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 new for 2024 Schleich red Brachiosaurus model has arrived at Everything Dinosaur. It arrived along with the new Schleich Stegosaurus figure. Both dinosaur models are now on-line and available to purchase.
The Schleich red Brachiosaurus and Stegosaurus dinosaur model have arrived and are now in stock. Team members were busy unloading the figures and allocating space for them in the company’s warehouse. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
The New for 2024 Schleich Red Brachiosaurus Figures
The red Brachiosaurus model is a new version of an earlier Schleich Brachiosaurus. The red tones are most impressive. This new sauropod figure measures twenty-seven centimetres in length (approximately). The carefully sculpted head is around nineteen centimetres off the ground. The Schleich red Brachiosaurus model is supplied with an Everything Dinosaur Brachiosaurus fact sheet.
Five new Schleich dinosaur models and one repainted Brachiosaurus figure. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
The Schleich Stegosaurus is a new sculpt. The Stegosaurus is approximately twenty centimetres long. Those impressive, red plates over the hips of this dinosaur are around ten centimetres off the ground.
At Everything Dinosaur, we receive lots of emails from fans of prehistoric animals. Many of these emails contain questions. For example, we received an enquiry earlier this week asking what other types of prehistoric fish lived alongside placoderms? That is an excellent question! We are no experts on the evolutionary development of fishes, but since the questioner wanted to know about brackish and freshwater environments in the Devonian, we thought we would try to help.
Defining Placoderms
The Devonian covers approximately sixty million years. It is often referred to as the “Age of Fishes”, due to the radiation of several fish types including the Sarcopterygii (lobe-finned fishes), the placoderms and sharks (cartilaginous fish otherwise referred to as chondrichthyians).
(Class Placodermi) represents an extremely diverse and varied group of jawed fishes that evolved during the Silurian, thrived in the Devonian but seem to have died out during the end-Devonian mass extinction. They were the first fish to evolve a pair of pelvic fins. Several Orders have been described all united by the defining characteristic of the Placodermi, their heads and thorax being covered by a series of articulated, armoured plates.
Perhaps the best-known placoderm is Dunkleosteus (D. terrelli). It was a member of the Arthodira and is thought to represent the earliest vertebrate “superpredator”.
Swimming into view a placoderm model – Dunkleosteus. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
The picture (above) shows the Schleich Dunkleosteus figure.
Non-marine Vertebrate Fauna of the Emsian Faunal Stage
The query requested information regarding non-marine fish from the Early Devonian. We decided to examine the fossil record of freshwater and estuarine fish from the Emsian faunal stage of the Early Devonian. This would cover the period of Earth’s history from 407.5 million years ago to around 393 million years ago.
Although it is thought that vertebrates evolved in marine environments, by the Early Devonian many different types of fish had adapted to brackish or freshwater. Placoderms are known from non-marine palaeoenvironments of the Early Devonian. In addition, heterostracans are also associated with non-marine palaeoenvironments.
Heterostracans (Heterostraci) are an extinct subclass of the Agnatha (jawless fishes). There is some fossil evidence to indicate that jawless fish of the Pteraspidiformes Order, most notably pteraspids and drepanaspids lived in brackish and freshwater environments. These types of fish may have been preyed upon by the jawed placoderms. A scientific paper exploring potential predator/prey relationships was published in 2019 (Randle and Sansom).
Research suggests that predation by jawed vertebrates could have eradicated some types of jawless fish.
Picture credit: Julio Lacerda/The University of Manchester
During the Silurian and Early Devonian, possible predators of pteraspids and drepanaspids could have been jawed vertebrates as well as eurypterids.
We replied to the customer and emailed them some information in response to their query. We also included links to two blog posts that examined the Placodermi and potential Early Devonian food webs in more detail.
The customer emailed later to thank us for the information.
A new 1:20 scale Polacanthus foxii model will be added to the CollectA Deluxe range this year. This armoured dinosaur was named in 1865. At the time, it was one of only a handful of armoured dinosaurs known to science. It was named before Stegosaurus (Marsh 1877) and Ankylosaurus (Brown 1908). The CollectA Polacanthus model represents the very latest scientific interpretation of this iconic dinosaur.
The Sacral Shield
This dinosaur is famous for its shield of armour located over the hips (sacral shield). This fused sheet of dermal armour was repaired and restored by Caleb Barlow (1882). He did a remarkable job considering the fossils had deteriorated and the work was regarded as a “hopeless undertaking” by the geologist John Whitaker Hulke. Most descriptions of the osteoderms and raised bosses associated with this sacral shield refer to four rows of osteoderms on each side of this pelvic shield. However, these features do not seem to be present in the fossil material.
