Readers of “Prehistoric Times” magazine have voted the Wild Safari Prehistoric World Spinosaurus model as the best dinosaur toy figure of 2021. Safari Ltd have won this prestigious accolade on several occasions, the Wild Safari Prehistoric World Spinosaurus dinosaur model joins the roll of honour.
The figure represents the largest theropod dinosaur known to science – Spinosaurus aegyptiacus.
The 2021 Wild Safari Prehistoric World Spinosaurus dinosaur model. It has been awarded the best dinosaur toy figure of 2021 by readers of “Prehistoric Times” magazine.
To view the range of Safari Ltd prehistoric animal figures in stock at Everything Dinosaur including several award-winning models: Wild Safari Prehistoric World Models.
A Popular Spinosaurus Figure
The Spinosaurus replica measures around 22 cm in length and it was one of three dinosaur models (excluding armoured prehistoric animal figures), introduced last year by Safari Ltd. The Spinosaurus replica arrived at Everything Dinosaur’s UK warehouse in the spring of 2021 along with the new for 2021 Safari Ltd Daspletosaurus. The other dinosaur figure introduced by the Safari Ltd team was an updated version of Baryonyx, a dinosaur which was also a member of the Spinosauridae.
Commenting on the award of the best dinosaur toy figure of 2021, a spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur commented:
“The readers of the magazine are very knowledgeable and discerning. The Spinosaurus figure was up against some very tough competition and to win this award is a wonderful affirmation of the dedication and hard work of the Safari Ltd design team.”
Safari Ltd have introduced a variety of Spinosaurus replicas since the company started making dinosaur models back in the late 1980s. Team members at Everything Dinosaur believe that the first Spinosaurus replica to be made by Safari Ltd was introduced in 1992 as part of the now retired Carnegie Collectibles model range.
The new for 2022 Papo Protoceratops dinosaur model is in stock at Everything Dinosaur. This long-awaited replica of “first horned face”, the first of the new for 2022 prehistoric animal models from Papo is now available.
The Papo Protoceratops in left lateral view. This model of an early horned dinosaur has an articulated lower jaw.
Papo Protoceratops Dinosaur Model
The Papo Protoceratops dinosaur model is around sixteen centimetres long. The model stands about eight centimetres high when measured from the top of that impressive head shield. Everything Dinosaur announced that this figure would be produced and made available this year (2022), back in the late autumn of 2021.
Papo Protoceratops in anterior view. A close-up view of the impressive head shield of the Protoceratops. There are two eyespots painted on the headshield.
Papo Protoceratops with an Articulated Jaw
The Papo Protoceratops has been provided with a prominent beak for cropping tough vegetation and the model has an articulated lower jaw. The inside of the mouth has been well painted, and the Papo design team have provided the Protoceratops with rows of small white teeth in both the upper and lower jaw.
A close-up view of the head of the Papo Protoceratops dinosaur model. The figure has been given a prominent beak and, in the mouth, the Papo design team have added some teeth to their model.
Papo Protoceratops model in lateral view. In this image the mouth is open and some of the small, white teeth can be seen.
The Protoceratops Genus
The Protoceratops genus was erected in 1923 when the first species (P. andrewsi), was formally named and described (Granger and Gregory). The first fossils of this dinosaur were collected during the famous American Museum of Natural History expedition to the Gobi Desert. Protoceratops andrewsi is associated with the Mongolian Djadokhta Formation (Upper Cretaceous), a second species, the slightly larger Protoceratops hellenikorhinus was named and described in 2001 (Lambert et al). Fossils of P. hellenikorhinus are associated with the Bayan Mandahu Formation of Inner Mongolia (China).
Both the Djadokhta Formation and the potentially contemporaneous Bayan Mandahu Formation represent arid, desert-like palaeoenvironments.
Papo Protoceratops dinosaur model. This dinosaur model is one of three new Papo prehistoric animal models expected in stock in 2022.
Three Papo Prehistoric Animal Models Expected in 2022
The Papo Protoceratops dinosaur model is one of three Papo prehistoric animal models expected in 2022. A new colour variant of the Styracosaurus is expected in stock and, towards the end of the year (quarter 4), Papo are expected to introduce a model of a Mosasaurus.
