In our fourth and final blog post about new CollectA prehistoric animal models for 2022, we announce that a new version of the CollectA Deluxe 1:40 scale Triceratops will be introduced. The figure represents the species Triceratops horridus, the geologically older of the two Triceratops species formally recognised.

The model is due to be in stock at Everything Dinosaur around mid-2022.

The image (above), shows the prototype, pre-production model the actual figure will have an articulated jaw.

T. horridus – Horrible Horned Face

Triceratops horridus is known from the Lower Hell Creek Formation dating from approximately 67.5 million years ago. Triceratops bones and teeth are relatively common in this part of the Hell Creek Formation and studies have shown that Triceratops fossils make up about 40% of the dinosaur fossil material. The robust skulls preserve relatively well and compared to its body size, the skull of this horned dinosaur was proportionately one of the largest known of any vertebrate. CollectA have chosen to give their new Triceratops a muted colour tone, with countershading on the underside. The exceptions to this are the neck frill and the side of the face with its large patches of white.

Those white flashes certainly give “horrible three-horned face” a striking appearance.

A Model Based on the Latest Scientific Evidence

Although Triceratops is a very familiar dinosaur to members of the public, after all, it has appeared in films, television documentaries, novels, video games and even on stamps, vertebrate palaeontologists acknowledge that they still have a lot to learn about “three-horned face”.

There are lots of Triceratops fossils to found in the famous Hell Creek and Lance Formations but very few articulated, specimens have been excavated. The discovery of a superb T. horridus specimen in 2014 has helped palaeontologists to piece together more information about this iconic prehistoric animal.

The specimen was collected from private land in Montana (USA). The bones found represent about 87% of the entire skeleton and it will form part of a major dinosaur display at Melbourne Museum. The skull and neck frill are the most complete of any known Triceratops specimen (>99% complete) and the assembled frill measures over 1.48 metres wide.

The design team at CollectA have utilised some of the research into the Montana specimen along with recently published studies, reports and photographs on other Triceratops horridus specimens to create a model that reflects the latest scientific thinking.

Commenting on the significance of the Montana Triceratops specimen, Dr Erich Fitzgerald (Museums Victoria’s senior curator of palaeontology) stated:

“This is the Rosetta Stone for understanding Triceratops. Despite its popularity, there are still many unanswered questions about the anatomy and palaeobiology of Triceratops. This fossil comprises hundreds of bones including a complete skull and the entire vertebral column which will help us unlock mysteries about how this species lived 67 million years ago.”

The Skin of Triceratops

The new for 2022 CollectA Deluxe Triceratops replica has skin textures and scales that reflect what has been recorded in Triceratops horridus skin impressions.

The preserved skin of a Triceratops specimen on display at the Houston Museum of Natural Science (Texas, USA) indicates that this horned dinosaur had skin unlike any other ornithschian. It had substantial hexagonal tubercles (rounded, prominent scales) along with additional enormous (>10 cm across) tubercles with conical projections.

These skin impressions come from a specimen excavated in Wyoming and nick-named “Lane”. No formal scientific description has been published but the photographs that have been made available suggest that Triceratops had skin somewhat reminiscent of a Saltasaurus (titanosaur).

Model designer Anthony Beeson explained:

“The new CollectA model incorporates polygonal rosettes with central nipple-scales.”

Model Measurements

The new for 2022 CollectA Deluxe Triceratops horridus measures 28 cm in length and those impressive brow horns are some 13.6 cm off the ground. The figure has been given a scale of 1:40.

A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur confirmed that this model is scheduled to be available around the middle of next year (2022).

To view the range of CollectA Prehistoric Life figures available from Everything Dinosaur: CollectA Prehistoric Life.

To view the range of CollectA Deluxe prehistoric animals available from Everything Dinosaur: CollectA Deluxe Prehistoric Animal Models.

The Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur Models.

Today, team members at Everything Dinosaur are pleased to be able to make a third announcement about new CollectA prehistoric animal models for 2022. Despite all the difficulties brought about by the global pandemic (COVID-19), the dedicated and hardworking staff at CollectA have managed to create a diverse range of new for 2022 figures and we are proud to announce the addition of a CollectA Deluxe 1:40 scale Edmontosaurus dinosaur model.