A close-up view of the sacral shield on the CollectA Polacanthus model. Damaged spikes are highlighted by red arrows. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
The shield on the CollectA Polacanthus model does reflect the morphology of the fossil material. It closely follows the layout of dermal armour as indicated in lithographs of the actual fossils that were produced in the late 19th century.
Hulke described the specimen based on the restored material in 1887. The Hungarian polymath Franz Nopcsa created the first skeletal reconstruction and hypothesised that tail armour consisted of eleven rows of parallel spines that became smaller towards the distal end of the tail. The CollectA Polacanthus model has eleven rows of caudal spines. However, unlike Nopsca’s illustration, the armour is orientated horizontally reflecting the arrangement of tail armour associated with better known nodosaurids like Gastonia burgei.
He also suggested that there were two rows of upward pointing presacral spines. The first reconstruction of the skeleton occurred in 1905 when the fragmentary fossils of P. foxii were put on public display.
The new for 2024 CollectA Deluxe 1:20 scale Polacanthus figure. The model lacks presacral spines. Whilst the configuration of dermal armour remains unknown, it is likely that the spines and spikes were located on the flanks and were directed outwards rather than upwards.
CollectA Polacanthus Model
The CollectA Polacanthus model does not have vertically orientated presacral spines. Instead, the model has spines that are located on the flank and point outwards. This is a more modern depiction of the armour and reflects the fact that much of the fossil material previously associated with this genus has been reassigned.
An illustration of Polacanthus from circa 1950. Polacanthus is depicted as lizard-like with round, conical and upward pointing armoured spikes. This reconstruction of Polacanthus foxii is now regarded as outdated. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
The CollectA Polacanthus model is due in stock at Everything Dinosaur later this year.
At Everything Dinosaur, we like to help customers. For example, we were contacted by a Rebor model fan who asked whether the Rebor Triceratops Trident King figure could be displayed on a Rebor diorama display base. Two Triceratops models in 1:35 scale were introduced into this range in 2022. Rebor also added two, beautiful model display bases that year. These bases were named “summer kisses” and “winter tears”.
We were happy to take some photographs and send them to the customer.
The Rebor Triceratops Trident King figure on the “Summer Kisses” Rebor diorama display base. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
A Rebor Triceratops Model on a “Summer Kisses” Display Base
We selected the “summer kisses” display base for our Triceratops Trident King model. The display bases are sold as a pair. They each measure twenty centimetres in length and are twelve and a half centimetres wide. The stunning tree stump on the base is around nine centimetres high. Several photographs were emailed to the customer, each one providing a different view of the Triceratops figure on the display base.
A Triceratops model on the “Summer Kisses” diorama display base (dorsal view). Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
To view the range of Rebor models and figures available from Everything Dinosaur: Rebor Replicas and Figures.
Providing Advice to Customers
Team members are happy to provide advice for customers. We are frequently asked to take photographs of figures or to provide more detailed measurements of models. Enquiries about the declared scale of models are answered too. After all, we are also dinosaur model collectors.
Triceratops from Rebor displayed on the “Summer Kisses” diorama display base. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
If you have a query regarding prehistoric animal models or figures email Everything Dinosaur: Email Everything Dinosaur.
The new Schleich Stegosaurus (2024) dinosaur model is coming into stock at Everything Dinosaur. Team members took the opportunity to photograph this new Schleich figure at the Spielwarenmesse.
The new for 2024 Schleich Stegosaurus dinosaur model. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
The Schleich Stegosaurus (2024)
Schleich have chosen to give their new ornithischian figure an extremely scaly skin. Schleich prehistoric animal models are known for their tactile qualities. The design team have worked hard on creating the model’s texture. The elaborate, multi-layered plates on the back of the model are intriguing. However, we don’t think these plates are scientifically accurate.
The new for 2024 Schleich Stegosaurus dinosaur model shown in right lateral view. This photograph was taken at a recent trade show. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Schleich have produced several versions of Stegosaurus over the years. This armoured dinosaur is extremely popular with children. It regularly appears in the top five of our surveys examining the popularity of prehistoric animals.
A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur commented:
“We are looking forward to receiving the new Schleich Stegosaurus. It will be stock at Everything Dinosaur very soon. The Stegosaurus joins the new for 2024 Schleich figures that are already in our warehouse. We expect the new colour version of the Schleich Brachiosaurus, the red Brachiosaurus model will arrive at the same time as the Schleich Stegosaurus.”
New for 2024 Schleich Stegosaurus model.
The Schleich Stegosaurus (2024) figure measures twenty centimetres in length. Those elaborate hip plates are around ten centimetres off the ground. This figure along with the Schleich red Brachiosaurus model will be in stock soon.
