Everything Dinosaur News and Updates

Updates from team members at Everything Dinosaur. Company activities, fossil hunting trips, information about Everything Dinosaur.

25 12, 2015

Merry Christmas from Everything Dinosaur

By Mike|2023-04-09T21:58:15+01:00December 25th, 2015|Categories: Everything Dinosaur News and Updates, Main Page, Press Releases|0 Comments

Compliments of the Season

Just time to say on behalf of everyone at Everything Dinosaur we wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Merry Christmas from Everything Dinosaur

Merry Christmas from Everything Dinosaur. Are you able to spot the dinosaurs in our festive scene?

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Merry Christmas

Team members will soon be tucking into their avian dinosaurs (turkey) and so forth but we thought we would post up today a seasonal message from all of us. In the next few days we shall finish compiling our list of the top ten prehistoric animals for 2015 and in addition, we have to sort out some palaeontology predictions for 2016. Our aim is to keep blogging and to post up at least one dinosaur, prehistoric, animal or fossil themed post a day, as well as to keep putting up helpful articles on this blog’s sister site which is dedicated to our work in schools.

On that note, we must also start planning for the spring term, one that looks like it is going to be the busiest on record for our teaching team.

If you get a moment, take the opportunity to visit Everything Dinosaur’s award-winning and user-friendly website: Everything Dinosaur’s Website.

We wish all our readers a very Merry Christmas!

20 12, 2015

Rare Scottish Shark Fossil Honoured

By Mike|2024-05-05T18:26:11+01:00December 20th, 2015|Categories: Dinosaur and Prehistoric Animal News Stories, Dinosaur Fans, Everything Dinosaur News and Updates, Main Page|0 Comments

Plaque and Cairn for the “Bearsden Shark”

It might not quite match the celebrity status of the Loch Ness Monster, but a metre long prehistoric shark which once swam in a shallow sea that covered much of Scotland, has been honoured by having a cairn and a plaque erected on the site where its fossils were found back in 1981.

The shark named Akmonistion zangerli is represented by one of the most complete cartilaginous fish fossils known from the Carboniferous, it is a member of the Stethacanthidae family of ancient sharks nick-named “the ironing board sharks” due to the shape of the male sharks dorsal fin. The shark is known locally as the “Bearsden shark” as the fossils come from Manse Burn close to the town of Bearsden which is located just to the north-west of the city of Glasgow.

The Beautiful “Bearsden Shark” Fossil

Now housed in the collection of the Huntarian Museum (Scotland)

Now housed in the collection of the Hunterian Museum (Scotland).

Picture Credit: The Hunterian Museum

A Scottish Shark

The picture above shows the fossilised remains of Akmonistion zangerli. The broad head is to the left of the picture and the bizarrely shaped dorsal fin can be clearly made out. The black shales from which this fossil was extracted represent sediments laid down at the bottom of an ancient sea. A lack of current and a very poor level of oxygen at the bottom of the sea permitted the excellent preservation of the cartilage that made up the skeleton of this prehistoric fish. Dr Neil Clark who was present at the unveiling of the plaque to commemorate this important discovery, carried out his PhD on the fossil, he stated:

“This is the best preserved fossil shark of its time in the world. It was a very special discovery because in most fossils it is only the hard shelly, or bony, structures that are preserved while the soft tissues generally rot away. From the tip of its nose to the end of its tail, its fragile cartilage skeleton is almost intact after 330 million years locked in the black shales of Bearsden. Even the partly digested remains of its last fish supper lie undisturbed still within the bowels.”

The actual fossil is on display at the Hunterian Museum (Glasgow University), but a small community group, aided by funding, including a generous donation by the company Tarmac has campaigned for the fossil find to be marked in some way at Manse Burn. Earlier this week, a cairn and a plaque commemorating the importance of this discovery was unveiled.

Photograph Shows Campaign Team

The photograph issued to the press shows (L to R) Amanda Stewart (Chairwoman of the Baljaffray Residents Association who started the campaign, Nan Lawless, Dr Neil Clark (Curator of Palaeontology at the Hunterian Museum), Andrew Kent, Neil Buchanan, Stephen Cowan, Debbie Macrae and Provost for East Dunbartonshire Una Walker.

Akmonistion zangerli

Provost Una Walker said:

“It is a source of great pride that such a significant scientific discovery was made in our area and it is thanks to the hard work of the local residents that the site is now properly marked.”