The new for 2022 Papo Protoceratops dinosaur model in posterior view.
Our thanks to dinosaur fan and model collector William who sent into Everything Dinosaur his detailed review of the recently introduced PNSO Fergus the Acrocanthosaurus dinosaur model.
William starts his review by discussing the head sculpt. He states that the head is “a thing of pure magic, a true Acrocanthosaurus”. When compared to known skull material the life reconstruction from PNSO is praised.
The reviewer goes on to add:
“Thank you both ZHAO Chuang and YANG Yang from us, we are all humbled.”
PNSO Fergus the Acrocanthosaurus has an articulated lower jaw.
No Hint of Shrink Wrapping
The superb skin texturing associated with the head sculpt is mentioned and the reviewer states that the figure shows no signs of shrink wrapping. He comments that the orbits, external ears and the lacrimal crests are perhaps the best around. The model has a fully articulated lower jaw, no lips and the jaw opens smoothly revealing lots of fine detail in the mouth.
William also highlights the placement of the eyes, giving stereoscopic vision.
The Main Body Sculpt
In William’s opinion PNSO have created the most detailed and scientifically accurate Acrocanthosaurus made to date. The cloaca is in the correct position and the neural spines, running from the base of the neck to the pelvic region are praised.
“When viewed from above you can see what makes this figure very rare and special. His massive musculature begins just behind the shoulders and travels down towards the tail. Within the folds of the model’s skin the ribs can be observed and touched these are the anchor points to which the muscles are attached.”
The PNSO Fergus the Acrocanthosaurus dinosaur model.
The forelimbs are described as providing a realistic likeness to the living dinosaur. William also comments upon the hind legs stating that they look robust and powerful, not made for speed but being ideal to help this large carnivore overpower sauropods.
He explains that the tail might look a little shorter when compared to previous examples of the Carcharodontosauridae, but it only seems short due to the presence of the neural spines.
Fergus the Acrocanthosaurus model new from PNSO for 2022.
Similar to a Burmese Python
The reviewer suggests that the model’s colouration is similar to that of a Burmese python. He states that the colour scheme chosen is an inspired choice for an apex predator. The base colour of light ochre contrasts with the darker wash and the Burmese python markings.
William comments that the pink maw of the mouth has a real natural feel and look about it, with the white teeth blending into brown/white at the roots.
He adds:
“The lacrimal crest has a subtle red applied which is very pleasing to one’s eye.”
PNSO Fergus the Acrocanthosaurus in anterior view.
The Size of the PNSO Acrocanthosaurus Model
William suggests that the figure has a scale of 1:37 and provides model measurements:
The PNSO Fergus the Acrocanthosaurus model is supplied with a number of accessories.
Clear plastic support stand.
Beautiful, illustrated 64-page booklet.
Stunning A3 colour poster.
QR code to watch a short design video.
The model is supplied with a clear plastic support stand, a 64-page full colour booklet and colour poster. A QR code on the packaging links to a short video that explains how the figure was made.
Acrocanthosaurus Fossils
As is customary with William’s model reviews he concludes by providing information about this Early Cretaceous dinosaur and details of fossil discoveries.
He states that Acrocanthosaurus fossils have been found in four U.S. states (Oklahoma, Texas, Wyoming and Arizona).
As hypercarnivores the Carcharodontosauridae were the ultimate big game hunters, feasting on sauropods. William suggests that these predators were probably pack hunters.
In the information supplied to Everything Dinosaur, William explained how “high spine lizard” was discovered and named and recounted the tale of the discovery of the specimen nicknamed “Fran”.
Whilst the evolution of such high neural spines in members of the Theropoda remains uncertain, William postulates that the spines could have supported a hump or perhaps played a role in visual displays or regulating body temperature.
Theropod and Sauropod Tracks from the Glen Rose Formation
The reviewer also commented upon the famous theropod and sauropod tracks, in what is now known as the Dinosaur Valley State Park (Texas). The tracks may represent a theropod dinosaur stalking a sauropod. These tracks have been attributed to dinosaurs similar to Acrocanthosaurus and Sauroposeidon respectively.
Famous dinosaur tracks – theropod and sauropod tracks. Picture credit: John Sibbick with additional annotation by Everything Dinosaur.
