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.
It is another hectic day at Everything Dinosaur. Team members have been busy picking and packing orders for customers. However, there was time to take a quick photograph of three Horseshoe crab soft toys. These cute and cuddly invertebrates will soon be on their way to customers.
The horseshoe crab soft toys look quite happy at the prospect of leaving our warehouse.
A trio of horseshoe crab soft toys photographed in the Everything Dinosaur warehouse. These cute and cuddly animals will soon be on their way to customers. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
Prehistoric Plush
Everything Dinosaur stocks a wide range of dinosaur soft toys and prehistoric plush. We have T. rex soft toys, Triceratops and even Woolly Mammoths. We also like to stock some of the more unusual soft toys. Horseshoe crabs are still around today, but they first evolved nearly five hundred million years ago.
Our Horseshoe crab soft toys represent “living fossils”. However, these marine animals are under threat. Habitat destruction that accompanies coastal development presents a danger and the animals are used as bait in the fishing industry. Their unusual metabolism and their blue-coloured blood has been extensively studied. The blood has clotting agents (amebocytes), which are of great benefit to medical science.
A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur commented that they thought the horseshoe crabs were cute and cuddly.
The spokesperson added:
“These are beautiful soft toys and very unusual. The horseshoe crab soft toys looked like they were smiling at us as they awaited their turn to be packed. We took a quick photograph before returning to our packing duties.”
Visit the award-winning and user-friendly Everything Dinosaur website: Everything Dinosaur.
Our thanks to Caldey who sent into Everything Dinosaur her illustration of the tyrannosaur Bistahieversor sealeyi. It is a beautiful Bistahieversor drawing. We think this piece of artwork was inspired by the recently introduced Beasts of the Mesozoic 1/18th scale Bistahieversor sealeyi figure. Congratulations Caldey, it is a stunning illustration.
An anterior view of a Bistahieversor by Caldey. A stunning theropod dinosaur illustration that was inspired by the Beasts of the Mesozoic 1/18th Bistahieversor sealeyi figure.
Picture credit: Caldey
A Beautiful Bistahieversor
Teeth representing a tyrannosaur had been discovered in sediments associated with the Hunter Wash Member of the Kirtland Formation (New Mexico). Skeletal material representing a juvenile tyrannosaur was found and in 1997 the remains of a much larger animal were discovered. These remains represented an adult which would have measured over eight metres long. Bistahieversor was formally named and described in 2010 (Carr and Williamson). The species name honours Paul Sealey, a museum volunteer who found the adult specimen.
The Beasts of the Mesozoic Bistahieversor sealeyi box. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
A spokesperson from the UK mail order company stated:
“The colourful Beasts of the Mesozoic figures have inspired many young artists to create illustrations. Caldey’s beautiful Bistahieversor drawing is a wonderful example. The detail that Caldey has captured is stunning and we love the way in which she has depicted the nasal crest associated with this theropod dinosaur.”
Our thanks to Caldey for sending in her wonderful dinosaur drawing.
On November 7th, 1924, the American Museum of Natural History published a short, scientific paper written by Henry Fairfield Osborn which described three types of new theropod dinosaur based on fossils from the Djadochta Formation (Gobi Desert). The first theropod documented was Velociraptor mongoliensis. Its description being based on a skull and jaws (specimen number A. M. 6515) along with additional material including the scythe-like second toe claw, although in the paper this was misidentified, it was thought the claw came from a first finger of the hand.
A close-up view of the detailed wing. In the 1924 scientific paper describing V. mongoliensis, the second toe claw was thought to have come from a finger. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Osborn surmised that these fossils represented an “alert, swift-moving carnivorous dinosaur”, hence the genus name Velociraptor which translates as “swift thief” or “speedy robber”. At the time Velociraptor was thought to be a diminutive member of the Megalosauridae. Over the last hundred years, more than a dozen Velociraptor mongoliensis skeletons have been found. As our understanding of theropod taxonomy has developed, these types of dinosaur, the swift lizards, the dromaeosaurs are now known to be very distantly related to the megalosaur family.
The skull was found on August 11th, 1923, by expedition member Peter Kaisen. Ironically, it was found lying alongside the skull of a Protoceratops (Protoceratops andrewsi) and indeed, ever since, these two dinosaurs Protoceratops andrewsi and Velociraptor mongoliensis have been linked together as predator and prey. Perhaps most spectacularly in the remarkable “fighting dinosaurs” specimen that preserves a Velociraptor and Protoceratops locked in mortal combat.
