Our thanks to Dr Jeremy Lockwood who sent into Everything Dinosaur a picture of him holding his recently acquired CollectA Brighstoneus model. Dr Lockwood was one of the authors of the scientific paper which named and described this new herbivorous dinosaur from the Isle of Wight.
Dr Jeremy Lockwood holding the CollectA Age of Dinosaurs Brighstoneus figure. What other hadrosauriforms will be described from Isle of Wight fossil material in the future? What other CollectA hadrosauriform figures will be introduced?Picture credit: Dr Jeremy Lockwood.
Picture credit: Dr Jeremy Lockwood
Brighstoneus simmondsi
Formally named and scientifically described in November 2021 (Lockwood, Martill and Maidment), Brighstoneus simmondsi demonstrates that these types of dinosaurs were more diverse than previously thought. Prior to this research, Early Cretaceous hadrosauriform fossils associated with the Wealden Group were placed into either the robust Iguanodon genus or the more lightly built Mantellisaurus taxon.
The fossil material had been thought to represent Mantellisaurus. However, Dr Lockwood identified unique traits within the fossils (autapomorphies), that led to the erection of this new hadrosauriform taxon.
The nasal and maxilla bones of Brighstoneus simmondsi with accompanying line drawings. This ornithopod is believed to have had a bulbous snout. Picture credit: Dr Jeremy Lockwood
Picture credit: Dr Jeremy Lockwood
CollectA were quick to start development work on a Brighstoneus dinosaur model. Under the guidance of Anthony Beeson, the figure was designed and created. Sadly, Anthony passed away before his Brighstoneus model could be launched.
Commenting on the CollectA figure, Dr Lockwood stated:
“Thank you for the models. Attached is a photo of me with the model at Dinosaur Isle Museum.”
The CollectA Age of Dinosaurs Popular Brighstoneus dinosaur model. This ornithopod figure was introduced in early 2023.
A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur commented:
“We had been contacted by a relative of Dr Lockwood, prior to the model’s introduction. We were happy to set aside the figures so that Dr Lockwood could receive a replica of a dinosaur he helped name and describe. It is wonderful to be able to supply these figures to scientists so they can use them to help inform the public and explain important scientific discoveries.”
The Rebor Diplodocus models recently arrived at the Everything Dinosaur warehouse. Team members have been busy picking, packing and despatching orders. These Diplodocus carnegii models require assembly. The neck and tail pieces have to be inserted into the body. Here are some helpful tips and advice to help you assemble your Rebor dinosaur model.
The new for 2023 Rebor Diplodocus carnegii dinosaur models are supplied in three parts. Each figure has a neck, and a tail piece and these need to be inserted into the main body. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
Use Hot Water/Hair Dryer
The white plugs on the end of the neck piece and tail piece can be heated and this will help them to slot into the main body of the Diplodocus. A hairdryer can be used to gently warm up the plastic plug. Heating the plastic makes it more malleable. It should be easier to slot the neck and tail pieces into position.
Alternatively, the plug can be dipped into a cup of boiling water. Quickly dry the plug and then insert it into the body. Please take care when using hot water.
The plug pieces can be difficult to insert. Please take care when inserting the pieces as you might damage the delicate raised scutes that run along the back of the model.
Try not to force the pieces into place. If the hot water treatment or the hairdryer has not helped, try adding a little oil. Adding a drop of vegetable oil to the white plugs will lubricate them and help them slide into place. Only a little oil is needed, excess squeezed out of the joint can be wiped away.
To help ease the neck and the tail into place add a small amount of oil such as vegetable oil to the plug on each piece. This will help these pieces slide into place. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur commented:
“Sometimes the Rebor models can be tricky to assemble. Try the heating method first, if this does not work, then add a smear of oil to the plugs. Using vegetable oil, olive oil or something similar should do the trick. These are the types of oil used in cooking. You can find them in most kitchens.”
The new for 2023 Rebor Diplodocus carnegii models have arrived at Everything Dinosaur. Three fabulous 1:35 scale sauropod figures. Choose from the male figure “Stargazer”, the female Diplodocus “Catch the Rainbow” or the “Artist Proof” model.
The three, new for 2023 Rebor Diplodocus carnegii dinosaur models. “Stargazer” (top), the “Artist Proof” centre and “Catch the Rainbow” (bottom). Collect them all! Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
Rebor Diplodocus carnegii Models
Each Rebor Diplodocus model measures over 82 cm in length when assembled. The necks are flexible and so are the tails. Three stunning sauropod figures for dinosaur fans to collect.
The three, new for 2023 Rebor Diplodocus dinosaur models. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
“Stargazer”, “Catch the Rainbow” and “Artist Proof”
The “Stargazer”, “Catch the Rainbow” and “Artist Proof” replicas have keratinous spines running the length of their long bodies. The figures have been beautifully painted. “Stargazer”, the male has a subtle patch of red on the top of his head. This might indicate his fitness for breeding. Visual signals were probably extremely important in the Dinosauria.