Although formally named Akmonistion zangerli back in 2001, the shark is still affectionately called the “Bearsden Shark” by locals. The site itself has received special protection as a site of special scientific interest (SSSI).

A Model of a Typical Member of the Stethacanthidae Shark Family

Part of the Safari Ltd “Prehistoric Shark Toob)

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

The picture above shows a model of a typical Stethacanthidae shark like Akmonistion zangerli, it is one of the excellent shark models in the prehistoric shark toob made by Safari Ltd.

To view the range of Safari Ltd prehistoric animal models including the prehistoric shark toob: Safari Ltd. Wild Safari Prehistoric World Models.

19 12, 2015

Saturday and Still Working and Helping our Existing and New Customers

By Mike|2024-05-05T18:16:29+01:00December 19th, 2015|Categories: Everything Dinosaur News and Updates, Main Page, Press Releases|0 Comments

Preparing and Packing Orders for Everything Dinosaur Customers

It has been dubbed “stressful Saturday” the last Saturday before Christmas Day. Lots of shoppers racing around in a desperate rush to get the presents bought. Team members at Everything Dinosaur do understand that at this time of year Christmas shopping can be a stressful experience. In the mail order world for example, not only is there the stress in looking for the ideal gift on line but in addition, there is the worry as to whether or not the present is going to be packed and despatched so that it can be delivered in time for the big day.

We Don’t Want Present Buying to be a Nasty Experience!

Plans already in place to help out with Christmas orders.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Saturday and Still Working

For several weeks now Everything Dinosaur has been implementing a number of seasonal policies to help our customers at this time of year. Naturally, we still email customers in person to let them know that their order has been received, but in addition, the extra shifts put in has meant that we have kept on top of the orders and that parcels and packages have been despatched promptly. All orders placed prior to 3.30pm on Friday, for example, were despatched late that afternoon (around 4.30pm), these parcels are already on their way.

Today, Saturday, we have team members in the office manning the phones, taking calls from customers looking for reassurance about delivery dates, getting telephone orders sorted and so on. All the orders received up to 10.15am on our website were sent out with the Saturday morning 11am collection. These parcels too, are in the mail network by now.

Last Recommended Posting Dates

We always advise people to post early, this is the best policy in our view, but here are the last recommended posting dates from Royal Mail and our main courier service company (Interlink):

Today, Saturday 19th December for second class parcels
Monday 21st December for first class parcels
Wednesday 23rd December for Royal Mail Special Delivery*

With couriers, Everything Dinosaur subsidises carrier charges and the last day for the majority of UK deliveries using courier despatch is Wednesday 23rd December (orders placed before 12 noon) for delivery next day, in time for Christmas, but please note, not all parts of the UK are covered by a next day delivery service and at this time of year, courier networks experience very high levels of demand and not all next day deliveries can be guaranteed. We advise that customers email Everything Dinosaur so that we can provide individual assistance or alternatively, the Interlink website provides information on their services.

Contact Everything Dinosaur

If you have a query about Christmas deliveries, or indeed any aspect of Everything Dinosaur’s delivery service please feel free to contact us: Contact Everything Dinosaur.

To view the Everything Dinosaur website: Everything Dinosaur.

Team members will be working hard and doing all they can to help customers avoid difficulties when it comes to organising dinosaur themed Christmas gifts.

* Everything Dinosaur can arrange for Royal Mail special delivery of parcels, these services are available if UK customers should require them. Simply email Everything Dinosaur or telephone the office (main switchboard number can be found at the bottom of Everything Dinosaur’s website) and we will do our best to help you.

To read Everything Dinosaur’s trading terms and conditions: Terms and Conditions.

16 12, 2015

New from Papo 2016

By Mike|2023-04-09T18:35:18+01:00December 16th, 2015|Categories: Dinosaur Fans, Everything Dinosaur News and Updates, Everything Dinosaur Products, Main Page, Photos of Everything Dinosaur Products|0 Comments

New Dinosaurs and Prehistoric Animals from Papo (2016)

Everything Dinosaur has received permission from Papo to reveal the official images of the new for 2016 dinosaurs and prehistoric animal models which are being added to the company’s “Les Dinosaures” range. Leaked images from the forthcoming Papo catalogue have been circulating on line via various forums and such like, but our team members felt it appropriate to respect Papo’s wishes and to only show pictures of the new replicas when they had received permission to do so.