The figure is due to be in stock at Everything Dinosaur in 2022, a spokesperson for the UK-based mail order company was not able to give an exact date as to when this figure would be available.

Edmontosaurus – Realising an Ambition

The design team at CollectA had wanted to make a model of this iconic North American hadrosaur for some years. Recent fossil discoveries have led to a reassessment of this hugely successful Late Cretaceous herbivore. For example, a spectacular “mummified” specimen nicknamed “Dakota”, as the fossil was discovered in North Dakota (1999), has provided detailed information on this dinosaur’s skin and the CollectA team wanted to incorporate this new information into their Edmontosaurus figure.

In addition, a well-preserved skull of an Edmontosaurus (E. regalis) revealed that this dinosaur sported a soft comb on the top of its head, rather like the soft tissue crest of a rooster. The new for 2022 CollectA Deluxe Edmontosaurus sports a rather fetching, red-coloured crest on the top of its head.

Explaining why CollectA wanted to add an Edmontosaurus to their range of duck-billed dinosaur figures, designer Anthony Beeson stated:

“I was very keen to create a model of this hadrosaur to incorporate the new information we have concerning the hoof arrangement of the front feet, together with the scaling and soft crest suggested by the fossil record.”

Duck-billed Dinosaur Model Measurements

The new CollectA Deluxe 1:40 scale Edmontosaurus measures an impressive 34 cm in length and the figure stands some 12.5 cm high at the hips. It will scale up nicely with the feathered T. rex model introduced by CollectA in 2015. The CollectA Deluxe feathered Tyrannosaurus rex is about the same length as the new Edmontosaurus figure but as a biped, it is taller.

In Stock at Everything Dinosaur in 2022

The CollectA Deluxe 1:40 scale Edmontosaurus is scheduled to be in stock at Everything Dinosaur in the early part of 2022. Due to the on-going difficulties with logistics and global shipping, we are not able to give a precise date as to when this dinosaur model will be available. Team members will do all they can to update customers with regards to availability.

To view the range of CollectA Deluxe prehistoric animal figures available from Everything Dinosaur: CollectA Deluxe Prehistoric Life.

Visit the award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur Models.

The new for 2022 Papo prehistoric animal models have been announced. There will be two new models, a Protoceratops along with a Mosasaurus and a new colour variant of the Papo Styracosaurus dinosaur model. The first of these new figures is scheduled to be in stock at Everything Dinosaur in the second quarter of next year.

The new for 2022 Papo models in the “Les Dinosaures” range:

• A new colour variant of the Papo Styracosaurus (scheduled for quarter 2 of 2022).
• A replica of the early horned dinosaur Protoceratops (scheduled for quarter 3 of 2022).
• A marine reptile model – Mosasaurus (scheduled for quarter 4 of 2022).

Papo Styracosaurus (New Colour Variant)

The first model to be announced by Papo for 2022 is a new colour variant of the Styracosaurus dinosaur which originally came out in 2011. The muted tones and emphasis on the greens, junipers and moss colours have been well received by dinosaur fans and model collectors. The sculpt is essentially the same as the 2011 version, the new model measures 16 cm in length, it is the same size as the original Papo Styracosaurus figure.

Although no official announcement has been made about retirements from the Papo range, with the arrival of the new Styracosaurus colour variant in quarter 2 of next year, team members at Everything Dinosaur expect the original Styracosaurus to be withdrawn from production.

Papo Protoceratops Dinosaur Model

Next year marks the centenary of the discovery of the dinosaur fossils in the Gobi Desert by an American led expedition that resulted in the naming and scientific description of “First Horned Face”. To commemorate this expedition and to honour the significant contribution to palaeontology made by the scientists, Papo is bringing out a replica of Protoceratops (P. andrewsi).

The Papo Protoceratops is scheduled to arrive at Everything Dinosaur’s warehouse some time in quarter 3 of 2022.

Papo Mosasaurus Marine Reptile Model

The third model that has been announced, the only non-dinosaur, is a model of the Late Cretaceous marine reptile Mosasaurus.

Papo has a Tylosaurus and a Plesiosaurus replica in the “Les Dinosaures” range and the Mosasaurus will, no doubt, be welcomed by fans of the “Jurassic World” movie franchise. The Mosasaurus replica is similar to the giant Mosasaurus associated with the films “Jurassic World” and its sequel “Fallen Kingdom”. The artwork created by Papo to illustrate their new for 2022 figure, pays homage to a poster used to promote “Jurassic World when it came out in 2015.

