Earlier this month, we looked at prehistoric animal model brands that are generally classified as toys. We looked at the merits of brands such as Schleich, Wild Safari Prehistoric World and Mojo Fun. In the second and concluding part of this short series, Everything Dinosaur examines some of the options available for collectors of prehistoric animal figures. The fans of prehistoric animals that are looking for museum-quality replicas. Let’s take a look at prehistoric animal models that are likely to appeal to collectors.
To read the first blog post in this series, looking at prehistoric animal toys: Comparing Prehistoric Animal Model Brands (Part 1) – Toys.
There are no hard and fast rules as to which brands of prehistoric animal models are regarded as toys and which ones are collectables. For example, the Natural History Museum range of figures are highly collectable but have great play value too.
The rare Megalosaurus along with the Natural History Museum Baryonyx and Triceratops figures. These figures, part of the Natural History Museum range, are now all retired and out of production. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
Rebor Replicas and Figures
Rebor produces an excellent range of highly detailed, hand-painted, and often articulated prehistoric animal models. Their extensive range includes dinosaurs, prehistoric mammals and extant creatures. Rebor figures include both scale and not-to-scale models. The company strives to produce accurate, museum-quality models as well as more unusual replicas such as the Titanoboa maquette.
The assembled Rebor Titanoboa Museum Class Maquette Brian Diccus prehistoric animal model. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
To view the Rebor range: Rebor Models and Figures.
Haolonggood Prehistoric Animal Models
The Haolonggood range of prehistoric animal figures is a recent addition to Everything Dinosaur’s portfolio. This Chinese company has ambitions. They intend to introduce more than a dozen new models in 2024. The majority of the figures are dinosaurs, although the company has introduced an extremely good replica of Otodus megalodon. Most of the dinosaur figures are in 1:35 scale and two colour variants are normally offered per genus.
This range is popular amongst dinosaur model collectors.
New for 2024 Haolonggood dinosaur models. Tlatolophus galorum and the horned dinosaurs Sinoceratops and Kosmoceratops. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
To view the Haolonggood range: Haolonggood Dinosaurs.
Beasts of the Mesozoic
The Beasts of the Mesozoic range has a great reputation for the quality of design. This is a range of articulated prehistoric animal figures. The first series to be introduced were the “raptors”. This was a range of mostly dromaeosaurids. A ceratopsian series followed and recently a selection of tyrannosaur figures has been launched. The figures are colourful, with some of the models having more unusual colour schemes such as blue or purple. They are aimed at adult collectors. This range has an age restriction as the models are for display and not for robust play.
There are plans to add prehistoric mammals and some fantasy figures to the portfolio.
To view the range of Beasts of the Mesozoic models in stock: Beasts of the Mesozoic Action Figures.
The latest Beasts of the Mesozoic delivery consisted of tyrannosaurs, ceratopsians and raptors. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
Collecting Prehistoric Animal Figures Influenced by Dinosaur Films
Dinosaur movies such as “King Kong” and the “Jurassic Park/Jurassic World” franchises have influenced model making. Lots of manufacturers offer prehistoric animal collectables that reflect prehistoric animals from the big screen. For instance, ITOY Studio offers a small range of figures influenced by films such as “Jurassic Park”.
The ITOY Studio Dilophosaurus dinosaur model has an articulated jaw. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
To view the ITOY Studio range: ITOY Studio Dinosaurs.
In addition, many collectors enjoy collecting the Nanmu Studio models. These models are quite large and beautifully painted. Many of the Nanmu Studio figures include bases which makes them ideal for display.
The Nanmu Studio Mosasaurus models. The “Leviathan” (left) and the “Pit Lord” figure (right). Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
PNSO Prehistoric Animal Models
PNSO have a good reputation for producing scientifically accurate prehistoric animal models. The company offers 1:35 scale sci-art models as well as a wide range of mid-size models. The range has grown and Everything Dinosaur has been involved with this manufacturer for more than a decade. PNSO models are extremely popular amongst collectors.
The PNSO range: PNSO Dinosaurs.
The recently introduced PNSO Tristan the Gorgosaurus dinosaur model in lateral view. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur praised Eofauna Scientific Research for their range of scale prehistoric animal figures. In addition, the spokesperson mentioned the small, yet detailed and highly collectable Wild Past replicas.
The front of the Wild Past Tethyshadros box. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
Collectable Prehistoric Animal Figures
In summary, discerning collectors have a wide variety of prehistoric animal brands to choose from. If you are a fan of dinosaur movies, then ITOY Studio or Nanmu Studio are worth considering. However, if you want scientific accuracy then Haolonggood or PNSO might appeal. If you are looking for more than iconic dinosaurs such as Tyrannosaurus rex, then Rebor, with its more unusual figures is highly recommended.
Whether you are a budding palaeontologist or an avid model enthusiast, the wide-ranging prehistoric animal model collection at Everything Dinosaur has something to captivate any collector.
Visit the award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur Models and Prehistoric Animal Figures.
