All about dinosaurs, fossils and prehistoric animals by Everything Dinosaur team members.
Photographs and pictures of products featured on the Everything Dinosaur website. Everything Dinosaur a UK based retailer of dinosaur models, toys and games. This category features pictures of products that are or were on the company’s website.
The last batch of 2021 CollectA Prehistoric Life models are in stock at Everything Dinosaur. The last of the new for 2021, not-to-scale CollectA figures, the Elasmosaurus, the ammonite Pravitoceras and the mini dinosaurs model set 3 are now available from the 5-star rated, UK-based mail order company.
Some of the new for 2021 CollectA prehistoric life models. The new heteromorph ammonite Pravitoceras (top left), the CollectA Elasmosaurus model (top right) and (lower right) the CollectA Mini Dinosaurs set 3. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
CollectA Mollusc Models
The new CollectA heteromorphic ammonite Pravitoceras joins a growing line-up of invertebrate models in the Prehistoric Life range. Molluscs are particularly well-represented with a homomorphic (planispiral, regularly coiled shells) ammonite Pleuroceras, a belemnite, a nautilus (N. pompilius) and an Orthoceras replica already in the range.
New CollectA arthropods and cephalopods. The new for 2021 ammonite model – Pravitoceras continues the trend of CollectA introducing replicas of important zonal fossils that assist with the dating of strata (biostratigraphy). Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
CollectA Elasmosaurus and Other Elasmosaurids
The new CollectA Elasmosaurus is the second elasmosaurid replica to be added to the CollectA Prehistoric Life range and the third member of the Elasmosauridae family to be represented by a CollectA figure. There was a replica of Hydrotherosaurus introduced in 2008, it was joined by the Elasmosaurus in the not-to-scale Prehistoric Life range, whilst in the CollectA Deluxe series, a replica of Thalassomedon was added in 2016.
Members of the Elasmosauridae family represented by CollectA models. The new for 2021 CollectA Elasmosaurus (top). CollectA Hydrotherosaurus (middle) and (bottom) the CollectA Deluxe 1:40 scale Thalassomedon. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
Hydrotherosaurus and Elasmosaurus are closely related, members of the subfamily the Elasmosaurinae whilst Thalassomedon is more distantly related to these two plesiosaurs, it having lived some 25 million years earlier than both Hydrotherosaurus and Elasmosaurus.
A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur commented:
“Over the last twelve years or so, the CollectA Prehistoric Life series has expanded and it now consists of over a hundred models. There are dinosaurs, ancient Palaeozoic creatures and plenty of marine reptiles too”.
To see the range of CollectA not-to-scale prehistoric animal models available from Everything Dinosaur: CollectA Prehistoric Life.
The remaining CollectA Deluxe prehistoric animal models that Everything Dinosaur are going to get this year have arrived and are now available from the UK-based mail order company. The new for 2021 CollectA Deluxe models include the 1:40 scale Dilophosaurus, a replica of the ferocious Cretaceous fish – Xiphactinus and a 1:20 scale model of the glyptodont Doedicurus.
New for 2021 CollectA Deluxe models in stock at Everything Dinosaur. The 1/40th scale Dilophosaurus (top), the 1:40 CollectA Deluxe Xiphactinus (middle) and the CollectA Deluxe 1;20 scale Doedicurus (bottom). Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
The eagerly anticipated CollectA Deluxe Pteranodon will not be in stock at Everything Dinosaur until next year (2022).
Deluxe Models
The CollectA Deluxe range comprises the figures and replicas that have a declared scale. The general scale used for dinosaur figures is 1:40 hence the 1/40th scale Dilophosaurus model. For prehistoric mammals, CollectA use a scale of approximately 1:20. For example, the new Deluxe Doedicurus is in 1:20 scale.
Model collectors and fans of prehistoric animals know that these scales are only arbitrary, there are so many dinosaurs and prehistoric mammals in the Deluxe range representing very different sized animals that these suggested scales can, at best, only be regarded as approximate guides.