A skeleton of a Protoceratops on display. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
The New CollectA Deluxe Velociraptor (2024 Release)
Whilst the new for 2024 CollectA Deluxe 1:6 scale Velociraptor does not show signs of an encounter with a Protoceratops, it does reflect Osborn’s original view of this being an “alert, swift-moving carnivorous dinosaur”. In addition, the figure reflects some of the very latest research into members of the Maniraptora. In 2023, researchers from the University of Tokyo applied a statistical analysis on forelimb structure that demonstrated that dinosaurs like Velociraptor had a propatagium (pronounced pro-pah-ta-gee-um). This is a soft tissue structure that joins the wrists and the shoulders. This structure is seen in living, volant birds. It helps with the wing flapping motion and provides a leading edge to the wing. Without this structure, birds could not fly.
Velociraptor could not fly, so why did it have a propatagium? This has been the subject of much debate amongst palaeontologists. Perhaps it had a role in visual display. Perhaps it acted as an additional stabiliser as the animal turned swiftly, or maybe it demonstrated fitness for breeding. It has been suggested that an enlarged surface area of the forelimb would have been beneficial in helping to shade eggs or perhaps it played some other role in the brooding process.
CollectA Deluxe Velociraptor model.
Whatever the reason or reasons for the propatagium, it is great to see CollectA have incorporated some of the very latest research into their commemorative Velociraptor figure.
Everything Dinosaur has commissioned a CollectA Diprotodon drawing. The illustration of the largest marsupial known to science is to be used in a Diprotodon fact sheet. The fact sheet will be available from Everything Dinosaur with sales of the new for 2024 CollectA Deluxe Diprotodon model.
The recently commissioned CollectA Diprotodon drawing for use in an Everything Dinosaur Diprotodon fact sheet. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
CollectA Diprotodon Drawing
The illustration will be modified, and a human figure added for scale. This drawing will then provide fact sheet readers with a visual size guide for this herbivore. The CollectA Deluxe Diprotodon is a male, and the illustration will reflect this. Males were much larger than females, perhaps reaching a length of four metres or more. The shoulder height of a fully grown male Diprotodon was around 1.8 metres.
The CollectA Diprotodon model will be available from Everything Dinosaur in 2024.
CollectA Diprotodon has a torn ear. It is likely big males fought each other for mating rates, territory and social status.
The CollectA Diprotodon figure will have a torn ear. An injury sustained most probably in a fight with another male. However, our Diprotodon illustration shows this powerful marsupial with its left ear restored.
Educating and Informing
A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur commented that fact sheets were sent out with most of the models the company supplies as these fact sheets help to inform customers about prehistoric animals and palaeontology.
The spokesperson added:
“The fact sheet will be researched and written in plenty of time for the arrival of the CollectA Deluxe Diprotodon. We expect the Diprotodon model to be available around the middle of next year.”
The next Everything Dinosaur YouTube review will feature the recently announced new for 2024 CollectA Deluxe 1:6 scale Velociraptor model. It is likely to be posted up on the company’s YouTube channel in a few days. The video will feature an early prototype Velociraptor figure.
Team members will review the CollectA Deluxe Velociraptor model, a figure which is due to be in stock at Everything Dinosaur by the middle of 2024.
Everything Dinosaur’s next YouTube video will feature the new for 2024 CollectA Deluxe 1:6 scale Velociraptor model. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
The Everything Dinosaur YouTube channel contains dozens of CollectA model video reviews. We have plans to release a video highlighting all seven of the new for 2024 CollectA prehistoric animal figures.
The CollectA Deluxe Velociraptor is in approximate 1:6 scale. The early prototype figure we highlight in the video review is about the actual size of the production figures. It measures 32 cm long. At a scale of 1:6 a fully-grown Velociraptor would be 1.92 metres in length. At this size, it is within the parameters for Velociraptor mongoliensis proposed by most palaeontologists.
The Velociraptor genus was erected in 1924, when Velociraptor mongoliensis was formally described (Osborn). CollectA plans to introduce a new, updated Velociraptor to celebrate a hundred years since this dinosaur was named.
The new Rebor GNG alligator models are in stock at Everything Dinosaur. Both figures are available, the “Downpour” and the “Basking” colour schemes. The pair of alligator figures are the latest editions to the Rebor GrabNGo range.
Each Rebor GNG figure measures 62 cm long. The figures are approximately 10.5 cm high and around 10 cm wide across the back.
Rebor GNG Alligator Models
Both figures are the same sculpt, just the colouration depicted by the subtle painting schemes is different. Each figure is supplied in two parts. Some assembly is required, the tail has to be fitted into the body. When assembled the alligator figure measures approximately 62 cm long. The highest point of the back is around 10.5 cm off the ground. Across the torso, the impressive alligator model is about 10 cm wide.
The new Rebor GrabNGo alligators require some assembly. The tail and body sections have to be heated to permit insertion. The stiff plastic of the models does represent a challenge, we recommend an adult takes responsibility for inserting the tail. The model in the photograph is the “Basking” colour variant. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
When inserting or removing the tail, we recommend an adult takes responsibility for this.