Everything Dinosaur team members are aware of rumours circulating that Papo was to introduce a Kronosaurus model in 2022. We can assure our customers and social media followers that this rumour is not true, there will only be three prehistoric animal models introduced by Papo next year.

The Mosasaurus figure is due to be in stock at Everything Dinosaur in quarter 4 of 2022.

In Stock at Everything Dinosaur in 2022

It is good to see that Papo are able to get some prehistoric animal figures out in 2022. Like many companies the on-going issues of the global pandemic and the chaos with logistics and production has made the making of new dinosaur and prehistoric animal figures particularly challenging.

Papo Styracosaurus new colour variant due out quarter 2 2022.

Papo Protoceratops due out quarter 3 2022.

Papo Mosasaurus due out quarter 4 2022.

To view the current range of Papo prehistoric animal models and figures currently in stock at Everything Dinosaur: Papo Dinosaurs and Prehistoric Animal Models.

The Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur Toys.

New CollectA Models 2022 (Part 2)

Today, team members at Everything Dinosaur announce the second set of new for 2022 CollectA prehistoric animal models. Although, due to all the various issues caused by the global pandemic, CollectA, like most manufacturers will introduce fewer figures than usual next year, they are certainly setting extremely high standards.

The two new for 2022 figures we announce today are:

• CollectA Deluxe Smok wawelski with an articulated jaw (1:20 scale)
• CollectA Prehistoric Life Cooperoceras

Scheduled for delivery in early 2022, Everything Dinosaur will keep model collectors informed about shipments.

Smok wawelski – A Polish Dragon!

CollectA will be adding a replica of the Late Triassic predator Smok wawelski to their model range next year. Fans of the CollectA range will know that in 2020, a 1:20 scale replica of the giant, Polish dicynodont Lisowicia bojani was introduced. Fossil remains of a large carnivore were also found at the same site. The bonebed in southern Poland close to the village of Lisowice, also revealed the presence of a five-metre plus archosaurian meat-eater. Named and described in 2011, Smok wawelski is the largest terrestrial predator known from the Late Triassic of central Europe.

A Taxonomic Puzzle

When first studied, it was thought that the fossilised remains represented a theropod dinosaur. The braincase had several anatomical traits reminiscent to those seen in the skulls of allosaurids. Subsequent fossil discoveries have thrown doubts on whether Smok is a dinosaur. It may not belong to the dinosaur/bird lineage of the Archosauria at all, Smok could be a member of the Rauisuchidae, or perhaps a prestosuchid from the crocodile branch of the Archosauria. Designer Anthony Beeson has opted to depict this powerful predator as a quadruped, a member of the crocodile lineage of archosaurs. The 1:20 scale model has an articulated jaw.

CollectA Cooperoceras

The second new for 2022 CollectA figure we announce today, is a beautiful model of the bizarre nautiloid Cooperoceras. A spiky cephalopod distantly related to the living nautilus. CollectA have made several replicas of iconic Palaeozoic invertebrates in recent years. For example, in 2020 the company added a model of a nautilus to their model range (N. pompilius). The introduction of Cooperoceras adds to the list of important zonal fossil models made by CollectA. These replicas represent Palaeozoic and Mesozoic invertebrates, fossils of which assist with the dating of strata (biostratigraphy).

Cooperoceras was an early nautiloid with a shell measuring 4 inches (101.6 mm) long and 3 inches (76 mm) high.

The genus and type species C. texanum was erected by the American geologist Arthur K. Miller in 1945 following an extensive period of fossil collecting in the Glass Mountains and the Sierra Diablo of western Texas undertaken by several scientists in a bid to better understand the diversity of Permian-aged nautiloids which were very poorly known in comparison to the contemporary ammonites.

Originally thought to have been confined to the Permian, in 1977, a new species of Cooperoceras was named and described (C. milleri) from much older deposits (Shumway Limestone Formation of the Mattoon Formation, Illinois). This discovery suggests that these types of nautiloids were present in the Late Carboniferous.