William closes his review by stating that the PNSO Fergus the Acrocanthosaurus figure is:
“PNSO’s greatest theropod”.
Our thanks to William for providing Everything Dinosaur with such a detailed model review.
To view the PNSO Fergus the Acrocanthosaurus and the rest of the PNSO models and figures in stock at Everything Dinosaur: PNSO Age of Dinosaurs Figures.
The new for 2022 CollectA prehistoric animal models are now in stock at Everything Dinosaur. Team members have been busy contacting all those customers that requested that they be informed when the CollectA prehistoric animal model delivery arrived.
The new for 2022 CollectA prehistoric animals have arrived at Everything Dinosaur. Team members have been busy contacting all those customers who requested an email alert. There are seven figures in the photograph, can you name them all?
New Dinosaurs, Pterosaurs, a Prehistoric Mammal, a Nautiloid and ?
The new figures include dinosaurs, two pterosaurs (the 1:15 scale P. longiceps figure having been held over from 2021), a stunning nautiloid and an updated Paraceratherium replica. In addition, a model of the enigmatic Late Triassic predator Smok (S. wawelski) is also in stock. This Polish carnivore is classified as an archosaur, but its exact taxonomic placement remains ambiguous.
The new for 2022 CollectA Deluxe Smok wawelski replica reflects the view that this large Late Triassic predator was not a theropod dinosaur. Classified as a member of the Archosauria, its exact taxonomy remains unknown. Fossil bones reveal anatomical characteristics associated with the Dinosauria (Theropoda), but also show traits that indicate an affinity to the Pseudosuchia – the crocodile lineage of archosaurs. To further confuse the taxonomy of this carnivore, analysis of the fossil bones also identified features associated with very primitive archosaurs.
A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur commented:
“We have been looking forward to getting these new CollectA prehistoric animal figures into our warehouse. The shipment contained over a hundred different types of models including fresh stock of the award-winning Doedicurus and the 1:15 scale Pteranodon longiceps figure that we were unable to bring into the UK last year. We know that many collectors have been patiently waiting for these figures, now their wait is over.”
The front of the CollectA Prehistoric Life Deluxe Pteranodon longiceps model. This figure is now in stock at Everything Dinosaur.
New PNSO models, the Torosaurus pair, Fergus the Acrocanthosaurus and Xinchuan the Sinraptor all feature in the latest Everything Dinosaur customer newsletter. In addition, fresh stocks of the PNSO Olorotitan, Tsintaosaurus and Harvey the Iguanodon have arrived, and these ornithischians also feature in the latest customer newsletter.
The Torosaurus adult and juvenile pair (Aubrey and Dabei) are featured in Everything Dinosaur’s latest customer newsletter.
Torosaurus Pair and a Pair of Theropod Dinosaurs
The new for 2022 Torosaurus adult and juvenile (Aubrey and Dabei) have arrived in stock. A pair of Torosaurus dinosaur models in 1:35 scale complete with posters and a full-colour information booklet.
Two new PNSO theropods also feature, namely Xinchuan the Sinraptor and the eagerly awaited Fergus the Acrocanthosaurus dinosaur model.
Two theropod dinosaurs, the PNSO Xinchuan the Sinraptor and Fergus the Acrocanthosaurus dinosaur models feature in Everything Dinosaur’s latest customer newsletter.
PNSO Dinosaurs
Not to be outdone, there are some plant-eating dinosaurs too showcased amongst the theropod duo. The Everything Dinosaur newsletter also features the 1:35 scale PNSO Xiaoqin the Tsintaosaurus which comes complete with full-colour booklet and posters. The newsletter also highlights Harvey the Iguanodon, another splendid plant-eating dinosaur model in 1/35th scale.
The stunning PNSO Xiaoqin the Tsintaosaurus and the amazing PNSO Harvey the Iguanodon are back in stock at Everything Dinosaur. Both these members of the Ornithischia feature in Everything Dinosaur’s latest customer newsletter.
Olorotitan and Celebrating Everything Dinosaur’s Blog
The latest issue of the newsletter also features the return into stock of the greatly admired PNSO Ivan the Olorotitan model. This plant-eating dinosaur figure was introduced in late 2021, it has been a top-seller ever since. The PNSO Ivan the Olorotitan is a beautifully detailed scale model.