To view the range of Rebor models and figures in stock at Everything Dinosaur: Rebor Figures and Models.
The Rebor GrabNGo alligator fossils come with assembly and disassembly instructions. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
Rebor Models and Figures
Rebor has extended its range to include extant reptiles as well as prehistoric animals. The two alligator figures join the recently introduced “Lonesome George” giant tortoise.
A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur commented:
“The two new alligator models are extremely detailed. It is recommended that the tail piece is gently heated before inserting it into the body piece. Hot water can be used to heat up the joints. However, we urge caution as the figure is hollow and if hot water is used, it would be necessary to drain any excess water before attempting to secure the tail.”
The Rebor GNG07 alligator figure in the Downpour colouration.
The Woolly Mammoth could return by 2028 according to an article published in a UK tabloid paper. The sensational headline claims that the extinct prehistoric elephant could be resurrected. Advances in genetic engineering could mean that extinct creatures could be coming back.
A tabloid newspaper on Saturday 18th November was predicting the return of the Woolly Mammoth by 2028. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
Woolly Mammoth De-extinction
Everything Dinosaur has featured several stories about de-extinction on this blog. One of the most recent concerned genetic research to resurrect the Thylacine, otherwise known as the Tasmanian Tiger. As a marsupial the significant problem of having to find a surrogate mother can be bypassed.
There would be many additional barriers to the genetic engineering of a viable Woolly Mammoth embryo. It is true that astonishing and rapid developments in genetic engineering could in theory bring back long extinct creatures. The resurrection would be achieved through the manipulation of an organism’s genome. This would result in the creation of a population of animals that had characteristics of animals that have died out. We are sure the article would have mentioned dinosaurs, but a “Jurassic Park”, is not going to be created anytime soon.
In 2015, Everything Dinosaur reviewed a book which provided a guide to cloning a Mammoth.
The book was written by Beth Shapiro, an Associate Professor at the University of California, Santa Cruz. It looked at the selection criteria for a de-extinction candidate species. She explained the joys and perils of hunting for Woolly Mammoth fossils and highlighted some of the scientific obstacles associated with cloning. There are ethical and moral considerations too. Should we bring back and animal that went extinct thousands of years ago, or perhaps focus on conserving extant fauna and flora.
The introduction of new Woolly Mammoth models helped cement this Ice Age animal in our top ten. Could genetic engineering developments lead to the re-introduction of the Mammoth? Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
The picture (above) shows Papo Mammuthus primigenius figures, spotted at a trade show a few years ago. The baby Woolly Mammoth model has been out of production for some time, but the juvenile and adult figures are still available.
Whatever the advantages and disadvantages of this aspect of genetic engineering, we did not expect to see a tabloid newspaper covering this research on the front page. We are not sure about the headline “lovable boffins…”.
We look forward to reading about the re-introduction of prehistoric elephants in 2028.
The new for 2023 Wild Past Scutosaurus and Kotlassia models have arrived at Everything Dinosaur. This set consists of two 1:20 scale replicas of prehistoric animals associated with the Permian of Russia. This is the third set of figures to be introduced into the Wild Past range, following the Protoceratops and the Tethyshadros pair.
The Wild Past Kotlassia (left) and the Wild Past Scutosaurus (right). Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
The Wild Past Scutosaurus and Kotlassia Figures
Scutosaurus was a Late Permian pareiasaur. It was one of the largest terrestrial vertebrates of the Late Permian. Known from several near complete skeletons, it is thought that this herbivore weighed more than a 1,000 kilograms. It was coeval with Kotlassia. Formally named and described in 1921 (Vladimir Amalitsky) Kotlassia (K. prima) is thought to be a basal member of the Seymouriamorpha. It may have been semi-aquatic, part of a group of transitional forms evolving into fully terrestrial animals.
The new for 2023 Wild Past Scutosaurus and Kotlassia 1:20 scale models. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur confirmed that these two figures will be supplied with fact sheets. The spokesperson added:
“We congratulate the team at Wild Past for their excellent and unusual prehistoric animal figures. It is not everyday that Permain prehistoric animals get put into the spotlight. The Tethyshadros pair and the Protoceratops model with nest have proved popular, we are sure Kotlassia and Scutosaurus will prove popular with collectors too.”
The Wild Past Scutosaurus (close-up of the head). Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
To view the extensive range of prehistoric animal themed merchandise including models and toys available from Everything Dinosaur: Everything Dinosaur.
Everything Dinosaur team members have posted up a CollectA Dreadnoughtus video review. This short video, it lasts under ten minutes, can be found on the company’s YouTube channel. The video discusses the fossil material associated with this titanosaur and examines a Dreadnoughtus prototype model in detail.