Papo Baryonyx Dinosaur Model

Papo Baryonyx dinosaur model – available early 2016 from Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Papo and Everything Dinosaur

New Papo Dinosaurs

Marking the thirtieth anniversary of the naming and scientific description of this amazing dinosaur, Papo will be introducing a Baryonyx figure in early 2016. This is the second member of the Spinosauridae the company has made, if it proves to be as popular as their iconic Spinosaurus replica then the designers will be chuffed.

The pose is very dramatic and highly stylised, what we have come to expect from the French model maker. The lower jaw will be articulated and we appreciate the addition of a nasal crest, not all Baryonyx figures have this feature. The model is somewhat robust looking and the tail is positioned on the ground to provide support. We suspect this tripodal stance can be explained by the difficulties in producing a free standing replica of Baryonyx in what may have been a more life-like, realistic pose with the tail lifted well above the ground and the head much lower, almost at the same height as the tip of the tail.

This model is going to be one of the first available from Papo, Everything Dinosaur expects stocks to arrive at their warehouse in quarter one.

The Feathered Velociraptor from Papo

Available soon from Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Papo and Everything Dinosaur

Papo Dinosaur Figures

In contrast to the Papo Baryonyx with its more traditional stance, Papo have produced their first feathered, non-avian dinosaur model*. The details look amazing and we can’t wait to see the model “in the flesh” as it were, customers of Everything Dinosaur won’t have to wait too long, this model will be in stock during quarter one of next year.

* We classify the recently introduced Papo Archaeopteryx figure in the clade Avialae, a transitional fossil on the road to the true birds (Aves).

Note how in this figure the tail is held aloft, the model is balanced on its two toes of the right hind foot with a bit of support from that fleshy pad at the base of the foot. The left leg is depicted as if it is just about to be lifted up, the third toe claw is touching the ground. Additional support and stability is provided by the digits of the left limb we suspect, but a better idea of the stability of this sculpt will come when we can see and handle the first samples.

We think that the Papo designers will have made sure that their feathered Velociraptor is quite stable.

The Colour Variant of the Papo Running Tyrannosaurus rex

The Papo colour variant T. rex model.

Picture credit: Papo and Everything Dinosaur

Expected Quarter 1

Also coming out quarter 1, is this fantastic colour variant of the Papo Running T. rex. It really is a most striking model and we look forward to picturing this replica next to the popular Papo green Running Tyrannosaurus rex that was launched back in 2012. No prizes for guessing the size of this model, it should measure around thirty-three centimetres in length.

To view Everything Dinosaur’s range of Papo replicas and figures: Papo Dinosaurs and Prehistoric Animal Models.

Papo’s Plans for the Rest of 2016 – Prehistoric Crocodiles and “Charlie”

Papo Kaprosuchus Model (Quarter 2 – 2016)

A spectacular Papo Kaprosuchus.

Picture credit: Papo and Everything Dinosaur

The pick of the bunch (and it was a tough choice), is this wonderful Kaprosuchus replica. The model of “boar croc” will be available sometime in quarter 2. Known from a beautifully preserved skull that measures more than half a metre in length, palaeontologists have suggested that this ancient crocodilian, unlike its modern relatives, spent most of its life on land.

It was a “cursorial crocodile” a predator that simply did not lie in wait ready to ambush, Kaprosuchus would have chased after you. It’s a frightening thought, but over rough terrain this six-metre-long giant would have been able to run faster than most people.

A Papo Velociraptor Colour Variant – Green (Charlie)

The Papo green Velociraptor figure.

Picture credit: Papo and Everything Dinosaur

Papo Dinosaurs

The fifth new model being added to the Papo range next year is this colour variant of the company’s existing Velociraptor (55021). It is a very attractive colour scheme and it contrasts nicely with the feathered Velociraptor figure that will be introduced a few months earlier (expect the Velociraptor green colour variant to be in stock at Everything Dinosaur in quarter 2).

Fans of the summer blockbuster “Jurassic World” will remember the four Velociraptors that, the film’s hero Owen Grady, partially trained – he’s the alpha! There’s Blue, Delta, Echo and the youngest pack member Charlie. Collectors and fans of Papo have already nick-named this the latest edition to the Papo “raptor” pack – Charlie. Charlie will be in stock at Everything Dinosaur and when it arrives this means that there will be forty replicas in the Papo “Dinosaures” series.