Everything Dinosaur has received some new images of Mojo Fun prehistoric animal models. One of our favourites highlights the recently introduced Mojo Fun Woolly Rhinoceros. This replica of Coelodonta antiquitatis was introduced in 2023. The model has proved to be extremely popular with prehistoric animal model collectors.
The popular and highly praised Mojo Fun Woolly Rhinoceros model.
This Woolly Rhino model measures approximately 18 cm in length. Everything Dinosaur team members estimate its head height is around 7 cm. It is a stunning figure of a prehistoric mammal.
The new for 2023 Mojo Fun Woolly Rhino model is in stock. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur praised Mojo Fun for their excellent Woolly Rhino image and added:
“The Woolly Rhino is synonymous with the Ice Age. However, these magnificent animals were geographically widespread during the Pleistocene Epoch and thrived in grassland habitats.”
The Wild Safari Prehistoric World Utahraptor dinosaur model is now in stock. This extremely colourful and detailed dromaeosaur model is available from Everything Dinosaur. Team members got the opportunity to photograph the figure whilst visiting a trade show in Europe.
The Wild Safari Prehistoric World Utahraptor model spotted at a trade show. The soon to be available colourful Kentrosaurus figure can be seen to the left of the Utahraptor. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
This hand-painted Utahraptor replica measures twenty-three centimetres in length. It stands around eleven and a half centimetres tall. It is an extremely colourful dinosaur model. The vivid blue colouration reminds us of a budgerigar. Dromaeosaurids like Utahraptor are, after all, distantly related to modern birds. The Wild Safari Prehistoric World Utahraptor dinosaur model is supplied with an Everything Dinosaur Utahraptor fact sheet.
A Wild Safari Prehistoric World Utahraptor dinosaur model.
A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur welcomed the arrival of the Utahraptor dinosaur model. Other new figures from Safari Ltd will be available later in the year.
Unpacking the new Wild Safari Prehistoric World Utahraptor dinosaur figure. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
To view the extensive range of prehistoric animal figures and dinosaur toys available from Everything Dinosaur’s award-winning website: Visit Everything Dinosaur.
In 2020, CollectA introduced a Horseshoe crab model. These animals are members of the Limulidae family. This model of an ancient invertebrate is extremely detailed. The Horseshoe crab lineage has a fossil record that dates back to the Ordovician. Team members were asked to take some photographs of the figure for a palaeontology related project.
CollectA Horseshoe crab in lateral view. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
The CollectA Horseshoe Crab Model
The model is very detailed, and the paint scheme makes this replica look extremely realistic. However, it is on the underside where the care and dedication of the design team really shows.
The CollectA Horseshoe crab model in ventral view (view of the underside). Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
The small chelicerae (modified claws) are bent towards the mouth. These appendages pass food into the mouth. The walking legs show the bifurcated end segments, and the rear “pusher” leg is clearly visible. The design team have included a vent at the base of the long, pointed telson.
An Atlantic Horseshoe crab in ventral view (view of the underside). Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
The picture (above) shows an Atlantic Horseshoe crab (Limulus polyphemus) in ventral view. It is on display at the London Natural History Museum.
CollectA Age of Dinosaurs Popular Size Horseshoe crab figure. The model measures 15 centimetres in length and the width of the carapace is 7.7 cm approximately.
In horseshoe crabs, the head and thorax are fused. This structure is called the prosoma. It is also sometimes referred to as the cephalothorax. The cephalothorax is covered in a hard, protective carapace.
With the publication of the scientific paper announcing the discovery of Eoneophron infernalis, we at Everything Dinosaur thought we would take a closer look at the Caenagnathidae. The Caenagnathidae family (pronounced seen-nag-nay-thid-ay), are part of the Oviraptorosauria clade of maniraptoran theropod dinosaurs. They are closely related to the oviraptorids (Oviraptoridae family).
A scale drawing of a dinosaur (Anzu wyliei). This dinosaur is a member of the Caenagnathidae family, and its fossils come from the Hell Creek Formation (Maastrichtian faunal stage of the Late Cretaceous). Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
The Maniraptora clade consists of coelurosaurian dinosaurs and is defined as including the birds and the non-avian dinosaurs more closely related to them than to Ornithomimus velox. As well as containing the Oviraptorosauria, this clade also includes several other groups such as the dromaeosaurids, the Troodontidae family and the therizinosaurs.
The Oviraptorosauria clade* is comprised of the Caudipteridae family and two closely related dinosaur families the Caenagnathidae and the Oviraptoridae that together are classified as the Caenagnathoidea. The Oviraptorosauria are united by having very bird-like skeletons, with highly pneumatised bones. In addition, the rostrum is very short, and these dinosaurs have beaks. The beak is often, but not always edentulous (no teeth). These dinosaurs were all probably feathered.
