Suchomimus Dinosaur Model – A Video Review

With the first of the 2014 stock safely tucked away in the Everything Dinosaur warehouse, it is time to get the camcorder out and to make video reviews of the new prehistoric animal models from Safari Ltd.  The first video requested was one for the spinosaurid known as Suchomimus (S. tenerensis) so we have obliged by shooting this brief (6:28) review.

Wild Safari Dinos Suchomimus

A Review of the Wild Safari Dinos Suchomimus Dinosaur Model

Video credit: Everything Dinosaur

Reviewing a Theropod Dinosaur

In this short review, we highlight the anatomical details that can be seen on this model that reflect the known fossil material.  Intriguingly, when this dinosaur was first named and described (1998), it was the only known large theropod from the Elrhaz Formation of Niger.  However, fossils of at least two other huge, predatory dinosaurs have not been found which most probably co-existed with Suchomimus in the verdant, coastal habitat that this dinosaur called home.  Although the names of these two theropods are not given in the video, for completeness we have provided the information here.

The first of these theropods is the abelisaurid known as Kryptops (K. palaios).  Although, known from only fragmentary remains, this dinosaur is believed to one of the basal members of the abelisaur group and measuring in excess of seven metres in length it was a formidable predator.

The second super-sized carnivorous dinosaur from this part of Niger and a contemporary of the spinosaurids that roamed this region is Eocarcharia (Eocarcharia dinops).  Although only known from a fossilised partial, left maxilla and other elements from the skull, this theropod as been assigned to the carcharodontosaurids and it is believed to have been at least nine metres in length.

Elrhaz Formation

Precise dating of the sediments that make up the Elrhaz Formation is difficult, but it is likely that a number of large, carnivorous dinosaurs co-existed alongside the likes of Suchomimus.  If this is the case, then it makes sense for the spinosaurids such as S. tenerensis to have specialised in hunting and eating different types of prey.  In the case of Suchomimus, it was probably a specialist at catching fish (piscivore).

To view models of spinosaurids and other theropod dinosaurs: Wild Safari Prehistoric World Replicas and Figures.

Schleich New Dinosaur Models Captured on Video

Team members at Everything Dinosaur were given special permission to make a short video that shows the four new dinosaur models being introduced by Schleich this year.  We have already posted up pictures of the new Velociraptor, the Tyrannosaurus rex, the brightly painted Schleich Pentaceratops (our favourite) and the long-clawed and fearsome looking Therizinosaurus.  These models are currently in production and they will be available from Everything Dinosaur in May of this year.

Schleich Dinosaur Models

A Short Video of the New for 2014 Schleich Dinosaur Models

Video credit: Everything Dinosaur

All these models are not to scale and they are going into the Schleich “World of History” dinosaur model range, that brings this particular series up to a total of sixteen replicas.

The Therizinosaurus will have moveable front limbs, as will (we think), the Velociraptor.  The T. rex and the Velociraptor will also have articulated jaws.

To view Everything Dinosaur’s current range of Schleich “World of History” models: Schleich Prehistoric Animal Models and Toys.

A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“These four new models represent a 25% increase in the larger-sized prehistoric animal replicas offered by this German manufacturer.  It is pleasing to see investment being made in the design and production of new dinosaur models.”

The current Schleich “World of History” range already features a Tyrannosaurus rex and a Velociraptor, the new T. rex and the bright green Schleich Velociraptor figure, which should be available from Everything Dinosaur in May, are not replacements but they are designed to complement the existing model range.