Retirements and New Paint Schemes

The official word from Papo is that there are no retirements scheduled. This is great news, but collectors and dinosaur fans beware, with the introduction of a green colour variant of the Velociraptor figure, the slate grey Velociraptor replica may become increasingly rare. The slate grey version itself (55021), represents a makeover of the original Velociraptor figure, which was one of the first replicas the company introduced, this original Velociraptor figure is a very sought after figure. We could see a similar fate befalling the slate grey colour scheme dinosaur.

At Everything Dinosaur we predict that a number of Papo figures will have new paint schemes next year. The Papo Stegosaurus model (55007) was given a fresh look this year and we suspect that other figures in the Papo range will also get a bit of a makeover.

The five new figures represents a considerable increase in Papo’s prehistoric animal model output, in each of the last two years, Papo has added just three models to their range. We look forward to welcoming these new for 2016 Papo prehistoric animals into our warehouse.

12 12, 2015

Plesiosuchus and Doedicurus Models in Stock

By Mike|2023-04-09T17:55:58+01:00December 12th, 2015|Categories: Dinosaur Fans, Everything Dinosaur News and Updates, Everything Dinosaur Products, Main Page, Press Releases|0 Comments

New Additions to the Wild Safari Prehistoric World Range

It is quite rare for us to mention a Late Jurassic marine crocodile and an American glyptodont in the same sentence, they do tend to make quite odd bedfellows, but as the first of the 2016 models from Safari Ltd are now in stock we can discuss Plesiosuchus and Doedicurus together.

The Wild Safari Prehistoric World Plesiosuchus Model

Available from Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Safari Ltd

Plesiosuchus and Doedicurus

The marine crocodile we refer to is of course the Plesiosuchus (metriorhynchid), an animal very much at home in a marine environment. The glyptodont in question is the Wild Safari Prehistoric World Doedicurus, a re-issue of a model that was retired a couple of years ago. It makes a welcome return to this ever expanding model range.

The Wild Safari Prehistoric World Doedicurus Model

Good old “pestle tail” is back.

Picture credit: Safari Ltd

New Additions to the Safari Ltd Model Range

Talk about contrasting prehistoric animals, the streamlined and smooth-skinned Plesiosuchus represents a reptile that swam in the shallow tropical seas that covered Europe a little over 150 million years ago. Whereas, the scaly, armour plated Doedicurus, with its vicious medieval club tail, thrived on the open grasslands of southern North America and South America some 2 million years ago. Indeed, fossil evidence (all those ossicles and scutes), suggests that this terrestrial herbivore may have survived in isolated pockets up to around 10,000 years ago.

The models do have a number of things in common. For example, they both show lots of detail and each replica is hand-painted. In addition, Everything Dinosaur will be supplying a fact sheet all about the prehistoric animal with every model we sell.

Getting to Grips with a Glyptodont

Everything Dinosaur’s illustration is in the centre.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

To view these two models and the rest of the Safari Ltd Prehistoric Animal model range: Safari Ltd Prehistoric World Figures.

Our team members research and write fact sheets for every named prehistoric animal model we sell. This has become quite an undertaking and the company has built up a portfolio of several hundred data sheets. The Doedicurus fact sheet was written about two years ago, but it has recently been updated. The Plesiosuchus fact sheet was approved in November, and a number have already been printed off so that they can be sent out with those orders from customers who had reserved models with us.

Model Measurements

The Plesiosuchus replica measures around seventeen centimetres in length, although this is a not to scale model, given that the largest genus of Plesiosuchus known to science reached a length of around seven metres, the Wild Safari Prehistoric World Plesiosuchus is roughly in 1:40 scale. The Doedicurus model is smaller. It measures a fraction under eleven centimetres long. Given that the largest specimens of Doedicurus (D. clavicaudatus) are estimated to have been three metres long, this makes the model around the 1:27 scale size.

The Doedicurus makes a welcome return and it is joined by a marine crocodile model. Marine crocodiles are rare sculpts from the mainstream factories and we are sure model collectors are going to be as delighted as we are. Strange, that the first two, new for 2016 models released from Safari Ltd are not actually dinosaurs.

