New CollectA Models 2021 (Part 3)

Everything Dinosaur in collaboration with CollectA announce further additions to the CollectA range of prehistoric animal models for 2021.  Today, we highlight the introduction of an Age of Dinosaurs Elasmosaurus marine reptile model, along with a contemporary of this elasmosaurid, a 1:40 scale replica of the fearsome prehistoric fish Xiphactinus.  Furthermore, a third set of mini dinosaur and prehistoric animal models will be added to the CollectA portfolio.

• CollectA Age of Dinosaurs Elasmosaurus – a Late Cretaceous marine reptile.
• CollectA Deluxe 1:40 scale Xiphactinus – a Late Cretaceous, predatory fish which was geographically widespread.
• A CollectA box of mini dinosaurs (set 3) – contains 10 mini prehistoric animal models.

The CollectA Elasmosaurus, the 1:40 scale Xiphactinus and the CollectA mini prehistoric animal set will be in stock at Everything Dinosaur around the middle of 2021.

The New for 2021 CollectA Elasmosaurus Marine Reptile Model

CollectA Elasmosaurus

The CollectA Age of Dinosaurs Popular Elasmosaurus joins a growing number of marine reptile figures under the CollectA brand.  For example, in 2017 a model of the ichthyosaur Excalibosaurus was added to the range along with a 1:40 scale CollectA Deluxe Kronosaurus.  The famous American palaeontologist Edward Drinker Cope named and described Elasmosaurus in 1869, he based his study on fossils that had been discovered in Wyoming.  One of the larger members of the Plesiosauria, this marine reptile reached a length of around 14 metres and it is estimated to have weighed 2,000 kilograms when fully grown.

The CollectA model depicts Elasmosaurus in the act of turning to attack its prey, with its mouth open ready to grab an unsuspecting fish.

On the subject of fish, the next CollectA figure we discuss is a replica of a monstrous predatory fish with a reputation for being particularly aggressive.

The New for 2021 CollectA Deluxe 1:40 Scale Xiphactinus Model

CollectA Deluxe Xiphactinus

A swift and powerful hunter, a number of species have been described from Cretaceous-aged deposits of North America, Europe and Australia.  Xiphactinus (pronounced Zee-fak-tin-us), swallowed its victims whole.  It had a varied diet, mostly fish and occasionally seabirds such as Hesperornis.  Its reputation for being particularly aggressive is well-founded, a Canadian specimen was recently discovered with the remains of a mosasaur flipper trapped in its jaws.

The aggressive nature of this bony fish sometimes was its undoing.  A famous fossil specimen collected by George F. Sternberg and on display at the Sternberg Museum of Natural History (Kansas, USA) shows a 4-metre-long Xiphactinus with a near perfect specimen of a ichthyodectid Gillicus arcuatus located in the stomach cavity.  It is likely that during the swallowing of the 1.8-metre-long Gillicus, the Xiphactinus was fatally injured.

A Famous Fossil of a Fish within a Fish

With a model length of a fraction over 16 cm, the 1/40th scale rating for this figure is around the right ballpark.  Fans of Everything Dinosaur on Facebook will recall that a poll was posted earlier this year asking for views and opinions about the prospects of a Xiphactinus model being produced.  The overwhelmingly positive response received encouraged the design team at CollectA to bring out a Xiphactinus figure.

CollectA Set of Mini Dinosaur and Prehistoric Animal Models (Set 3)

The third new item Everything Dinosaur announces today is a third set of CollectA dinosaur and prehistoric animal models.   These sets have proved to be very popular with dinosaur fans and model collectors, the mini models measure around six to ten centimetres in length and this new set features eight dinosaurs along with a pterosaur and a miniature marine reptile model.

The CollectA Mini Dinosaur and Prehistoric Animal Models Set 3

Visit the Everything Dinosaur website for more prehistoric animal models: Dinosaur and Prehistoric Animal Toys.

This CollectA mini dinosaurs and prehistoric animals set features replicas of:

Dinosaurs – Alamosaurus, Argentinosaurus, Iguanodon, Mapusaurus, Mercuriceratops, Oviraptor, Therizinosaurus and Utahraptor.

Pterosaurs – Guidraco

Marine Reptiles – Pliosaurus (the replica that features in the CollectA mini prehistoric marine animals set).