An Oviraptor dinosaur model (CollectA Age of Dinosaurs).
The image (above) depicts an Oviraptor model from the CollectA Age of Dinosaurs range.
The Caenagnathidae Family and Eoneophron infernalis
The family Caenagnathidae, together with its closely related sister family the Oviraptoridae, comprises the superfamily Caenagnathoidea. Virtually all known members of this superfamily are confined to the Late Cretaceous. Taxonomically the Caenagnathidae is defined as Chirostenotes pergracilis and all other theropods more closely related to it than they are to Oviraptor philoceratops.
Most of these dinosaurs tend to be quite small. As a result, they are probably underrepresented in the fossil record. For example, Anzu wyliei was thought until recently to be the only caenagnathid from the Hell Creek Formation. However, there are probably at least three caenagnathids present in Hell Creek strata, including the recently named Eoneophron infernalis.
The femur (left) and right tibia (right) of Eoneophron. Picture credit: Kyle Atkins-Weldman.
Caenagnathids Not Closely Related to Ostriches
The Caenagnathidae family was originally erected by Raymond Martin Sternberg (1940), the son of the pioneering palaeontologist Charles Mortram Sternberg. Raymond Martin Sternberg thought that these dinosaurs were flightless birds. He erected the Caenagnathidae family which translates as “recent jaws”. It was mistakenly thought that these theropods were closely related to the Palaeognathae “old jaws” bird family. Extant palaeognath birds include the flightless Kiwi, the Ostrich and the Rhea as well as volant forms such as Tinamou birds. It is now known that the Caenagnathidae family of non-avian dinosaurs are not closely related to palaeognaths.
Caenagnathids are confined to the Late Cretaceous of Asia and North America. They tend to have small heads, long necks and short tails.
Time-calibrated Oviraptorosauria clade consensus tree showing the position of Eoneophron infernalis. Picture credit: Atkins-Weltman et al.
Challenging Phylogenetic Assessment
Whilst the fragmentary nature of most caenagnathid specimens makes phylogenetic assessment challenging, in the recent Eoneophron infernalis paper the researchers undertook a time-calibrated phylogenetic analysis of the Oviraptorosauria. Eoneophron was placed as a sister taxon to Citipes elegans and Elmisaurus rarus.
The difficulties involved in classifying oviraptorosaurs is exemplified by this placement. Although skeletal similarities between these three dinosaurs exist, there is a lack of comparable fossil material to study. Citipes elegans is geologically older. Its fossils come from the Dinosaur Provincial Park Formation of Alberta (Campanian faunal stage of the Late Cretaceous). In contrast, Elmisaurus rarus probably predates Eoneophron infernalis by a couple of million years. It too is from the Maastrichtian faunal stage of the Cretaceous. However, E. rarus fossils come from the Nemegt Formation of Mongolia.
A revision of already described specimens coupled with improved fossil sampling should help palaeontologists to gain a better understanding of the taxonomy of the Oviraptorosauria and specifically the enigmatic Caenagnathidae.
The Oviraptorosauria clade* also includes some other theropods regarded as basal members of this clade. For example, Incisivosaurus gauthieri from the Early Cretaceous of China.
Everything Dinosaur team members had the opportunity to view the five new Mojo Fun repaints for 2024 at the recent Spielwarenmesse trade fair in Germany. The repainted dinosaur models will be in stock at Everything Dinosaur soon. The five figures include the Parasaurolophus (biped and quadruped stance), the Baryonyx, Troodon and a Stegosaurus.
The five repainted Mojo Fun dinosaur models for 2024. The standing Parasaurolophus (left) and the Parasaurolophus in the quadrupedal pose (mid left). The repainted Baryonyx is at the back and the Stegosaurus repaint is also at the back (back right). A pair of Troodon repaints can be seen (right). Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Whilst there are new dinosaur models scheduled for 2025, the 2024 offering consists of five repainted figures. The Mojo Fun repaints for 2024 are listed below:
Standing Parasaurolophus.
Quadrupedal Parasaurolophus.
Stegosaurus.
Troodon with an articulated jaw.
Baryonyx with an articulated jaw.
The repainted Mojo Fun Baryonyx figure for 2024. This figure has a muted colour scheme compared to the original Mojo Fun Baryonyx. The articulated jaw has been retained. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur commented:
“We had the opportunity to see the new Mojo Fun repaints at the recent Spielwarenmesse in Germany. We were particularly impressed with the paint schemes. The Baryonyx and the Troodon figures are our personal favourites.”