26 11, 2015

A Beautiful Blue Tyrannosaurus rex Soft Toy

By Mike|2024-05-05T14:51:26+01:00November 26th, 2015|Categories: Dinosaur Fans, Everything Dinosaur News and Updates, Everything Dinosaur Products, Main Page, Press Releases|0 Comments

A Large, Blue Tyrannosaurus rex Soft Toy

Everything Dinosaur have introduced a lovely, colourful soft toy of everybody’s favourite dinosaur Tyrannosaurus rex! It is part of the company’s extensive range of dinosaur soft toys and prehistoric animals. Standing some thirty-two centimetres high and measuring an impressive forty-eight centimetres in length, this dinosaur soft toy is certainly an impressive size.

Prehistoric Plush

Dylan’s mummy posted her review of this T. rex, she wrote:

“We brought this for my son’s 2nd birthday and since then he has to take him everywhere and packaging and service [from Everything Dinosaur] is brilliant.”

The Large, Blue Tyrannosaurus rex Soft Toy

A large, blue T. rex soft toy.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Dinosaur Soft Toys and Prehistoric Animals

T. rex might have been the “tyrant lizard king”, but he has never looked so cute, we love the patterns on this big dinosaur’s sides and the care taken in giving him (or her) a set of fearsome teeth. The colour of dinosaurs has been hotly debated and if you had been in North America towards the very end of the Cretaceous you might have seen a living Tyrannosaurus rex. Surprisingly this seven tonne behemoth might have been covered in a coat of shaggy feathers.

Commenting on the blue Tyrannosaurus rex purchase from Everything Dinosaur, customer SK stated:

“Great dinosaur thank you, my boy is so happy with his dino x.”

The company’s buying team take great pride in choosing really tip-top dinosaur soft toys and the current range includes pink Triceratops, red Spinosaurs and green and brown Stegosaurs – what an eclectic and very colourful collection.

Everything Dinosaur Stocks a High Quality Range of Soft Toy Dinosaurs

A blue Tyrannosaurus rex soft toy.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

To view Everything Dinosaur’s range of soft toy dinosaurs: Soft Toy Dinosaurs and Prehistoric Animals.

These dinosaur soft toys are suitable for children from one month and upwards and we love the way the eye looks like it is watching you warily. Perhaps this dinosaur is going to attack, but he looks just to cuddly to be dangerous, unlike the actual dinosaur. Tyrannosaurus rex could have swallowed a child whole, such was the size of this theropod’s jaws. Now there’s a thought!

13 11, 2015

New from CollectA for 2016 (Part 2)

By Mike|2023-04-08T10:55:12+01:00November 13th, 2015|Categories: Dinosaur Fans, Everything Dinosaur News and Updates, Everything Dinosaur Products, Main Page|0 Comments

CollectA Beishanlong, Lythronax and Struthiomimus New for 2016

You wait ages for an Ornithomimosauria clade model to come along and then, thanks to CollectA, two arrive! These models are part of the exciting 2016 introductions, along with a replica of the “King of Gore” Lythronax (L. argestes), a ferocious tyrannosaurid, fossils of which come from Utah. The CollectA Beishanlong, Lythronax and Struthiomimus models are coming into stock in 2016.

1:4o Scale Deluxe Beishanlong (B. grandis)

Available from Everything Dinosaur in 2016.

Picture credit: CollectA

New Dinosaur Models

Fossils of this giant, member of the “bird mimic” clade come from Gansu Province (China), it was a contemporary of the feathered tyrannosaur Xiongguanlong, (X. baimoensis), a replica of which was introduced by CollectA earlier this year. Beishanlong was one of the largest of the Ornithomimosauria known, although the best preserved specimen represents an immature animal, the fragmentary fossilised bones when compared to more complete specimens suggest that this dinosaur grew to a length in excess of eight metres. Skull material is absent from the fossil record, so CollectA have based their replica on more complete ornithomimids. It certainly is a most impressive figure.

Anthony Beeson, the designer behind the CollectA range of prehistoric animal models explained:

“Beishanlong, was an “ostrich mimic” and a Chinese dinosaur. It was amongst the largest of the ostrich mimics and is important as being an earlier relative of Deinocheirus. The CollectA model is based on a skeleton that I admired at Hong Kong’s Science Museum during my last visit.”

Beishanlong

Beishanlong is going to be one of the new additions to the Deluxe scale model range made by CollectA. It will be available from Everything Dinosaur in the spring of 2016, or thereabouts. As it stands an impressive 23 centimetres tall it is going to tower over the smaller CollectA Xiongguanlong replica. This is quite apt, as Beishanlong would have towered over Xiongguanlong when they shared the same Asian habitat some 120 million years ago.