Model Measurements

• CollectA Age of Dinosaurs Popular Elasmosaurus – length 24 cm, width across the flippers 8 cm.
• The CollectA Deluxe 1:40 scale Xiphactinus – length 16.2 cm with a height of around 5.6 cm.
• CollectA Mini Dinosaur and Prehistoric Animal Set 3 – average model size ranges between 6 cm and 10 cm approximately.

All three of these items will be in stock at Everything Dinosaur around the middle of 2021.

To see the existing range of CollectA Deluxe models: CollectA Deluxe Prehistoric Animal Models.

CollectA models and figures: CollectA Prehistoric Life Models and Figures.

For our blog post on the first of the new for 2021 CollectA models to be announced: New CollectA Models for 2021 (Part 1).

For our blog post on the second batch of new CollectA figures: New CollectA Models (Part 2).

Customer from Portugal Provides Feedback

Praise from Portugal from Everything Dinosaur.  The UK-based company has many customers in Europe including numerous fans of dinosaur models in Portugal.  We enjoy getting feedback about our customer service and the prehistoric animal models that we supply.  Take for example, Adriano from Portugal who recently sent Everything Dinosaur some feedback on the Beasts of the Mesozoic “raptor” models that they had purchased.  One of the items that Adriano had bought was the fabulous Linheraptor (L. exquisitus), adding to their collection of Beasts of the Mesozoic Figures.

Purchased by a Portuguese Model Collector

The exquisite Beasts of the Mesozoic Linheraptor exquisitus figure.  A model collector from Portugal praised Everything Dinosaur’s customer service and awarded the company 5-stars.

Picture credit: JurassicCollectables

View the Beasts of the Mesozoic model range: Beasts of the Mesozoic Figures.

Praise and Feedback from Portugal

Dinosaur model fan Adriano from Portugal wrote:

“Items arrived on time and in excellent condition.  Would do business again!  Fast shipping in a well-conditioned box and for a fair rate.”

With regards to the Linheraptor figure, Adriano praised the model commenting:

“Beautiful design from the great David Silva.  Love the paint application and the articulation of the figure.”

The Beasts of the Mesozoic Raptor Series Linheraptor exquisitus along with the Beasts of the Mesozoic Desert Accessory Pack with the Mononykus figure were given 5-stars by the reviewer. Everything Dinosaur’s customer service was also given 5-stars by Adriano.

This 5-star review is just one of hundreds of reviews received and collated by Feefo the independent ratings company.  This year (2020), has been extremely difficult due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but Everything Dinosaur’s dedicated and hard-working staff have been able to maintain the very highest level of customer service and top marks from Feefo.

Top Marks for Everything Dinosaur from Feefo

Everything Dinosaur has been awarded the Platinum Trusted Service award from Feefo.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“Our thanks to Adriano and all the hundreds of other Everything Dinosaur customers who have provided feedback on our products and customer service.  We are grateful for the feedback from Portugal.  Each and every one of the reviews we receive is read and we greatly appreciate all the kind words.”

To visit Everything Dinosaur’s website: Buy Dinosaur and Prehistoric Animal Models Here.

New CollectA Models 2021 (Part 2)

Today, we introduce the second batch of new for 2021 CollectA prehistoric animals.  Just like last week, Everything Dinosaur announces three new CollectA figures, but today we discuss two dinosaurs associated with England and a replica of a famous flying reptile:

• CollectA Deluxe Pteranodon in 1:15 scale – a replica of a giant Late Cretaceous pterosaur.
• A CollectA Age of Dinosaurs Popular range Megalosaurus in ambush – a new version of the first dinosaur to be scientifically described.
• CollectA Age of Dinosaurs Popular range Neovenator scenting prey – a large theropod, fossils of which are associated with Lower Cretaceous deposits found on the Isle of Wight.

The Megalosaurus and Neovenator models are due to be in stock at Everything Dinosaur in early 2021, whilst the CollectA Deluxe Pteranodon is scheduled to arrive later in the year.