Explaining how Cooperoceras (Cooper’s horn) came to be added to the CollectA portfolio, designer Anthony Beeson stated:

“It had an amazing and tactile open coiled shell with flattened sides and sporting recurvant hollow spines on its outer edge which was the reason that I wanted to do a model of it. I think it may be popular with children. It lived in the shallow seas over what is now Texas and Illinois, and the Urals in Europe.”

Model Measurements

• CollectA Deluxe 1:20 scale Smok wawelski with an articulated jaw length 27 cm, height 8.5 cm.
• CollectA Cooperoceras nautiloid model length 11 cm, height of shell 8.3 cm.

These figures are scheduled to be in stock at Everything Dinosaur in the early part of 2022. Due to the current difficulties with logistics and global shipping, we are not able to give a precise date as to when these figures will be available. Team members will do all they can to update customers with regards to availability.

To view the range of CollectA Deluxe models, including the Lisowicia bojani model in stock at Everything Dinosaur: CollectA Deluxe Prehistoric Animals.

To view the CollectA Prehistoric Life models, including the invertebrate figures: CollectA Prehistoric Life.

The next prehistoric animal model to be added to the Eofauna Scientific Research range is a fabulous model of the ancient elephant Konobelodon atticus, the figure is in 1:35 scale and is Eofauna’s first “shovel-tusker” model.

The figure is scheduled to be in stock at Everything Dinosaur early in 2022 (estimated arrival time at the UK warehouse – February 2022).

Konobelodon atticus

Konobelodon was an enormous amebelodontid, one of the very last of its kind. Several species have been described since the first fossils associated with this genus were studied in the mid-19th century. It is characterised by its pair of huge, flattened tusks in its lower jaw and its extremely long pair of straight tusks in its upper jaw. The model represents Konobelodon atticus, fossils of which were first discovered in Greece (Late Miocene deposits).

Konobelodon atticus was originally named Mastodon atticus by the German palaeontologist and zoologist Johann Andreas Wagner in 1857. The extensive, Miocene-aged deposits at Pikermi on the Attica peninsular of Greece, were discovered by Bavarian soldiers, part of the army of the Bavarian prince Otto, who ruled Greece for thirty years from 1832 until he was deposed in 1862. Fossils of large mammals were exposed on the surface and this attracted German field teams from various institutions and universities to excavate and study the fossil material

More than 40 mammal species were named following these excavations. A large, left maxilla (upper jawbone), that was described by Wagner led to the erection of the species Mastodon atticus, in the mistaken belief that this prehistoric elephant was closely related to other European elephant fossils that had been studied by the influential French anatomist Georges Cuvier, who first used the term “Mastodon” to describe fossil elephants in 1806.

Mastodon atticus?

Wagner, who was a professor at the University of Munich, published a series of comprehensive treatises on the Pikermi field work on behalf of the University and in 1857 he erected the species Mastodon atticus, in the publication Neue Beiträge zur Kenntniss der fossilen Säugthier-Überreste von Pikermi (New Contributions to the Knowledge of the Fossil Mammalian Remains of Pikermi).

A Revision of Prehistoric Elephant Taxonomy

Thought to be closely related to the taxon Amebelodon, a second species was named in 1990 based on fossils found in Florida. It was considered to be a sub-genus of Amebelodon (Konobelodon britti). Phylogenetic analysis failed to resolve the taxonomic position of Konobelodon fossil material within the Amebelodon genus and a re-assessment of the phylogeny was undertaken in 2014, resulting in the establishment of Konobelodon as a distinct genus. Notable differences in the European K. atticus and the American K. britti resulted in both being declared separate, but related species. A third species of Konobelodon (K. robustus), was named and scientifically described in 2016, based on fossils found in north-western China (Linxia Basin).

Eofauna Konobelodon atticus

A waitlist has been set up on the Everything Dinosaur website (it can be accessed by clicking the second link below), if the waitlist button is not visible, log into your Everything Dinosaur account or create an account to access the waitlist option.

You are welcome to reserve an Eofauna Konobelodon atticus figure by emailing Everything Dinosaur: Email Everything Dinosaur.

A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur confirmed that this exciting prehistoric elephant model would be in stock at Everything Dinosaur in early 2022.

To view the range of Eofauna prehistoric animal figures currently in stock at Everything Dinosaur: Eofauna Scientific Research Models.