The PNSO Ivan the Olorotitan is back in stock, and we celebrate posting up our 6,000th blog article.
The newsletter also included a short section on Everything Dinosaur’s free to access blog. The company recently celebrated posting up their 6,000th blog post. For the last fifteen years a new post has been uploaded every day! The Everything Dinosaur blog contains news about dinosaurs, the latest research, articles about model collecting, updates on fossil finds and lots and lots of helpful information and dinosaur facts.
The Everything Dinosaur newsletter is sent out periodically to subscribers, it contains updates on new products, competitions, exclusive information and support.
PNSO have announced that their next dinosaur model will be a sauropod. The PNSO Chuanchuan the Lingwulong dinosaur model will be in stock at Everything Dinosaur in just a few weeks.
Chuanchuan the Lingwulong. This exciting new for 2022 dinosaur model is a replica of a long-necked, plant-eating dinosaur from the Middle Jurassic of China.
PNSO Chuanchuan the Lingwulong
Named and described in 2018 (Xu et al), from numerous fossils representing several individuals collected from Yanan Formation deposits in the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region of China, Lingwulong (L. shenqi), is the earliest known diplodocoid sauropod. Its discovery suggests that the Sauropoda dispersed and diversified much earlier than palaeontologists had previously thought. Lingwulong demonstrates that diplodocoids were present in eastern Asia and it is wonderful to see PNSO adding a model of such a significant Chinese dinosaur to their model range.
The PNSO Chuanchuan the Lingwulong model measures around 47.5 cm in length and has a head height of 13.5 cm. PNSO have not declared a scale for this dinosaur model, but this dinosaur is thought to have reached lengths in excess of 17 metres, perhaps as much as 20 metres. Based on these measurements, team members at Everything Dinosaur propose a scale of around 1:36 to 1:42.
The PNSO Chuanchuan the Lingwulong model measurements.
A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur commented:
“We have known about Chuanchuan the Lingwulong dinosaur model for some time. It is already on the water and heading into the UK on our next shipment of PNSO models and figures. We are looking forward to receiving this sauropod figure, one of the largest models that PNSO have made for some time.”
PNSO Chuanchuan the Lingwulong in lateral view. This sauropod model is one of the largest figures that PNSO intend to produce this year (2022).
Posters and Full-colour Booklet
Continuing the trend to add value to the figures that the company produces, Chuanchuan the Lingwulong will be supplied with a sci-art poster inspired by the work of the famous Chinese artist Zhao Chuang and a 64-page, full-colour booklet. A QR code, which once scanned, provides access to a short video that explains how the figure was created.
Posters and booklet for the PNSO Chuanchuan the Lingwulong dinosaur model.
The PNSO Chuanchuan the Lingwulong dinosaur model is expected in stock at Everything Dinosaur in a few weeks. To view the current range of PNSO dinosaur and prehistoric animal models in stock at Everything Dinosaur: PNSO Age of Dinosaurs Models and Figures.
A reviewer of dinosaur models praises Everything Dinosaur for their customer service and quality of products.
As part of two recent PNSO dinosaur reviews sent into Everything Dinosaur by model collector William. The reviewer praised Everything Dinosaur commenting that without Everything Dinosaur there would not be great model collections.
Everything Dinosaur is a Trusted Service Awards winner! A model reviewer praises the award-winning Everything Dinosaur.
Dinosaur Fan Praises Everything Dinosaur
William emailed Everything Dinosaur and commented that for the legion of palaeo-figure collectors Everything Dinosaur is truly valued for all it does for model collectors and dinosaur fans especially during a challenging global pandemic.
He wrote:
“From searching the leading brands to all the tireless efforts to get the stock from suppliers to your warehouse to the front doors of customers. They offer a very good range for children as well as catering for the adult collector.”
Everything Dinosaur’s certificate confirming the Platinum Trusted Service Award.The company is praised by a model collector and dinosaur fan.
Everything Dinosaur on YouTube, Blogs and Social Media Platforms
William added that he appreciated the time and effort that team members put in to making YouTube videos, as well as blogging about the latest dinosaur discoveries and new fossil finds.
When commenting on the delivery of orders, he added:
“The level and quality of packaging and the dedication to deliveries byyour company is what the big guys of the web and the high street should be aspiring to. Parcels are well protected, strong and secure with clear address labelling and the models are protected with plenty of bubble wrap.”