The New for 2021 CollectA Deluxe Pteranodon Model (1:15 Scale)

CollectA Deluxe Pteranodon Model

The new for 2021 CollectA Deluxe Pteranodon is depicted in a grounded quadrupedal pose.  It has an articulated jaw and from the crest shape, we determine that this model represents the Pteranodon longiceps species.  The CollectA model possesses a brightly coloured throat pouch that reflects current scientific thinking about the anatomy of this piscivore and readers will note that this flying reptile has been depicted with a body covering of pycnofibres.

Intriguingly, this Pteranodon model has been given a tassel on the end of its tail.  This genus of flying reptile has been extensively studied and although much Pteranodon fossil material associated with the famous Smoky Hill Chalk deposits of the Niobrara Formation of Kansas has been squashed flat, palaeontologists have noted unique features in its tail bones.

The tail of Pteranodon is much longer than the related Nyctosaurus, it is one of the longest tails of any known member of the Ornithocheiroidea and the bones at the very end of the tail have a unique shape.  The most distal bones (tail bones furthest from the body), consist of two parallel thin rods, the function of which has been speculated upon by several pterosaur researchers.  These bones could have supported a fin to assist with swimming, or perhaps these caudals could have formed the anchor points for some form of tail rudder or perhaps a display device.

A Close-up View of the “Tail Tassel” on the CollectA Deluxe Pteranodon Model

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Model designer Anthony Beeson has opted for the latter interpretation.

He commented:

“Uniquely the model has been given a tail ‘tassel’, perhaps used in mating rituals, suggested by the existence of the skeleton’s odd duplex centra and tail rods.”

CollectA Megalosaurus in Ambush

The second new figure we announce today is one of two new British theropod dinosaurs in the CollectA Age of Dinosaurs Popular series – Megalosaurus bucklandii.

The New for 2021 CollectA Megalosaurus Dinosaur Model

CollectA will be introducing an updated and revised version of their Megalosaurus model that was introduced in 2010.  The figure has been given a more bird-like posture and a series of raised spines over the hip region.  The skull has been elongated reflecting what is seen in the cranial fossil material of related species within the Megalosauridae.  Eagle-eyed dinosaur model collectors will also note that this new CollectA figure has lips, in-line with a current debate in palaeontology about the presence of oral tissues within the Theropoda and elsewhere.

Commenting on the Megalosaurus model, designer Anthony Beeson stated:

“The Middle Jurassic dinosaur Megalosaurus incorporates the recent suggestion of dinosaurs having lips.  I have based the model with its elongated head on the anatomy of Torvosaurus, a close relative.  The model was designed to show the theropod lying in wait for prey and hence the descriptive title of ‘Megalosaurus in ambush’.  My thought was to see it placed within, or behind a glade of CollectA’s prehistoric plants.”

CollectA Neovenator Scenting Prey

The third and final CollectA model we reveal this week, is that of the Early Cretaceous predator Neovenator, fossils of which are known from the Lower Cretaceous Wessex Formation.  This new figure will replace the Age of Dinosaurs Popular Neovenator model that was part of the second batch of prehistoric animal figures that CollectA produced.

The New for 2021 CollectA Neovenator Dinosaur Model

Strong Grasping Hands

The figure depicts the strong, grasping hands associated with this genus and the colour scheme is reminiscent of the 1:40 scale CollectA Deluxe Saltriovenator replica that came out earlier this year.  It too, like the new Megalosaurus model sports a row of small, raised spines running the length of its body.  These spines are more prominent at the back of the neck and across the hips.  Once again, this new theropod figure has been given lips by the design team at CollectA.

It will make a fine partner to the CollectA Age of Dinosaurs Mantellisaurus model, that was introduced in 2018, after all, the holotype specimen of Neovenator (N. salerii) was found in association with Mantellisaurus remains.

The head of the model has been beautifully painted with strong, yellow highlights.  Analysis of the skull bones resulted in the publishing of a scientific paper (Tijani Barker et al, 2017), that proposed that this dinosaur had complex, neurovascular canals within its rostrum (snout), such structures are usually associated with aquatic animals and indicate an enhanced sensory function. Since there is no evidence of Neovenator being aquatic, perhaps its enhanced sense of smell helped it to detect prey, hence the descriptive title for this figure “Neovenator scenting prey”.

With the introduction of new Megalosaurus and Neovenator models, the earlier versions of these two theropods will be retired.