The new for 2021 CollectA Deluxe 1:40 scale Dilophosaurus dinosaur model. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
The CollectA Deluxe 1:20 scale Doedicurus model. One of the new CollectA Deluxe prehistoric animal models.
Xiphactinus – Deadly Marine Predator
When Everything Dinosaur team members first announced the CollectA model line-up for 2021, there was much excitement about the addition of a Xiphactinus replica. Several species of Xiphactinus have been named and described. Fossil remains have been found in South America, Europe and most famously North America. Many almost complete and articulated specimens have been excavated from the Smoky Hill Chalk Member of the Niobrara Formation. With an estimated body length approaching six metres, Xiphactinus was one of the largest members of the extinct Ichthyodectidae family.
The CollectA Deluxe 1:40 scale Xiphactinus prehistoric fish model.
A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur commented:
"There have been huge problems with production, shipping and distribution, it is great to see these three models in stock and we look forward to announcing the new for 2022 CollectA Deluxe replicas in the very near future."
To view the range of CollectA Deluxe figures, including the new Xiphactinus, Dilophosaurus and the 1:20 scale Doedicurus models: CollectA Deluxe Prehistoric Life.
Model collectors and fans of prehistoric animals know that these scales are only arbitrary, there are so many dinosaurs and prehistoric mammals in the Deluxe range representing very different sized animals that these suggested scales can, at best, only be regarded as approximate guides.
The new for 2021 CollectA Deluxe 1:40 scale Dilophosaurus dinosaur model. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
The CollectA Deluxe 1:20 scale Doedicurus model. One of the new CollectA Deluxe prehistoric animal models.
Xiphactinus – Deadly Marine Predator
When Everything Dinosaur team members first announced the CollectA model line-up for 2021, there was much excitement about the addition of a Xiphactinus replica. Several species of Xiphactinus have been named and described. Fossil remains have been found in South America, Europe and most famously North America. Many almost complete and articulated specimens have been excavated from the Smoky Hill Chalk Member of the Niobrara Formation. With an estimated body length approaching six metres, Xiphactinus was one of the largest members of the extinct Ichthyodectidae family.
The CollectA Deluxe 1:40 scale Xiphactinus prehistoric fish model.
A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur commented:
“There have been huge problems with production, shipping and distribution, it is great to see these three models in stock and we look forward to announcing the new for 2022 CollectA Deluxe replicas in the very near future.”
To view the range of CollectA Deluxe figures, including the new Xiphactinus, Dilophosaurus and the 1:20 scale Doedicurus models: CollectA Deluxe Prehistoric Life.
The next video to be posted up on the Everything Dinosaur YouTube channel will feature the new for 2021 ITOY Studio Dilophosaurus sinensis dinosaur model. In this short video, due to be published next week (October 2021), Everything Dinosaur will update viewers on the product testing and provide a little bit of information on the controversial species – Dilophosaurus sinensis. Dinosaur fans and model collectors can expect the movie “Jurassic Park” to get a mention too.
The title shot for the next Everything Dinosaur YouTube video in which we update model collectors on plans for a new Dilophosaurus model from ITOY Studio. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
ITOY Studio Dilophosaurus sinensis Dinosaur Model
In Everything Dinosaur’s brief video, viewers will be able to see the new ITOY Studio Dilophosaurus sinensis dinosaur model on the company’s turntable. This will provide a 360-degree view of the figure, we will also show how big this model is and provide measurements, as well as providing a little information about the validity of the species.
ITOY Studio Dilophosaurus sinensis model. A new for 2021 dinosaur model coming into stock very shortly at Everything Dinosaur.
That Spectacular Neck Frill
The narrator will comment on the spectacular neck frill and demonstrate how to fit the dinosaur model securely into its display base. The steps to bring this product to the UK will be explained and details on the independent testing that has been carried out by Eurofins will be highlighted.
