Collecting models of prehistoric animals is a fascinating hobby, but choosing the perfect figure can be challenging. Fortunately, today’s collectors have an extraordinary range of prehistoric animal replicas to choose from. It is probably true to state that this is a golden age of dinosaur models for adult collectors.
Everything Dinosaur has specialised in supplying dinosaur and prehistoric animal models for more than twenty years. Moreover, Mike and Sue are enthusiastic model collectors themselves. The company works closely with manufacturers, palaeontologists, palaeoartists and fellow collectors. Therefore, the Everything Dinosaur team understands what discerning collectors look for in a prehistoric animal figure.
Sue from Everything Dinosaur (left) holding the Wild Safari Prehistoric World Saltasaurus model. Mike is holding the Wild Safari Prehistoric World Therizinosaurus (right). Mike and Sue are regarded as the “go to guys” when it comes to prehistoric animal models. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
So, what are the best dinosaur models for adult collectors? Much depends on what you want from your collection.
Scientifically Accurate Dinosaur Models for Adult Collectors
For many collectors, scientific accuracy is extremely important. They want models that reflect our current understanding of dinosaur anatomy. It is a question of identifying museum-quality figures. Fortunately, several manufacturers have developed excellent reputations for combining scientific research with highly detailed figures.
Eofauna Scientific Research produces an impressive range of prehistoric animal models. The company has developed beautifully detailed figures based on extensive research. For example, their scale models of proboscideans have been highly praised.
The Eofauna Scientific Research Deinotherium replica. This is a 1:35 scale replica of the giant proboscidean. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
To view the range of Eofauna models and figures: Eofauna Scientific Research Scale Model Replicas.
Haolonggood is another popular choice. The company produces an extensive range of detailed dinosaur figures. In addition, many models are offered in alternative colour schemes. This gives collectors even more choice when creating a display. Furthermore, Haolonggood has recently introduced a range of prehistoric animal figures under the sub-brand “Ancient Witness”.
At home in a snowy landscape, the 1/35th scale Coelodonta model from Haolonggood. This prehistoric rhinoceros figure is part of the Ancient Witness series.
PNSO Prehistoric Animals
PNSO has also become extremely popular with serious collectors. Its range includes famous dinosaurs alongside more unusual prehistoric animals. Furthermore, PNSO regularly introduces new figures, helping collectors to build diverse prehistoric displays. The company also makes replicas of some of the more obtuse prehistoric animals. Recently, the company has introduced several prehistoric animal figures that are synonymous with China. Models of the ichthyosaur Guanlingsaurus, a titanosaur based on fossil material found in Hong Kong and a replica of the marine reptile Dinocephalosaurus have been added.
PNSO: PNSO Age of Dinosaurs Figures.
All three prehistoric animals are associated with China. Hongkongsaurus is based on fossils found on Port Island in the Hong Kong UNESCO global geopark. Dinocephalosaurus and Guanlingsaurus fossils have been discovered in Guizhou Province. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
If scientific accuracy is a priority, Eofauna Scientific Research, Haolonggood and PNSO provide plenty of excellent options.
Articulated Dinosaurs Offer More Display Options
Some collectors want more than a static pose. They enjoy changing their displays and creating different prehistoric scenes. The highly collectable Beasts of the Mesozoic range and its derivatives such as “Cyberzoic” and the “Cenozoic” models provide an excellent solution. These articulated prehistoric animal figures offer numerous posing possibilities. Collectors can alter the position of the limbs, head, neck and tail. Furthermore, articulated jaws permit different feeding, resting and display poses.
Consequently, a single figure can be displayed in many different ways. The artwork supplied with these figures is highly collectable too!
New Beasts of the Mesozoic figures. In addition, we have the Beasts of the Cenozoic Andrewsarchus and the brown Smilodon populator in stock too. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
The Beasts of the Mesozoic range has included dromaeosaurids, ceratopsians and tyrannosaurs. The figures are also renowned for their striking colour schemes. For collectors who enjoy photographing their models, articulation provides another important advantage. Figures can be repositioned to create dramatic and realistic compositions.
Therefore, Beasts of the Mesozoic models are ideal for collectors who enjoy regularly changing their displays and dioramas. Indeed, both Nanmu Studio and more recently PNSO have moved into the production of articulated figures.