Out of Production the Earlier Neovenator and Megalosaurus Figures Made by CollectA

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

The Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur Replicas and Prehistoric Animal Toys.

Model Measurements

• CollectA Deluxe Pteranodon in 1:15 scale – length 30. 5 cm, height 23.5 cm, width 12 cm.
• A CollectA Age of Dinosaurs Popular Megalosaurus in ambush – length 16 cm, height 5 cm.
• CollectA Age of Dinosaurs Popular Neovenator scenting prey – length 17 cm, height 6.2 cm.

The new CollectA Megalosaurus and Neovenator figures are due in stock at Everything Dinosaur early in 2021, with the CollectA Deluxe Pteranodon figure scheduled to arrive mid-2021.

To view the existing range of CollectA Deluxe models: CollectA Deluxe Prehistoric Animal Models.

CollectA models and figures: CollectA Prehistoric Life Models and Figures.

New PNSO Spinosaurus Model

Everything Dinosaur in collaboration with PNSO announce the addition of a mid-sized Spinosaurus replica to the PNSO model range.  Say hello to Essien the Spinosaurus, the latest addition to this exciting range of dinosaur and prehistoric animal replicas.  This beautiful dinosaur model incorporates a lot of the anatomical details from recently published scientific papers and the replica has been given an articulated lower jaw!

The PNSO Essien the Spinosaurus Dinosaur Model (Mid-size Model Range)

The PNSO Essien the Spinosaurus Dinosaur Model

Not to be confused with the 1:35 scale “Essien” the Spinosaurus figure, part of the “Scientific Art” range from PNSO, this new figure has been based on some of the very latest thinking concerning this huge North African theropod.  For example, it has been given a much thicker, wider fin-like tail in line with a paper published in May (2020): Spinosaurus the River Monster.  In addition, it is portrayed as a “knuckle-walker” and the proportions of the model’s limbs definitely indicate that this dinosaur was quadrupedal.

The Box Packaging Showing the Model as a “Knuckle-walker” and Highlighting the Thickened Tail

PNSO Spinosaurus Dinosaur Model Measurements

The new mid-size PNSO Spinosaurus measures around twenty-three centimetres in length, it would be longer but the tip of the tail of the model is curled round.  That spectacular sail stands nearly ten centimetres tall.  Size estimates for Spinosaurus aegyptiacus vary considerably

Size ranges of between twelve and eighteen metres have been proposed.  If you take the size estimate put forward by acclaimed dinosaur expert and author Gregory S. Paul at fourteen metres, this indicates that the new PNSO Spinosaurus replica would be in approximately 1:60 scale.  If required, this new mid-size model, which is approximately half the size of the PNSO “Scientific Art” figure could represent a sub-adult specimen.

The Model Measurements (PNSO Spinosaurus Model)

Visit the Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur Models and Prehistoric Animal Toys.

The Dorsal View Provides an Appreciation of the Serpentine Appearance of the Model

A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“The Spinosaurus will be shipped to Everything Dinosaur’s warehouse along with the recently announced Pachyrhinosaurus, Borealopelta, Atopodentatus, Corythosaurus, Lambeosaurus and Tuojiangosaurus figures.   These models might be in stock just before Christmas, but in all likelihood these figures will be available in the New Year.”

To view the range of PNSO figures and replicas available from Everything Dinosaur: PNSO Age of Dinosaurs Models and Figures.

New CollectA Models 2021 (Part 1)

It’s that time of year when our dear friends at CollectA release details of their new for 2021 prehistoric animal models and replicas.   The team at CollectA have done a fantastic job keeping production plans on schedule in the midst of a global pandemic (COVID-19), we congratulate them for their hard work and we can reveal the first three models due out early next year.

• CollectA Deluxe Mamenchisaurus in 1:100 scale – a replica of a giant sauropod, famed for its extremely long neck.
• A CollectA Age of Dinosaurs Popular range Kamuysaurus – a model of a Japanese hadrosaurid which was only named and formally scientifically described in 2019.
• CollectA Age of Dinosaurs Popular range Brontosaurus prey – a sauropod that has been the victim of an attack from a large theropod.

All three of these figures are due to be in stock at Everything Dinosaur early in 2021.