The Rebor Diplodocus “Stargazer” dinosaur model has a patch of red on the top of his head. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur commented:
“These are the first sauropod figures to be made by Rebor. “Stargazer” and “Catch the Rainbow” are beautifully painted. Collectors have the opportunity to paint their own figure with the “Artist Proof” model”.
Each of the Diplodocus models has a poseable neck and a poseable tail. The “Artist Proof” Diplodocus is supplied with two sets of head/neck pieces.
The Rebor “Artist Proof” Diplodocus is supplied with two interchangeable necks.One of the heads shows the mouth open, the other shows the mouth closed. Dinosaur model fans can paint these figures to create their own unique Diplodocus carnegii replica.
PNSO are to add a replica of a T. rex to their 1:35 scale Scientific Art Museum series. The PNSO Cameron the Tyrannosaurus rex figure will be in stock shortly.
PNSO Cameron the Tyrannosaurus rex dinosaur model.
PNSO Cameron the Tyrannosaurus rex
A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur confirmed that the PNSO Cameron the Tyrannosaurus rex dinosaur model would be in stock in just a few short weeks. PNSO have continued to impress dinosaur fans and model collectors with their ever-increasing range of prehistoric animal figures. The company has already produced several T. rex dinosaur figures. Cameron the T. rex will be a 1/35th scale figure.
The PNSO Cameron the T. rex figure has an articulated lower jaw.
Model Measurements
The new for 2023 tyrannosaur figure measures an impressive 35 cm long and the model stands 11.9 cm tall.
The new T. rex figure measures 35 cm in length and stands nearly 12 cm tall.
A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur confirmed that the model will be supplied with twenty scientific art posters, a forty-eight-page colour, fully illustrated booklet and a transparent support stand. The Tyrannosaurus rex model will have an articulated lower jaw.
The new for 2013 T. rex figure is supplied with a transparent support stand, a replica of a T. rex fossil skull, a 48-page, colour booklet and a set of 20 dinosaur posters.
A QR code on the product packaging will provide dinosaur fans with access to a video that explains how the model was created.
The Everything Dinosaur spokesperson added:
“In addition to the posters and the booklet, the new for 2023 T. rex model will be supplied with a replica T. rex skull. The Tyrannosaurus rex model skull that comes supplied with Cameron is based on an actual fossil Tyrannosaurus rex specimen. It will be a 1:35 scale model.”
The PNSO Cameron the Tyrannosaurus rex replica in lateral view.
The PNSO Cameron the Tyrannosaurus rex 1:35 scale dinosaur model is due in stock at Everything Dinosaur in a few weeks.
The Nanmu Studio Jurassic Series Giganotosaurus dinosaur models have arrived in stock at Everything Dinosaur. These three exciting dinosaur figures feature in the latest Everything Dinosaur company newsletter. The dinosaur replicas are named “Gustave”, “Typhon” and “King of the Border”. They pay tribute to the Giganotosaurus featured in the film “Jurassic World Dominion”.
The Nanmu Studio Jurassic Series Giganotosaurus Typhon Deluxe model complete with display base. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
Jurassic Series Giganotosaurus Dinosaur Models
The headline model in the latest Everything Dinosaur newsletter is the Nanmu Studio Jurassic Series Giganotosaurus Typhon Deluxe figure. This beautifully detailed figure comes complete with a display base and an Everything Dinosaur fact sheet.
Each of the Giganotosaurus dinosaur models measures 44 cm in length approximately. When secured to their display base the models have a head height of 18.5 centimetres. The dinosaur model display base (supplied with each figure), measures 14 cm x 8 cm.
Gustave and King of the Border
The latest Everything Dinosaur customer newsletter also features Gustave and King of the Border. Everything Dinosaur offers three new Nanmu Studio Giganotosaurus figures.
The Nanmu Studio Jurassic Series Giganotosaurus King of the Border Deluxe (left). The Nanmu Studio Jurassic Series Giganotosaurus Gustave Deluxe (right). Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
A spokesperson for the UK-based mail order company commented:
“We are delighted to have brought into stock these three figures. Each Giganotosaurus dinosaur model is beautifully painted. We decided to only bring the models that included display bases out of China. These figures are large and heavy, when displayed without the base they might fall over and get damaged.”
The second series of “Prehistoric Planet” has recently concluded, the last episode “North America” having been broadcast yesterday on Apple+TV. The programmes have proved to be immensely popular with dinosaur fans and natural history film viewers. The five episodes in the series have achieved an audience rating of 100% on Rotten Tomatoes.