In Stock at Everything Dinosaur Before Christmas 2021
The ITOY Studio Dilophosaurus sinensis figure is due to be in stock at Everything Dinosaur before Christmas (2021). A spokesperson for the company stated that if all goes to plan, this excellent dinosaur model should be in stock at Everything Dinosaur in early December. It will be registered for sale by Everything Dinosaur under EU 2019/1020 market surveillance regulations so customers in Europe as well as elsewhere in the world can acquire this model too.
A view of the amazing head crests and the stunning neck frill on the new for 2021 ITOY Studio Dilophosaurus dinosaur model.
ITOY Studio have produced an incredible range of models including spectacular models of Ceratosaurus, Tyrannosaurus rex and the giant Cenozoic mammal Paraceratherium. To view the range of ITOY Studio prehistoric animal models available from Everything Dinosaur: ITOY Studio Models.
Our thanks to dinosaur model fan and fossil collector Luke who sent into Everything Dinosaur some pictures of one of his latest acquisitions, the PNSO Gamba the Carcharodontosaurus model. One of the pictures that Luke provided featured the impressive PNSO Carcharodontosaurus displayed alongside an equally impressive fossil tooth that Luke has in his collection. The broken tooth specimen most probably represents a carcharodontosaurid and we suspect that this fossil originated from Morocco (Kem Kem Formation).
The PNSO Gamba the Carcharodontosaurus dinosaur model stands next to a real carcharodontosaurid tooth. The tooth represents a broken tooth most likely originating from the Kem Kem Formation of Morocco. Picture credit: Luke.
The Kem Kem Formation
The Kem Kem Formation of Morocco and Algeria consists of a series of strata laid down in the Early to the early Late Cretaceous (Albian to Cenomanian faunal stages), approximately 95 to 100 million years ago. The majority of the deposits represent an inter-tidal, estuarine environment, with wide lagoons and flood plains crossed by many rivers. This environment supported an extensive and diverse flora and fauna. The fossils recovered tend to be fragmentary in nature, but numerous large predators have been identified including several different types of theropod dinosaur – abelisaurids, spinosaurids noasaurids and carcharodontosaurids such as Sauroniops and Carcharodontosaurus.
Commenting on the picture sent by Luke, a spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur stated, that the tooth fossil was a fine example of a theropod tooth and it was in very good condition. The spokesperson added:
“The tooth is a fine addition to any fossil collection”.
PNSO Gamba the Carcharodontosaurus Compared to an Elephant Model
In addition to the fossil tooth photograph, Luke kindly sent in a picture of the PNSO Gamba the Carcharodontosaurus compared to a model of an African elephant (Loxodonta). The two figures work well and reminded team members at Everything Dinosaur of the Ray Harryhausen stop-motion animation fight between a carnivorous dinosaur and an elephant from the 1969 film “The Valley of the Gwangi”.
The PNSO Gamba the Carcharodontosaurus dinosaur model is shown next to an African elephant model and a human figure. Picture credit: Luke.
Our thanks to Luke for sending in the pictures. To view the range of PNSO prehistoric animal figures in stock at Everything Dinosaur, including Gamba the Carcharodontosaurus: PNSO Age of Dinosaurs.
Our thanks to Caldey who sent into Everything Dinosaur another drawing of a horned dinosaur. This time Caldey has chosen to illustrate a centrosaurine, the spectacular Diabloceratops (D. eatoni), a plant-eater that roamed Utah during the Campanian faunal stage of the Late Cretaceous.
With its huge pair of horns extending beyond the headshield and its large, brow horns, Diabloceratops (devil horned face), was one very impressive-looking dinosaur.
The very colourful horned dinosaur by talented young artist Caldey. We think that Caldey drew inspiration from the Beasts of the Mesozoic Diabloceratops (D. eatoni) replica. Picture credit: Caldey.
Inspired by a Beasts of the Mesozoic Ceratopsian
Team members at Everything Dinosaur think that this colourful ceratopsian illustration was inspired by the colour scheme on the Beasts of the Mesozoic articulated Diabloceratops figure.
The Beasts of the Mesozoic articulated Diabloceratops eatoni model. This replica of a centrosaurine was part of the first wave of ceratopsian figures to be produced in the Beasts of the Mesozoic range.