New CollectA Models 2022 (Part 1)

Today, we introduce the first batch of new for 2022 CollectA prehistoric animals. The last eighteen months or so have been extremely challenging, it is great to be able to introduce to you the first of the new for 2022 prehistoric animal figures and replicas from this highly respected manufacturer.

• CollectA Deluxe Pteranodon sternbergi with an articulated jaw (1:20 scale).
• The CollectA Deluxe Spinosaurus swimming with an articulated jaw (1:40 scale).
• CollectA Deluxe Paraceratherium.

Scheduled for delivery in early 2022, Everything Dinosaur will keep model collectors informed about shipments.

CollectA Deluxe Pteranodon sternbergi in 1:20 Scale

The stunning CollectA Deluxe P. sternbergi figure is a replica of a pterosaur that was formally described in 1966, following the discovery of fragmentary fossil material in 1952. A broad crest suggests that this figure represents a male. The Pteranodon genus has been subject to much revision over recent years. Although, Pteranodon sternbergi fossils tend to be associated with older strata than Pteranodon longiceps material, their taxonomic relationship remains controversial. Some palaeontologists have proposed that P. sternbergi is sufficiently different from P. longiceps to warrant it being placed in it own genus – Geosternbergia. Whatever the phylogeny, this new for 2022 pterosaur figure with its articulated jaw is a welcome addition to the CollectA Deluxe range.

CollectA Deluxe Swimming Spinosaurus in 1:40 Scale

The first batch of new CollectA models includes a dinosaur. The CollectA Deluxe swimming Spinosaurus is an updated version of the Prehistoric Life swimming Spinosaurus figure introduced in 2015 (100 years after Spinosaurus aegyptiacus was named and described) and recently retired.

In 2015, CollectA was the first toy company to make a model of S. aegyptiacus based on the comprehensive reassessment undertaken the previous year in a scientific paper entitled “Semiaquatic adaptations in a giant predatory dinosaur” (Ibrahim et al). In 2020, some of the research team behind this earlier paper examined Spinosaurus tail bones (caudal vertebrae) and concluded that this huge theropod had a tail well-adapted for propelling it through water. The new for CollectA 2022 Spinosaurus reflects this research. The model has been given a broad and very fin-like tail.

Commenting on the introduction of this new figure, model designer Anthony Beeson stated:

“In order to keep up with the science, we have now produced an updated deluxe model that incorporates the new information showing the deep, amphibian-style, tail that powered the animal while swimming. The Spinosaurus has a new colour scheme and an articulated jaw. I have retained the 2015 shape of the sail although some have cast doubts on it.”

CollectA Deluxe Paraceratherium

The third model to be announced is an updated Paraceratherium replica, which replaces the original figure that was retired in 2019. The CollectA Deluxe Paraceratherium represents a male and it reflects recent research that suggests that it possessed a short, muscular proboscis, reminiscent to that of a modern tapir – to which it was very distantly related (member of the Perissodactyla – odd-toed ungulates).

One of the largest land mammals known to science, analysis of cranial material suggests that this herbivore might have had a short trunk or a prehensile upper lip. The design team at CollectA have opted for the former. They have also given it patches of coarse hair a characteristic seen in some extant ungulates.

Although a giant (some specimens suggest a body weight of around 20 tonnes), the CollectA figure is quite lightly built and designer Anthony Beeson speculates that it probably wallowed in mud or indulged in dust baths to help control its body temperature.

When discussing the figure’s size, Anthony stated:

“The model’s size has had to be a compromise between what is suitable for display in shops and for manufacturing.”

Model Measurements

• CollectA Deluxe 1:20 scale Pteranodon sternbergi with an articulated jaw – length 15 cm, height 13.5 cm.
• The CollectA Deluxe 1:40 scale swimming Spinosaurus – length 37 cm, height of sail 11 cm.
• CollectA Deluxe Paraceratherium – length 22 cm, height 14.7 cm.

These three figures are scheduled to be in stock at Everything Dinosaur in the early part of 2022. Given the current difficulties with logistics and global shipping, we are not able to give a precise date as to when these figures will be available. Team members will do all they can to update customers with regards to availability.

To view the current range of CollectA Deluxe figures and models in stock: CollectA Deluxe Prehistoric Animal Models.

To view the range of CollectA Age of Dinosaurs figures available from Everything Dinosaur: CollectA Age of Dinosaurs/Prehistoric Life.