based on scientific merit and customer value.

Discover the best dinosaur models in 2025 at Everything Dinosaur. Explore the range and find your next favourite today.

The Everything Dinosaur website: Buy Best Dinosaur Models.

A few days ago, we blogged about spotting a Triceratops garden monument.  Dinosaurs and prehistoric animals are extremely popular.  They do seem to be everywhere, or perhaps because of our vocation we are just always on the hunt for them.  Having spotted a Triceratops dinosaur model in a garden centre reminded us of our encounter with a cute Loch Ness monster garden sculpture a few years ago.

To read our earlier blog post about the Triceratops: The Ultimate Triceratops Garden Ornament.

Nessie is thought to lurk in the murky depths of Loch Ness.  Most scientists discount the idea of their being a monster in the Loch. However, there are occasional reports of strange sightings on the surface of the Loch.  Unusual sonar readings are thought by some to be evidence of the monster.

An attractive Nessie garden ornament. The appeal of the Loch Ness monster seems undiminished although most experts contend that Loch Ness is not home to a monster. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

A Loch Ness Monster Garden Ornament

The beast, affectionately referred to as “Nessie” consists of three carefully sculpted parts. There is the cute head with its big eyes, a hump for a body and the tip of the tail.  The garden ornament gives the impression that the monster has just emerged from the water. There have been many theories put forward as to what “Nessie” might be.  For example, it has been claimed that a monstrous eel lurks in Loch Ness.  Moreover, some believers consider the monster to be a plesiosaur.

A replica of a long-necked plesiosaur swims into view. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Whatever “Nessie” is or is not, the mythical animal provides a good excuse for garden ornament designers to indulge their imaginations.  We are confident that the Loch Ness monster garden ornament will prove to be popular amongst gardeners.  The further north you travel, the closer to Scotland, the more sales there might be.  Not sure what the local wildlife would make of a “Nessie” in the middle of the lawn or emerging out of a flower bed.

Mike from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“It’s strange what you come across on your travels.  The Loch Ness monster garden ornament would make an attractive feature.  However, we have too many prehistoric animals in our warehouse, so, sadly on this occasion we will not bringing this sculpture home with us.”

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

Dinosaurs are everywhere. For example, on a visit to a garden centre team members from Everything Dinosaur spotted a Triceratops dinosaur model.  The horned dinosaur had inspired a designer to make a garden ornament.  It is quite a hefty piece, too large for many gardens. Perhaps it will appeal to someone trying to create their very own “Jurassic Park”.  Triceratops is an iconic dinosaur.  It captivates imaginations, perhaps because of its impressive size and its distinctive headshield.  Furthermore, with three prominent horns it is instantly recognisable.  Triceratops is popular with both children and adults.

The Triceratops garden ornament with a Velociraptor figure in the background. Create your own valley of the dinosaurs. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

We suspect this horned dinosaur model will be popular.

Not the Most Accurate Dinosaur Model

We congratulate the designer for their horned dinosaur.  Although, it is not the most accurate Triceratops dinosaur model that we have encountered.  However, what it lacks in anatomical accuracy it more than makes up with its consumer appeal.  Sadly, this ceratopsian sculpture will not be heading back to the Everything Dinosaur warehouse.  We have enough horned dinosaur figures of our own.

There are more accurate Triceratops models available.  For example, the recently introduced CollectA Deluxe Triceratops model has been praised by serious collectors for its accuracy.

CollectA Triceratops horridus dinosaur model (left lateral view). Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

To view the CollectA Deluxe range of prehistoric animal scale models: CollectA Deluxe Prehistoric Animal Figures.

Mike from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“Dinosaur models and figures seem to turn up everywhere.  They are ubiquitous.  Even a visit to a garden centre provides an opportunity to view dinosaurs.”

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

Our thanks to Caldey who sent into Everything Dinosaur photographs of two of her dinosaur models outdoors.  These dinosaur figures are enjoying the sunshine.  One of the figures, the CollectA Deluxe Ruyangosaurus dinosaur model is feeding on a conifer.  The photographer has carefully considered the composition.  The camera is looking down at the figure to enable most of the model to be included in the shot.   The contrast between the areas in direct sunlight and the areas in shade add depth and interest.  The sauropods head is shaded by the fir, indicating that it is feeding on the tree canopy. The body far below is sunlit.

A CollectA Deluxe Ruyangosaurus dinosaur model photographed outside in the sunshine. Picture credit: Caldey.

Picture credit: Caldey

The CollectA Deluxe Ruyangosaurus Model

The CollectA Ruyangosaurus model has a declared scale of 1:100.  It was introduced into the CollectA Deluxe range in 2023.

To view the range of CollectA Deluxe figures in stock: CollectA Deluxe Models.

Ruyangosaurus (R. giganteus) was formally named and described in 2009 (Lü et al). It roamed eastern China in the Early Cretaceous. Size estimates vary, but this sauropod could have measured in excess of thirty metres in length. It is one of the largest Cretaceous dinosaurs known from Asia.

Photographing Armoured Dinosaurs

The second photograph we received features a Haolonggood armoured dinosaur. The figure has been carefully placed amongst some succulents.  It looks as if this herbivorous dinosaur is feeding on the plants.

Haolonggood armoured dinosaur model grazing on some plants. Can you name the genus? Picture credit: Caldey.

Picture credit: Caldey

The photographer has captured the vibrancy and detail of the figure. Photographing this dinosaur model in the warm sunshine brings it life and the colours of the model are brought into perspective. The garden has been turned into a person’s very own “Jurassic Park”, a prehistoric wonderland filled with imagination and creativity.

Mike from Everything Dinosaur congratulated Caldey on her choice of model and composition selection.

He added:

“Our thanks to Caldey for emailing these wonderful images to us.  Some dinosaurs feeding in the spring sunshine.  Seeing these photographs made our day.”