To read an article published in 2009 but the discovery of Xiongguanlong and Beishanlong: Giant Ornithomimid and New Tyrannosaur from Gansu Province.

Lythronax – “The King of Gore”

Available from Everything Dinosaur around the middle of 2016.

Picture credit: CollectA

Lythronax

Approximately, the size of Beishanlong but much heavier and decidedly more dangerous, Lythronax was a top predator of the Middle Campanian faunal stage of the Late Cretaceous. The genus name translates as “the King of Gore”. With its wide but short snout and robust jaws, this dinosaur would have been very formidable. Many palaeontologists believe that this theropod was a direct ancestor of the mighty Tyrannosaurus rex. CollectA are beginning to assemble quite a collection of tyrannosaurs – Eotyrannus, Tarbosaurus, the feathered T. rex, Xiongguanlong and another close relative of Lythronax, Bistahieversor that roamed what was to become New Mexico around four million years or so after “the King of Gore” became extinct.

To read about the discovery of Lythronax: “The King of Gore” – New Tyrannosaur from Utah.

The Designer Comments

Anthony commented:

“The early tyrannosaur Lythronax from Utah was chosen really because of its importance in the evolutionary chain of that genus and also because I love the name! One can never have too much gore in play as most boys know. Like Tyrannosaurus , Lythronax had eyes pointing to the front giving it binocular vision and the ability to gauge depth.”

Some nice detail is shown in the photograph of the model, the shaggy, feathered coat, tufts of feathers on the top of the head and evidence of almost pennaceous feathers on the forelimbs.

The CollectA Lythronax replica measures around 18 centimetres long, the head height is a fraction over 8.5 centimetres. It will be available from Everything Dinosaur around the middle of 2016.

The last of the latest batch of dinosaur model pictures to be released by CollectA is another feathered dinosaur. Once upon a time, feathered dinosaur models were the exception, now thanks to the work of the likes of CollectA more and more feathered dinosaur replicas are being produced.

New for 2016 The CollectA Struthiomimus Model

New for 2016 a Struthiomimus dinosaur model.

Picture credit: CollectA

“Ostrich Mimic”

Named almost one hundred years ago (1917), this is the dinosaur that gave rise to the term “ostrich mimic”, as this is what the genus name Struthiomimus means. It is great to see a replica of this fast-running Late Cretaceous resident of North America. Once again, CollectA have to be applauded, as they have given their model, long pennaceous feathers on the forearm, this suggests that they have been keeping up to date with the latest ornithomimid studies, in particular some recently published papers on remarkably well-preserved Ornithomimus specimens.

There are not many models of the Ornithomimidae around, this is a very welcome addition.

Commenting on this, the second of the ornithomimids to be introduced next year, Anthony Beeson said:

“I have wanted to do a Struthiomimus model for a long time and also to produce more ornithomimids or ostrich mimics . In the 1950’s Struthiomimus was well known to dinosaur enthusiasts, but since Jurassic Park, Gallimimus has eclipsed it in popular culture. John Sibbick, the palaeoartist once bemoaned its passing to me. It has not previously featured greatly in the toy record. It was a very common ornithomimid dinosaur that was found in Late Cretaceous North America.”

The model is scheduled to come out at about the same time as the Lythronax replica (mid 2016), it measures 11 centimetres long, and that head stands some 6.5 centimetres off the ground.

CollectA Beishanlong, Lythronax and Struthiomimus.

So that’s the very latest information on new CollectA prehistoric animals for you, in summary, one tyrannosaur, two members of the Ornithomimosauria clade, three feathered theropods and top notch replicas they are too.

To view the current CollectA range of Deluxe models available at Everything Dinosaur: CollectA Deluxe Prehistoric World Models.

To view the remainder of the CollectA Prehistoric Life range: CollectA Prehistoric World Models.

Note

This article has been amended to ensure more accurate terms related to taxa and classification are used.

7 11, 2015

The Exclusive TetZooCon 2015 and Everything Dinosaur

By Mike|2024-05-05T15:01:39+01:00November 7th, 2015|Categories: Everything Dinosaur News and Updates, Main Page, Press Releases|0 Comments

TetZooCon 2015 and Everything Dinosaur

It’s full steam ahead with just a few days to go to the second annual TetZooCon, a convention dedicated to Tetrapod Zoology and what an amazing day it’s going to be. The London Wetland Centre is the venue and on Saturday 14th November, the great and the good in the TetZoo-verse will descend on Barnes, London SW13 to enjoy a variety of speakers covering subjects as diverse as pterosaurs to pygmy Elephants?