The picture above shows the articulated Diabloceratops in the Beasts of the Mesozoic model range.
This Diabloceratops illustration we received this week is not the first Diabloceratops drawing from Caldey that we have been sent. In 2019, Schleich introduced a Diabloceratops figure, this model proved to be extremely popular and shortly after its introduction Caldey sent into Everything Dinosaur her illustration of the Schleich model.
The Schleich Diabloceratops inspired Caldey to illustrate this dinosaur back in 2019. Picture credit: Caldey.
A close-up view of the front end (anterior portion) of the Schleich Diabloceratops dinosaur model. This horned dinosaur model, introduced in 2019 inspired Caldey to produce her first illustration of Diabloceratops that was sent to Everything Dinosaur.Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur commented:
“Some of the spectacular horned dinosaurs that have been recently named and described have proved very popular with palaeoartists of all ages. Our thanks to Caldey for sending into us her Diabloceratops drawing. Her artwork is greatly appreciated”.
The Dino Hazard Irritator challengeri model features in the latest customer newsletter from Everything Dinosaur. This new for 2021, 1:20 scale dinosaur model of a Brazilian dinosaur designed by a Brazilian design team has been given star billing in the latest Everything Dinosaur customer newsletter.
The Dino Hazard Irritator model available from Everything Dinosaur features in the latest Everything Dinosaur customer newsletter. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
Everything Dinosaur has an excellent reputation for customer service. Visit the Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur Toys.
In Stock After Product Testing
As a responsible importer and supplier of prehistoric animal replicas, Everything Dinosaur took responsibility for obtaining a sample and then getting this product tested by an independent testing company (Eurofins). Once the test report had come back, Everything Dinosaur was able to legally import these excellent dinosaur models from China into the company’s UK warehouse. Customer safety is at the heart of the company’s business philosophy, once the test reports had been published and team members were able to adopt the report’s recommendations, the Dino Hazard Irritator challengeri stock could be brought into the UK.
Views of the new for 2021 Dino Hazard Irritator challengeri dinosaur model, which has an articulated lower jaw. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
Dino Hazard Irritator challengeri
The Irritator challengeri figure is the first dinosaur model to be made under the Dino Hazard brand by YvY Figures. The project had originally been set up as a crowdfunded operation. A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur commented:
“We do appreciate how difficult setting up production has been in this current economic climate. We were able to work with the manufacturer and bring in a quantity of the available stock into our warehouse. By doing this, this stunning 1:20 scale figure will be available to many more collectors and dinosaur model enthusiasts”.
The 1:20 scale model is supplied with an optional display base measuring 19 cm x 8 cm and a model of a lungfish. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
The Everything Dinosaur Customer Newsletter
The Everything Dinosaur customer newsletter is sent out periodically to newsletter subscribers. It is free and allows customers to be updated about new products, receive offers, take part in exclusive competitions and to be informed about product development.
Measuring around 37 cm in length and supplied with an optional display base and a model of a prehistoric lungfish, typical of the sort of prey this large theropod hunted, the arrival of the Dino Hazard Irritator challengeri figure has been greeted very enthusiastically by fans of prehistoric animal models.
The excellent Dino Hazard Irritator challengeri dinosaur model is in stock at Everything Dinosaur. The replica of a Brazilian dinosaur, created by a Brazilian design team has reached our warehouse and prehistoric animal model collectors can now acquire this figure from a 5-star rated supplier.
The theropod Irritator challengeri is associated with the Romualdo Formation whilst the lungfish (Equinoxiodus alcantarensis) is associated with the geologically younger Alcântara Formation. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
Product Testing
Team members at the UK-based company secured a sample of this dinosaur figure which then went into product testing with the independent product testing company Eurofins. The figure may be designed for collectors over 14 years of age and it might be marketed as a 14+ figure but Everything Dinosaur prudently took the decision to get this model assessed under the General Product Safety Directive, before committing to stocking it. After all, consumer safety and the well-being of our customers are matters that Everything Dinosaur takes very seriously.