A Great Range of Delivery Options
The customer commented that Everything Dinosaur offers a great range of delivery options all of them are fairly priced, with many parcels being delivered within 24-hours.
Our work in helping to educate the next generation of palaeontologists was also praised and William commented: “Who knows, one day we could see a new Mikeceratops or a Sueposeidonsaurus all due to your primary school visits.”
Our thanks to William for his most generous and kind words.
Our thanks to dinosaur model collector William who sent into Everything Dinosaur his detailed review of the PNSO Sinraptor dinosaur model. In his comprehensive review, William states that Sinraptor is one of the more obscure members of the Metriacanthosauridae family, although the exact phylogeny of this theropod has yet to be resolved.
The stunning PNSO Xinchuan the Sinraptor dinosaur model.
A Clear Winner
Describing Xinchuan as a “clear winner”, William comments that there are so many traits and characteristics of the figure to admire including the pugnacious, robust head. PNSO have depicted Sinraptor as a “do or die type of theropod, ready to hunt or as easily plunder a kill”.
Beginning with the head, William describes it commenting on the very fine skin texturing and smooth appearance of the skull, with no shrink wrapping of the model detected. The perfect eye orbits and subtle ear apertures are praised.
The lacrimal crests progress upwards from above the nostrils high over the eye sockets before tapering off just behind the orbits. The fully articulated jaw with no lips is highlighted. The opening and closing of the jaw is described as having a smooth, fluid action. William praises the design team behind this dinosaur figure.
Sinraptor has been classified as a member of the allosauroid group of theropod dinosaurs, specifically it has been classified as a member of the Metriacanthosauridae. The PNSO Xinchuan Sinraptor model has an articulated lower jaw.
Reviewing the Body of the Figure
A deep keel bone is the anchor point of a powerful rib cage which can be seen just under the skin and William suggests the thigh muscles on this figure look even more powerful than the recently introduced PNSO Allosaurus model. He also reports that the replica has an accurate and detailed cloaca.
The tail is described as being a little shorter than expected, but the length could be deceptive as it bends.
William adds:
“It is truly a pleasure to add this bruiser to my collection.”
William highlights the robust forelimbs and comments that they are longer than those of the PNSO Allosaurus figure and give the impression of great strength and power.
Sinraptor dongi was formally named and described in 1994. The species name is in honour of the eminent Professor Dong Zhiming, one of China’s most celebrated palaeontologists.
Colour and Texture
The colour scheme is described as being not just a pink and grey object but a highly painted figure with subtle mixtures of rosy pinks and elephantine greys. The colouration of the underside of the model is praised, as are the details depicted around the eyes. William comments that the stained and discoloured teeth are great and states:
“Such a nicely executed colour scheme plus superb skin sculpture.”
QR code with a link to a short, informative video.
Xinchuan the Sinraptor model measures 21.6 cm long and the figure stands around 8.3 cm high.
Sinraptor Facts and Figures
As in previous reviews of prehistoric animal models by William, he provides some information on Sinraptor, choosing to focus on the second species named in this genus S. hepingensis. Sinraptor hepingensis was erected in 1992, based on fossils formerly ascribed to Yangchuanosaurus, some palaeontologists have challenged the validity of this taxon.
Time Period: Temporal range: Middle Jurassic (169-142 million years ago). Location: North-western China.
William also commented on the second Sinraptor species to be erected stating that a second species was named in 1992 (Gao). Originally named Yangchuanosaurus hepingensis this specimen was later reclassified as Sinraptor hepingensis. The holotype Sinraptor hepingensis fossil is now on public exhibit in Zigong, China at the Zigong Dinosaur Museum in Sichuan Provence.
In completing his PNSO Xinchuan Sinraptor review William described the palaeoenvironment, stating that Sinraptor lived in a dinosaur dominated sub-tropical environment.
Our thanks to William for sending into Everything Dinosaur his PNSO Sinraptor review.
To view the range of PNSO models and figures in stock at Everything Dinosaur: PNSO Age of Dinosaurs.
Our thanks to dinosaur fan and model collector Nick from Greece, who is so excited about the forthcoming Beasts of the Mesozoic tyrannosaur series that he sent in an illustration of Gorgosaurus inspired by one of the models.