The programmes have also inspired lots of prehistoric animal fans to create drawings of the dinosaurs featured. For example, young artist Caldey sent in a magnificent illustration of a Qianzhousaurus concentrating intently as it hunted prey.
A beautiful illustration of a theropod dinosaur stalking prey. Picture credit: Caldey.
Picture credit: Caldey
“Prehistoric Planet” Qianzhousaurus and Corythoraptor
In a beautifully crafted scene, a female Qianzhousaurus stalks a flock of Corythoraptors in a Late Cretaceous forest. The first hunt is unsuccessful and the Corythoraptors escape. However, with the approach of a storm, the odds turn in the favour of the hunter and this clever theropod is able to catch her quarry.
A beautiful illustration showing the diversity of theropod dinosaurs. Picture credit: Caldey.
Picture credit: Caldey
Qianzhousaurus although a Late Cretaceous tyrannosaur, was not closely related to Tyrannosaurus rex. It has been classified as a member of the Alioramini tribe of long-snouted tyrannosaurs within the Tyrannosauridae. Corythoraptor is an oviraptorid. Oviraptorids seem to have been particularly abundant in the Late Cretaceous of China.
“Prehistoric Planet” has continued to delight, entertain and inform.
A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur commented:
“Thank you Caldey for sending in your stunning illustrations. We hope you enjoyed watching the five television programmes. We have printed out the drawings and put them on display in our office and warehouse.”
Everything Dinosaur recently featured in a business magazine. The article focused on how companies can develop their potential for selling overseas. Everything Dinosaur team members are delighted to be successful in numerous markets all over the world. Mike and Sue were happy to talk about the Everything Dinosaur export success.
Everything Dinosaur team members Mike and Sue are praised for their export success. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
Everything Dinosaur Export Success
Selling business to consumer via mail order through the company’s website: Everything Dinosaur, the Cheshire-based firm has developed an international customer base.
It has not happened overnight, but slowly and surely Everything Dinosaur has built an excellent reputation for customer service and support. This has been reflected in the company’s sales overseas.
The Rebor Diplodocus carnegii “Artist Proof” replica. A reason for the company’s export success is their strong social media presence and willingness to engage with dinosaur model collectors. This includes posting up reviews and pictures of prehistoric animal figures. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Around the Corner or Around the World
When asked to explain their business success, Mike from Everything Dinosaur commented:
“Whether you are working with customers around the corner or around the world, you have belief in your product and you have belief in your service. If you have a good product and good service, then why not try to grow sales overseas.”
The Chamber of Commerce magazine article featured a trio of businesses who shared their stories and insight when it comes to developing export sales opportunities.
The article explained that Everything Dinosaur is passionate about dinosaurs and prehistoric animal models. The company sells these replicas including museum-quality scale models to customers all over the globe.
The PNSO Basilosaurus model, part of the PNSO Age of Dinosaurs range is to be retired. It was one of the first PNSO figures to be introduced, Everything Dinosaur can now confirm that it is out of production.
The PNSO Age of Dinosaurs Basilosaurus model.
The PNSO Basilosaurus Model
This large prehistoric whale figure was one of the first PNSO replicas to be supplied complete with transparent display stands. Measuring close to twenty inches in length (more than fifty centimetres long), this figure needed a lot of shelf space. Two species of Basilosaurus are known. Basilosaurus cetoides (the type species) was named by Sir Richard Owen (1839). A second species Basilosaurus isis was erected in 1904 (Andrews).
The Basilosaurus replica (PNSO). This replica is one of the first large figures to be made by PNSO.
A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur commented:
“We are sorry to see the Basilosaurus retired. It was a fantastic figure of a Late Eocene prehistoric whale. PNSO have expanded their model range dramatically over recent years, model retirements are to be expected. PNSO will continue to add to their popular mid-size model range. We will announce a new PNSO figure in the very near future.”
An illustration of Basilosaurus. The human figure provides a scale. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Everything Dinosaur can confirm that two prehistoric animal models made by Schleich are now out of production and retired. With the recent introduction of five Schleich prehistoric animal figures, we can now confirm Schleich prehistoric animal model retirements.
The figures which have been retired are the Schleich Dimetrodon model that was introduced in 2019 and the Schleich pterosaur figure, the Dimorphodon.
The new for 2019 Schleich Dimetrodon model has now been retired by the German manufacturer.
The green-coloured 2019 Schleich Dimetrodon figure replaced an earlier Dimetrodon model (2016) with a reticulated pattern on its sail. It was one of five new model introductions into the Schleich prehistoric animal model range. Although not a dinosaur, Dimetrodon has proved to be a popular figure amongst collectors. Dimetrodon was a member of the Pelycosauria clade, a synapsid that lived during the Early Permian. Several species have been described.