TetZooCon 2015

Keeping to the all things beginning with “P” theme, renowned palaeoartists Mark Witton, Bob Nicholls (he of the famous Nigersaurus eye-lashes illustration, ask him about this whilst you are there) and John Conway will be holding a special palaeoart workshop. If you have ever wondered how artists are able to create such stunning illustrations of long, extinct creatures now’s your chance to find out.

Countdown to TetZooCon 2015

Click on the logo for more information!

Image credit: Darren Naish

Organised by Darren Naish, vertebrate palaeontologist, acclaimed science writer and all round good guy, and the super talented John Conway, Saturday’s event provides an amazing opportunity to meet top academics and to learn all about the comings and goings in terms of some of the latest thinking regarding the astonishing creatures that share our planet, plus of course, lots of information on those animals that have dropped out of the gene pool.

Animals such as the ichthyosaurs which will be covered in a talk given by the University of Southampton’s Jessica Lawrence-Wujek. So, if “fish lizards” are your thing, head down to the London Wetland Centre on the 14th.

For further information and to book: TetZooCon 2015.

An Exciting Event

The event starts at 9am and Everything Dinosaur are proud to be associated with this wonderful day out. Look out for some super prehistoric animal models that we have donated for the quiz that will round off the fun filled and very informative day. There will be lots of prizes to win.

Look out for our Logo at TetZooCon 2015

Proud to sponsor TetZooCon 2015.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Tea and coffee are provided, and lunch can be purchased at the nearby Water’s Edge Cafe. TetZooCon promises to be the best thing to hit this part of London since the Ice Age!

Commenting on the event, a spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur explained:

“Events like TetZooCon provide those with a general interest in science with a marvellous opportunity to converse with leading scientists, artists and science writers. Sadly, these opportunities, are few and far between and it is great to see such a convention taking place. We wish the organisers and everyone attending the very best and we look forward to hearing more about this exciting event.”

Everything Dinosaur Slides Between Speakers at the Conference

All ready for the 14th November.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

We note that the day is to be concluded with a visit to a local hostelry. A trip to the Red Lion Pub! Fantastic planning Darren et al, choosing an inn with a tetrapod connection. Sounds like it is going to be a great day!

Visit Everything Dinosaur’s website: Everything Dinosaur.

6 11, 2015

First Pictures of New CollectA 2016 Models

By Mike|2023-04-08T08:16:55+01:00November 6th, 2015|Categories: Dinosaur Fans, Everything Dinosaur News and Updates, Everything Dinosaur Products, Main Page, Photos of Everything Dinosaur Products|0 Comments

Mercuriceratops, T. rex Prey, Hunting T. rex and Metriacanthosaurus

The first pictures of some of the new for 2016 models made by our chums at CollectA have been released. Everything Dinosaur has been given an exclusive first look. So, without further ado, here are the first four.

Metriacanthosaurus – M. parkeri

“Parker’s moderately spined lizard”.

Picture credit: CollectA

New Prehistoric Animal Figures

First up, Metriacanthosaurus, an eight-metre-long monster that once roamed southern England. Known from fragmentary fossils, excavated from an exposed Upper Jurassic horizon near the town of Weymouth (Dorset, England), this dinosaur may have been the apex predator of that part of the world around 156-157 million years ago. Where Metriacanthosaurus is placed in the Theropoda remains hotly debated.

Once classified as a megalosaur, more recent research has placed this formidable hunter in the Sinoraptoridae. It is a beautiful model and it’s great to see another “English” theropod added to the impressive CollectA “Prehistoric Life” model range. Metriacanthosaurus measures an imposing 17 cm in length.

T. rex the Hunter!

A hunting T. rex.

Picture credit: CollectA

CollectA 2016 Models

You wait ages for a feathered Tyrannosaurus rex model and then two* turn up within a few months. The second new for 2016 model is a depiction of a hunting T. rex and what a skilfully created replica it is. The hunting T. rex measures 24 cm long and Anthony Beeson, the clever designer behind this range explained:

“Tyrannosaurus rex hunting is designed with a less evolved plumage when compared to the 2015 CollectA Deluxe Feathered T. rex model so that it may be interpreted by the collector as either an immature male or as a female. The latter in order to show sexual dimorphism.”