The New for 2021 CollectA Deluxe Mamenchisaurus Dinosaur Model

The CollectA Deluxe Mamenchisaurus

The CollectA Deluxe Mamenchisaurus model has a similar colouration to the CollectA rearing Diplodocus that we revealed twelve months ago.  This might mark a trend in CollectA for depicting sauropods with a more muted colour scheme, one that can be described as “elephantine grey”.  A number of species have been assigned to this genus, all of them from China and although size estimates vary, these long-necked herbivores were some of the largest creatures to have ever existed when they roamed in the Middle to Late Jurassic.

Intriguingly, this model has been given a tail club by designer Anthony Beeson who explained:

“Uniquely for a toy of this animal I have depicted it with a tail club suggested by the fused vertebrae on its tail.”

Four Fused Caudal Vertebrae

The discovery of four fused caudal vertebrae led palaeontologists to postulate that this dinosaur had a club on the end of its tail.  The uniformity of the vertebrae tends to discount these fused tail bones having been caused by an injury or disease and tail clubs are known in other Chinese sauropods such as the closely related Omeisaurus and the not so closely related Shunosaurus.  Additional fossil discoveries of fused caudal vertebrae would help to confirm this hypothesis.

It has been suggested that this tail club was used as a defensive weapon, but other functions cannot be entirely disregarded.  For example, some palaeontologists have proposed that the fused bones may have been part of a sensory organ improving nerve responses so that the dinosaur could make more sense of its immediate environment, quite handy when your head is some twenty metres away from the end of your tail.

Whatever the function of the tail club, it is great to see the design team at CollectA including this unusual anatomy in the Mamenchisaurus model.

The CollectA Age of Dinosaurs Kamuysaurus

With the recent introduction of Fukuiraptor (2019) and this year’s 1:40 scale Fukuisaurus model, CollectA have been keen to highlight the unique dinosaur biota that once roamed Japan.  Coming into stock in early 2021 will be a replica of the duck-billed Kamuysaurus (Kamuysaurus japonicus).  Known from a single, articulated and almost complete fossil specimen, Kamuysaurus is thought to be closely related to the North American Edmontosaurus.

Available in Early 2021 The CollectA Age of Dinosaurs Kamuysaurus Model

Visit the Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur Models and Toys.

It is certainly a beautiful figure, with a striking colour scheme.  Designer Anthony Beeson has followed the hypothesis that it had a short flat crest on its forehead.  The model further expands the number of hadrosaurid dinosaurs included in the CollectA model range.

CollectA Brontosaurus Corpse

The final figure to be announced this week is that of a dead Brontosaurus.  CollectA have introduced several figures of deceased dinosaurs including a Stegosaurus, Triceratops and in 2016 a replica of a Tyrannosaurus rex corpse was added.

The CollectA Brontosaurus Corpse Model

The CollectA Brontosaurus Corpse

The Brontosaurus corpse will make a very useful addition to the model range, permitting makers of prehistoric scenes and dioramas the opportunity to depict the aftermath of a theropod attack.

Commenting on this fantastic new addition to the CollectA portfolio, designer Anthony Beeson stated:

“I have wanted to do a dead sauropod for some time and this year we add a figure of a dead Brontosaurus to the collection.  The animal is depicted in an ungainly pose of collapse, with wounds shown on its body suggested by how it is likely that such sauropods were attacked, weakened and dispatched by carnivores.”

Model Measurements

We know how dinosaur model fans like to get information on the size of prehistoric animal figures, here is that all important information:

• CollectA Deluxe Mamenchisaurus in 1:100 scale – length 40 cm, height of head 24 cm.
• A CollectA Age of Dinosaurs Popular range Kamuysaurus – length 14 cm, height 5.3 cm.
• CollectA Age of Dinosaurs Popular range Brontosaurus prey – length 25 cm, width 15 cm.

If these first three figures are anything to go by, then there are going to be some exciting times ahead for model collectors and dinosaur fans.  This trio will be available from Everything Dinosaur early in 2021 and we will post up details of other new CollectA model announcements next week.

To view the CollectA Deluxe range: CollectA Deluxe Prehistoric Animals.

For the CollectA Age of Dinosaurs Popular range: CollectA Prehistoric Life.