The Schleich Dimorphodon Figure
Coincidently, the Schleich Dimorphodon figure was also introduced in 2019. It too is being retired. The Schleich Dimorphodon had distinctive “eye flashes” on its wings. It was depicted in a terrestrial pose. With its large skull and huge jaws, this pterosaur model proved to be popular with younger model collectors.
The Schleich Dimorphodon model (new for 2019).
Schleich Prehistoric Animal Model Retirements
A spokesperson from the UK-based Everything Dinosaur stated that both figures would be missed.
The spokesperson explained:
“We do appreciate that models have to be retired. Both the Dimetrodon and the Dimorphodon have been around for about four years, so they have had a good run. By taking some figures out of production this frees up space in the factory for new models.”
Everything Dinosaur team members have been examining generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) and how this exciting new technology might change the company. Recently, to commemorate the ninety-seventh birthday of Sir David Attenborough, Everything Dinosaur asked ChatGPT to write a short blog post. The ChatGPT artificial intelligence wrote a short biography of the naturalist and broadcaster. We also asked ChatGPT to compose a short birthday message to Sir David.
Artificial intelligence has a myriad of applications. As part of our testing programme to assess the scope of the current technology, we challenged ChatGPT (version 3.5) to provide Everything Dinosaur with five facts about Tyrannosaurus rex.
The Rebor T. rex Tusk King T. rex Requiem model is supplied with a clear plastic support base, but our models appear quite stable even standing on our office carpet without the need for the support stand. Can ChatGPT provide five facts about this famous dinosaur? Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
The picture (above) shows a Tyrannosaurus figure from Rebor (Tusk).
In response to our question “list five facts about Tyrannosaurus rex, here are the five facts about T. rex that ChatGPT compiled:
1). Tyrannosaurus rex lived during the Late Cretaceous period (approximately 68 to 65 million years ago).
It is true that T. rex lived during the Late Cretaceous however, we would take issue with the temporal range suggested. The date of the end-Cretaceous extinction event and the demise of the non-avian Dinosauria is now thought to have occurred around 66 million years ago. T. rex is known from several Upper Cretaceous North American formations, dating the fossil bones is notoriously difficult.
The Size of Tyrannosaurus rex
2). Tyrannosaurus rex was one of the largest land predators ever to exist, measuring up to 12 metres (40 feet) long and weighing up to 6.8 metric tonnes (15,000 pounds).
We will not dispute the ChatGPT comment about T. rex being one of the largest land predators ever. However, the size estimates could be disputed. For example, the biggest specimens described to date “Sue” and “Scotty” measure more than 12 metres in length. The robust “Scotty” is estimated to be around 13 metres long with a body weight calculated at approximately 8.8 tonnes (19,400 pounds).
3). Tyrannosaurus rex had a powerful bite force of up to 12,800 pounds per square inch – enough to crush the bones of its prey.
Not much to dispute here. There has been a considerable amount of research into the potential bite force of an adult animal. A study published in 2012 (Bates and Falkingham) did indeed suggest a bite force around 12,800 lbs, for the teeth located in the back of the mouth. The researchers suggested a potential range of bite forces, with 12,800 lbs being at the upper end of their estimates.
Banana-shaped Eyes?
4). Tyrannosaurus rex had two large, banana-shaped eyes which gave it good depth perception and probably excellent vision.
This is not true, T. rex did not have two large, banana-shaped eyes. We suspect that this is the GenAI confusing two aspects of tyrannosaur cranial anatomy. Something that a real person would intuitively consider incorrect. T. rex is famous for its large teeth, often described as being banana-shaped. Its eyes were spherical and quite big, about the size of a tennis ball.
ChatGPT is correct when it asserts that it had good depth perception and probably excellent vision. Many palaeontologists suggest that T. rex had vision as good as a modern-day bird of prey.
The Rebor GrabNGo 02 T. rex Type A in anterior view. T. rex probably had excellent, binocular vision. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
5). Tyrannosaurus rex had a small brain compared to its body size, with a brain volume of only 1.5 litres (2.6 pints).
It is accurate to state that T. rex had a small brain relative to its body mass. This does not provide a measure of intelligence. For example, many birds such as crows and pigeons have small brains, but they are capable of solving complex problems and prodigious feats of memory and navigation. The statement about brain volume could also be disputed. Soft tissue preservation in the fossil record is exceptionally rare. No T. rex brain tissue has yet been found.
Brain size assessments are based on the volume of the braincase as calculated when skull bones are reconstructed. It would also be incorrect to assume that the brain of a Tyrannosaurus rex would completely fill the braincase, so only the maximum potential brain volume can be calculated.
Whilst errors can be identified in the answers given, we congratulate ChatGPT. It was a credible effort, particularly since the data set that the programme was working on was last updated in September 2021 or thereabouts.
The use of GenAI in writing books about dinosaurs, teaching about dinosaurs and perhaps providing updated display boards in museums is not too far away.