We documented our testing work on the Dino Hazard Irritator challengeri figure in a series of posts and YouTube videos.
Everything Dinosaur team members are working on a YouTube video that will explain the steps that they have to take to ensure a dinosaur model has been properly tested before it can be placed on the market. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
A 1:20 Scale Theropod Model
The impressive theropod model measures around 37 cm in length and the optional display base is approximately 19 cm long and 8 cm in width at its widest part. YvY Figures who are the company behind the Dino Hazard brand state that the Irritator figure is in approximately 1:20 scale.
The Dino Hazard Irritator challengeri is supplied with an optional display base and a lungfish prey item.
Optional Display Base
Whilst there is much to be admired in the details on the display base, the model does not sit well in the footprints. Everything Dinosaur advises that if collectors want to display this figure on the base, then steps are taken to ensure that the figure is permanently fixed to the base. It should be noted that the dinosaur model was designed with the appropriate weight distribution and it can stand without the base.
The Dino Hazard Irritator challengeri dinosaur model can be displayed on or off its base. If the model is displayed on its optionla display base then Everything Dinosaur recommends that this figure is glued to the base. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
Dino Hazard Irritator challengeri Model
A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur stated:
“This is the first prehistoric animal figure under the Dino Hazard brand, more figures are planned including an excellent Carcharodontosaurus model. We have offered our assistance to YvY Figures and already provided them with advice to help get this second project off the ground and running. As for the Dino Hazard Irritator challengeri model, we are delighted to act as a legal importer and distributor for this excellent figure”.
For the time being, the Dino Hazard Irritator has been placed in the W-Dragon section of the Everything Dinosaur website, this has been done until YvY Figures have more models in their inventory so we can provide a dedicated product section for the Dino Hazard brand.
PNSO are to add a model of the giant, prehistoric, toothed whale known as Livyatan to its mid-size model range. The figure, Requena the Livyatan is likely to be in stock at Everything Dinosaur sometime in mid to late November.
A close-up view of the head of Requena the Livyatan.
PNSO Requena the Livyatan
Named and described in 2010 (L. melvillei), Livyatan is known from the Pisco Formation of Peru, although isolated fossil teeth indicate that it may have ranged over much of the Southern Hemisphere. The species name honours the American author Herman Melville who wrote “Moby Dick”, an epic story of the quest to hunt a giant, white sperm whale. The novel was first published in October 1851, now almost exactly 170 years later, PNSO have introduced a replica of this huge cetacean, one of the largest predators of all time.
PNSO Requena the Livyatan prehistoric whale model anterior view.
Livyatan Model Measurements
The new PNSO prehistoric whale figure measures an impressive 32 cm in length. The tip of the small dorsal fin stands some 8.5 cm off the ground. Given the curve of the body of the model, PNSO state that the actual length of the figure is over 36.5 cm. Livyatan is only known from skull material and isolated teeth. Palaeontologists are not sure how big this prehistoric whale from the Miocene Epoch was. Size estimates vary between 13.5 metres and 18 metres long.
PNSO does not publish a scale for their mid-size models, however, based on the stated curved length of the model, team members at Everything Dinosaur estimate that the PNSO Requena the Livyatan replica is between 1:36 and 1:49 scale.
The PNSO Requena the Livyatan model measures 32 cm long and the model is 8.5 cm high.
In Stock at Everything Dinosaur November 2021
A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur confirmed that they had known about this model for a while. However, they wanted PNSO to make the official announcement before commenting.
The spokesperson added:
“We have known about PNSO model plans for some time. It is wonderful to have a replica of a prehistoric whale added to the PNSO model range, especially since this company has already produced a model of the contemporaneous prehistoric shark Otodus which is better known as Megalodon.”
The PNSO Requena the Livyatan prehistoric whale model.
Supplied with Support Stands
The PNSO Requena the Livyatan model is supplied with two transparent support stands to help this prehistoric whale figure to be displayed.
The spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur added, that they had received requests from many prehistoric animal model collectors to lobby for more prehistoric mammals to be added to ranges. The addition of a Livyatan replica, the first mainstream model of this giant, prehistoric whale to have been produced, is exactly what many model collectors have been looking for.
The PNSO Requena the Livyatan model is likely to be in stock mid to late November 2021.
PNSO Requena the Livyatan packaging.
PNSO Age of Dinosaurs Prehistoric Animal Models
To view the range of PNSO prehistoric animal models available from Everything Dinosaur: PNSO Age of Dinosaurs.
Dinosaur model fan and collector William sent into Everything Dinosaur his review of the PNSO “Chuanzi” the Tarbosaurus dinosaur model that he had recently purchased.
The product packaging for the new PNSO Tarbosaurus dinosaur replica.
PNSO Tarbosaurus Dinosaur Model Reviewed
Our thanks to William for providing us with such a detailed and comprehensive dinosaur model review.
Here is William’s review of “Chuanzi” the Tarbosaurus:
PNSO 2021 Tarbosaurus bataar “Chuanzi”. 1/32 -1/38 Scale Model. Length: 12 inches. Height: 3.5 inches. Box: Standard white PNSO issue with the acrylic stand and a beautiful booklet.
A close-up view of the head of the new for 2021 PNSO “Chuanzi” the Tarbosaurus dinosaur model.
Examining the Head and Jaws of the Tarbosaurus Figure
William begins his review by focusing on the head and the articulated jaws. He comments that although the model sports a typical Tyrannosaurinae head, the sculpt is no clone of a Tyrannosaurus rex model. Instead, the Tarbosaurus has a longer snout and the skull is more elongated. William approves of this commenting:
“He’s his own Tarbo not a Rexy and I like him.”
The detailed scaling on the head especially around the orbital fenestrae and the nasal ridge is praised. The reviewer states that no shrink wrapping of the skull is to be found and the articulated jaws have been sculpted to the high standards expected of the manufacturer (PNSO). William explains that the inside of the mouth has been well-painted and compliments the near white teeth for showing some staining on their lower portions, speculating that this represents dried blood.
The PNSO “Chuanzi” the Tarbosaurus dinosaur model has an articulated lower jaw.
Leading on to the Limbs
William comments that “Chuanzi” has the smallest forelimbs of all the Tyrannosaurinae and postulates that they may have played a role in courtship and bonding between individuals. The perfectly sculpted shoulder muscles are highlighted and the fine detail of the two-fingered hands commented upon.
William stated:
“High hips with very powerful hip muscles – just marvellous.”
Model collectors and other reviewers have commented upon the robust and heavy-set appearance of this model, perhaps a nod towards the Asian affinity of this super-sized theropod from a Chinese manufacturer, but for William, whilst he comments on the heft and girth of the figure he saves his highest praise for the limbs, stating:
“In my humble opinion, the greatest set of upper and lower limbs that I have ever seen on any model.”
That Big, Bold Body
The bulky appearance of the Tarbosaurus replica is praised. William exclaims that this was one carnivorous dinosaur that did not diet. He suggests the figure gives the impression that this theropod has had a very good meal, perhaps it has recently dined upon a Nemegtosaurus, a titanosaur which was contemporaneous with Tarbosaurus.
PNSO Prehistoric Dinosaur Models: 51 “Chuanzi” the Tarbosaurus
Commenting on the Paint Scheme and Colouration
William begins his review of the paint scheme by pointing out the black wash that runs from the tip of the snout and along both the upper and lower jaws. It contrasts with the yellow nasal crests and the pale-yellow sclera of the eyes. The upper portions of the body are painted grey, reminiscent of today’s large terrestrial land mammals such as elephants and rhinos. The underside of the body and the throat area are more muted with faded browns and dun colours whilst the claws are black.
William added:
“He [Tarbosaurus] may not be striped or dappled but his paint app gives him the air of a true apex predator.”
Discovery and History
In common with earlier reviews, William concludes his comments on the PNSO figure by providing some information about Tarbosaurus.