And Now for Something Completely Different!
Not every dinosaur collection has to concentrate solely on conventional reconstructions. Indeed, some collectors deliberately seek something unusual. For instance, Rebor has built an enthusiastic following by taking a different approach to prehistoric animal figures. Its range combines highly detailed prehistoric animals with imaginative concepts.
For example, Rebor has produced alien-inspired hybrids and zombie Tyrannosaurus rex figures. These models certainly stand out in a display cabinet!
What an amazing pair of zombie dinosaurs! The Rebor Zombie T. rex Cannibal Corpse Jungle (left) and the Plain colour variant (right). Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
Such figures demonstrate how varied dinosaur model collecting has become. Some collectors prioritise scientific accuracy. Others appreciate pop culture, fantasy or horror-inspired interpretations. Rebor has straddled these genres and produced some truly unique scale models.
To read Everything Dinosaur’s review of the Rebor alien/Tyrannosaurus hybrid figure (X-REX): Rebor Alien/Tyrannosaurus Hybrid Figure.
There is no reason why a collection cannot include a wide variety of figures. After all, variety is the spice of life, or so we are told. Ultimately, collecting should be enjoyable. Your display should reflect the prehistoric animals, manufacturers and artistic styles that interest you.
The Everything Dinosaur Evolution T. rex
For collectors seeking something truly exceptional, there is the Everything Dinosaur Evolution 1:33 scale Tyrannosaurus rex. This the first model in our Hell Creek series. We aim to highlight geology as well as palaeontology.
Everything Dinosaur did not simply commission a sculpt and put its name on the box. Instead, an expert team was assembled to develop the figure from the fossil evidence upwards. Award-winning palaeontologist Dr Dean Lomax helped ensure scientific accuracy. Renowned palaeo-reconstruction artist Bob Nicholls provided his considerable expertise in recreating extinct animals. Meanwhile, award-winning digital sculptor Glen Southern transformed the research and palaeoart into an extraordinarily detailed three-dimensional figure.
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
A Model of a Living Animal not a Movie Monster
Mike and Sue from Everything Dinosaur were involved throughout the project. Importantly, the team approached Tyrannosaurus rex as an animal rather than a movie monster.
Everything was considered. Anatomy, body proportions, soft tissues, integument and even the sophisticated colour scheme were carefully evaluated.
The result is a premium 1:33 scale reconstruction of Tyrannosaurus rex created by combining palaeontology, palaeoart and outstanding model-making expertise.
Mike from Everything Dinosaur commented:
“Collectors have an amazing choice of prehistoric animal figures today. However, with Everything Dinosaur Evolution we wanted to take model development even further. We brought together experts in palaeontology, palaeoart and digital sculpting. Every detail of our T. rex was considered, discussed and reviewed. We are collectors too, and we wanted to create the sort of dinosaur model that we would be proud to have in our own collection.”
The Everything Dinosaur Evolution Tyrannosaurus rex is available as a Collector’s Edition and a special Founder’s Edition.
Visit Everything Dinosaur Evolution: 1:33 Scale Everything Dinosaur Evolution Models.
Choosing the Perfect Dinosaur Model
There has probably never been a better time to collect prehistoric animal figures. Those seeking scientific accuracy can explore ranges from Eofauna, Haolonggood and PNSO. Meanwhile, Beasts of the Mesozoic, Nanmu Studio and now PNSO provide articulated figures with tremendous display potential.
Collectors wanting something more unusual can investigate Rebor. Its imaginative figures can add something very different to a collection. After all, you can never have enough zombie dinosaurs!
Finally, Everything Dinosaur Evolution demonstrates what can be achieved when scientists, artists, designers and dedicated dinosaur model collectors collaborate.
Mike added:
“Building a prehistoric animal model collection should be fun. When choosing dinosaur models for adult collectors, consider what matters most to you. Think about scientific accuracy, scale, articulation, subject choice and how the model will be displayed. Most importantly, choose figures that you enjoy owning.”
Discover a wide selection of prehistoric animal figures for adult collectors at Everything Dinosaur: Prehistoric Animal Figures for Adult Collectors.