Clearly a lot of thought has gone into the creation of this, the very latest depiction of the “Tyrant Lizard King”.

Tyrannosaurus Prey – T. rex Corpse

T. rex corpse.

Picture credit: CollectA

T. rex Corpse

Not every hunt was successful, even for Tyrannosaurus rex. Like Metriacanthosaurus that lived some ninety million years earlier, T. rex may have been an apex predator, but sometimes it did not get everything its own way. At 31 cm long, this is an impressively sized model which shows lots of detail, the gory demise of a tyrannosaur possibly as a result of an encounter with a bigger member of its own species or maybe after a battle with a pack of the recently described giant, Hell Creek Formation dromaeosaurid Dakotaraptor (D. steini).

The Designer Comments

Explaining how he decided on the pathology for his model, designer Anthony Beeson stated:

“I designed Tyrannosaurus as prey in order to show that however fearsome a carnivore may appear, it is likely to end up in the food chain eventually. It also shows that Tyrannosaurus faced death at the hands of its own species especially during mating and the body shows damage caused by another Tyrannosaurus based on bite marks identified in the same areas on other fossils.”

It is fantastic to see a T. rex corpse introduced by CollectA, Everything Dinosaur are “dead” certain that this will prove to be a very popular model!

* There are now three feathered Tyrannosaurus rex replicas thanks to CollectA.

The Chasmosaurine Mercuriceratops

Wonderful horned dinosaur replica.

Picture credit: CollectA

CollectA 2016 Models – A Horned Dinosaur Included

Continuing the trend (or should that now be called a tradition), for producing excellent horned dinosaur models, is a replica of the chasmosaurine Mercuriceratops and it’s another beauty. This carefully painted ceratopsian measures an impressive 16.5 cm long and it is a beautiful rendition of a distant relative to Triceratops and Torosaurus.

CollectA have by far and away the most extensive line up of horned dinosaur models. This new for 2016 addition is going to prove to be a big hit with fans of horned dinosaurs.

More news about CollectA will be posted up by Everything Dinosaur in the near future. All these models will be available from Everything Dinosaur in the Spring of 2016. Looks like it is going to be a great year for CollectA!

To view the existing range of CollectA prehistoric animals: CollectA Prehistoric Life Models.

To view the Deluxe CollectA range: CollectA Deluxe Figures.

*Oops four feathered T. rex models from CollectA we forgot about the juvenile Tyrannosaurus rex replica.

30 10, 2015

Update on the Last Recommended Posting Dates for Christmas 2015

By Mike|2023-04-07T15:19:42+01:00October 30th, 2015|Categories: Everything Dinosaur News and Updates, Main Page, Press Releases|0 Comments

Update on the Last Recommended Posting Dates for Christmas 2015

October is drawing to a close, and although most of our customers will be concerning themselves with the festivities associated with “All Hallows Eve” it is worth noting just how quickly October seems to have sped by and that Christmas is rapidly approaching. As a mail order company, Everything Dinosaur does all it can to help customers get their gifts in time for the big day.

The warehouse team will once again be putting in the long hours of dedicated service to make sure that parcels are packed and despatched as quickly as possible. In addition, we have begun packing and sending out orders on Saturday mornings to help keep up with the amount of orders we are now receiving.

Seven Tips for a Happy Mailing Christmas

1). Remember to include the house number or house name with the delivery address information.

2). Check postcode/zip code details carefully.

3). Check delivery address details on orders to Everything Dinosaur, try checking twice.

4). Remember, with PayPal and our own website’s ordering process, customers can include a message to us in the order message box. You can write in confirmation of delivery address or any specific, relevant information required to help ensure a speedy delivery.

5). If you want to specify a different delivery address to your billing address, our website allows you to do this easily and without fuss.

6). If you want to send an item to your work address, please ensure that you include the company name in the delivery address information. Make sure that the work reception team are informed and try for a delivery during the working week, especially if on Saturday/Sunday your premises are shut.

7). Take note of the recommended last posting dates for Christmas, and please, please, please post early.

If you have a query about Christmas deliveries, or indeed any aspect of Everything Dinosaur’s delivery service please feel free to contact us: Contact Everything Dinosaur.

To view the Everything Dinosaur website: Everything Dinosaur.