Everything Dinosaur’s video review of the CollectA Deluxe 1:100 Scale Dreadnoughtus.
Recently, Everything Dinosaur in collaboration with CollectA announced the second batch of new for 2024 prehistoric animal figures. The Dreadnoughtus video provides an overview of the CollectA Deluxe replica. It is due to be in stock at Everything Dinosaur early in 2024.
The Dreadnoughtus figure that features in the CollectA Deluxe video review. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Video Contents 0:00 – Introducing Dreadnoughtus. 0:30 – Dreadnoughtus Prototype. 1:04 – Subscribe! 1:15 – Reviewing the Prototype! 3:28 – Dreadnoughtus Fossils. 4:48 – Debate about the Weight! 6:09 – The Dreadnoughtus Name. 7:17 – Available early 2024. 7:46 – Question of the Day! 8:42 – Follow us on Social Media. 9:09 – Where to Buy CollectA Models. 9:40 – Thank You!
Dreadnoughtus schrani
This huge sauropod was formally described in 2014 (Lacovara et al). Fossils representing two individual animals were excavated from outcrops of the Cerro Fortaleza Formation in Santa Cruz Province, Patagonia. The discovery of well-preserved limb bones enabled the research team to use limb bone circumference calculations to estimate the body weight of this leviathan. At the time of publication, it was suggested that Dreadnoughtus could have weighed more than 59 tonnes. The specimen upon which this body mass estimate was based, was not fully grown.
A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur confirmed that this new for 2024 CollectA figure would be in stock early in 2024. No arrival date had been confirmed at this time, but the figure could be in stock around March 2024.
Today, we make the third announcement with regards to new CollectA prehistoric animal models for 2024. CollectA will introduce a 1:20 scale armoured dinosaur and a new set of mini-dinosaur figures.
CollectA mini sauropod model set.
CollectA Deluxe Polacanthus.
At this time, we are not sure as to when the CollectA mini-sauropod set will be available. The CollectA Polacanthus is due to be in stock at Everything Dinosaur in the middle of 2024 or thereabouts.
Team members will discuss the mini-sauropod set in detail in a future blog post. For the moment we will focus on the new for 2024 Polacanthus foxii figure.
The new for 2024 CollectA Deluxe 1:20 scale Polacanthus figure.
If Polacanthus had a parascapular spine it was a splate. A splate being a spine raised on a plate of bone (combination of plate and spine). This has been located over the shoulder.
CollectA Deluxe Polacanthus
Polacanthus (P. foxii) was scientifically described in 1865. The fragmentary holotype (NHMUK PV R175) was excavated from Upper Wessex Formation strata on the Isle of Wight. Numerous other specimens have been assigned to this genus in the past. The polacanthids have undergone an extensive revision. Today, only the holotype material is assigned to P. foxii.
The dermal armour of this member of the Ankylosauria clade has been carefully reconstructed on the figure. The arrangement of the spikes and bosses is largely speculative.
The animal has a triangular shaped head. It broadens out considerably towards the back of the skull. The head is more typical of an ankylosaur. The narrow skull seen in some life reconstructions has been abandoned in favour of a skull shape that reflects the known polacanthid body plan. The model has two cervical rings of armour on the neck. It may have had three rings, but the fossil record of this dinosaur is quite poor. Only two cervical rings can be demonstrated by the fossil material, so the model has just two cervical rings. The limb proportions seem appropriate and great care has been taken in the placement and orientation of the dermal armour.
The Polacanthus figure shows countershading on the underside and the design team have moved away from the typical brown and rust red colouration associated with the Ankylosauria.
A Revision of the Wealden Group Armoured Dinosaurs
Work is continuing to revise and define the armoured dinosaur fossil material associated with the extensive Wealden Group. CollectA were keen to introduce a revised Polacanthus figure with a sacral shield. This new model is a considerable improvement on the CollectA Prehistoric Life Polacanthus which did not have a sacral shield.
In addition, CollectA wanted to introduce an updated figure as recent research has continued to define the genus and has led to the erection of new armoured dinosaur species. For example, earlier this year, a new Wealden Formation ankylosaur was named Vectipelta barretti.
Although fossils assigned to Vectipelta were once thought to represent Polacanthus, studies have revealed that these two dinosaurs were not that closely related. In addition, Vectipelta could be as much as eight million years older than the holotype Polacanthus foxii material.
A prototype figure photographed in dorsal view to show the detailed armour. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
The Polacanthus figure has a declared scale of 1:20. The CollectA Deluxe Polacanthus dinosaur model measures 27.5 cm in length and the tip of the beautiful tail is held 13 cm high in the air.
The model will be available from Everything Dinosaur in the middle of 2024.
Some of the spikes have been broken. Damaged spikes on the CollectA Deluxe Polacanthus figure are highlighted by red arrows. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