A Gorgosaurus confrontation. Inspired by the forthcoming Beasts of the Mesozoic tyrannosaur series (wave 1), Nick from Greece has chosen to illustrate Gorgosaurus. The Gorgosaurus figure will be in the third wave of model introductions scheduled for quarter 3 of 2023. Picture credit: Nick.
Beasts of the Mesozoic Tyrannosaurs
The tyrannosaur series is the third line of articulated prehistoric animal models, following the highly successful “raptors” and the ceratopsians. A total of twenty-four replicas of dinosaurs from within the Tyrannosauroidea superfamily will be featured, including a Gorgosaurus, which inspired Nick’s superb illustration.
The Beasts of the Mesozoic Gorgosaurus libratus articulated figure inspired the illustration. The Gorgosaurus figure is scheduled to be part of the third wave of these tyrannosaur figures (September 2023).
Beasts of the Mesozoic Gorgosaurus libratus
The Beasts of the Mesozoic Gorgosaurus libratus figure will have twenty-two points of articulation and it will measure around 50 cm in length (1:18 scale model). The Gorgosaurus model is part of wave three of this series and it is expected to be introduced around quarter three of 2023.
In his email to Everything Dinosaur, the artist wrote:
“I am very grateful for your services, without your dedicated work it would be too difficult and expensive for us to purchase many of the dinosaur figures that you’re retailing. In my case the Beasts of the Mesozoic line. I am sending you this illustration as a gift for your contribution to our joyful hobby! It’s an illustration I’ve done last November (for the Dinovember art challenge) and it is inspired by the upcoming Beasts of the Mesozoic Gorgosaurus figure. I hope you like it!”
Responding to Customer’s Requests
We do our best to respond to all our customer’s requests, questions and queries. Building up a relationship with your customer base is very important. Sometimes we get sent little gifts in appreciation of our efforts. Our thanks to Nick from Greece who sent us a wonderful dinosaur (Gorgosaurus libratus) illustration he had created.
Glad to know we are doing something right in these tough times.
To view the range of Beasts of the Mesozoic figures in stock at Everything Dinosaur: Beasts of the Mesozoic.
The limited-edition Rebor Smilodon populator in the Year of the Tiger colouration has arrived at Everything Dinosaur and is now in stock. Following the success of earlier versions “Ice Age” and “Plain”, Rebor decided to produce a special edition figure in honour of the Chinese Year of the Tiger.
The Rebor 1:11 scale Smilodon populator model in the Year of the Tiger colour scheme. A limited-edition Rebor figure.
A Sabre-toothed Tiger?
Most palaeontologists doubt whether Smilodon had a striped coat like extant tigers. Although a member of the Felidae (cat) family, the Smilodon genus was not closely related to modern big cats such as lions and tigers. It was not a creature of jungles and dense forests, but mostly associated with much more open habitats. However, as the Chinese lunar calendar celebrates the Year of the Tiger, the design team at Rebor decided to create a limited-edition Smilodon populator replica.
The Rebor Smilodon populator Year of the Tiger colour scheme, a 1:11 scale model of S. populator.
A Single Production Run
As team members at Everything Dinosaur understand the situation, Rebor only intend to have a single production run for these 1:11 scale models.
A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur commented:
“The Smilodon populator figures have proved to be extremely popular and we suspect that this limited-edition figure will also prove to be an enormous success. We have spent the last few hours contacting all those customers who wanted to be informed when this new model arrived.”
The Rebor Smilodon populator Stray Cat Year of the Tiger model. The figure is supplied with two heads, one with a closed mouth, one with an open mouth.
The Eye of the Tiger
The new Rebor model is beautifully painted and comes complete with two heads, one with a closed mouth and one with the mouth open. Collectors have the choice to display their model with either the mouth open or closed.
The eye of the tiger. A close-up view of the eye on the Rebor Smilodon populator year of the tiger scale model.
The Smilodon populator replica measures just under twenty-seven cm in length and stands a little over 13 cm tall.
Rebor Smilodon populator Stray Cat Year of the Tiger
The Rebor Smilodon populator with the open-mouth configuration. An anterior view of the Rebor Smilodon Year of the Tiger model.