Temporal range: Late Cretaceous (Campanian-Maastrichtian) 70 million years ago. Tarbosaurus bataar “Awesome Lizard” Estimates of 33 to 39 feet in length and weighing 4 to 5 tons.
A combined Soviet-Mongolian expedition in 1946 was mounted into the Gobi Desert in the Province of Ömnögovi. Skull material and some vertebrae were recovered. It was not until 1955 that Russian palaeontologist Evgeny Maleev first described and named the holotype of Tyrannosaurus bataar believing this Asian theropod to be closely related to Tyrannosaurus rex. Fossils from the Nemegt Formation were assigned to a number of theropods by Maleev, for example Tarbosaurus efremovi, Gorgosaurus lancinator and Gorgosaurus novojilovi, although these are now thought to represent different growth stages of T. bataar (from A. K. Rozhdestvensky, 1965).
William explained that “Chuanzi” would have stalked and hunted a varied array of herbivorous dinosaurs. Palaeontologists have speculated that this large theropod would have also scavenged carcases.
Summarising his review William added:
“Chuanzi is the only Tarbosaurus out there that is not just a standard T. rex renamed. Regarding purchasing him, I never thought twice about buying the “Incredible Bulk”, he is more than great, he’s awesome. If you miss out on him you know you will regret it later, so strengthen your shelves and own him.”
Everything Dinosaur would like to thank William for his PNSO model reviews.
To view the range of PNSO prehistoric animals in stock at Everything Dinosaur: PNSO Age of Dinosaurs.
The new for 2021 Papo Megalodon model has arrived at Everything Dinosaur. This is the first new prehistoric animal model to be added to the Papo “Les Dinosaures” range this year. Like many model manufacturers, Papo have found it difficult to introduce new figures due to the global pandemic and issues with logistics, but this splendid prehistoric shark replica has been well worth the wait.
The new for 2021 Papo Megalodon model, one of just two replicas to be introduced by the French model and figure manufacturer this year. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
Classifying Megalodon
Regarded by many researchers as the biggest shark known to science and indeed, one of the largest fish to have ever existed “Megalodon” certainly has iconic status. Models of this apex predator, adult animals are believed to have fed on whales, have always been popular and in August 2018 the film “The Meg” premiered. The plot for the movie considered the possibility that these prehistoric sharks are not extinct and inhabit the deepest parts of the ocean. The film was a huge box office success and grossed over $530 million USD in box office sales. Although sightings of really large sharks have been made, most scientists believe that Otodus megalodon became extinct more than 2.5 million years ago.
Known mainly from fossilised teeth, the taxonomic position of “Megalodon” remains controversial. The famous Swiss zoologist Louis Agassiz published a scientific description in 1843 and erected the name Carcharodon megalodon as he believed that this prehistoric shark was closely related to the extant Great White (Carcharodon carcharias). This idea has fallen out of favour and it is now thought that Otodus megalodon was a member of the extinct shark family the Otodontidae, which diverged from those sharks that eventually led to the evolution of the modern Great White during the Cretaceous. It is likely that the ancestors of the Great White and Otodus were contemporaneous and the lineages may have competed against each other for resources (interspecific competition).
The Papo Otodus megalodon model (lateral view). Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
Model Measurements
The Papo Megalodon model measures around 20.5 cm in length and that impressive dorsal fin is around 5.5 cm off the ground. The model is supplied with a transparent support stand which also serves to protect the broad, wide pectoral fins during shipping.
The Papo Otodus megalodon model in anterior view. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur commented that they were delighted to be able to get this excellent shark figure into stock and that the published image from Papo for this model did not do it justice. They also stated that team members had taken the decision to update their “Megalodon” fact sheet that is sent out with sales of this figure. It was thought appropriate to amend the classification as stated in the fact sheet from Carcharocles megalodon to Otodus megalodon to reflect the latest scientific thinking, although the spokesperson did also comment that the taxonomic classification of this iconic prehistoric fish remained uncertain.
