In the Northern Hemisphere it might be cold and dark as we approach the depths of winter, but here are some pictures of the colourful Beasts of the Mesozoic Wendiceratops to brighten your day. The bright and cheery Wendiceratops model (W. pinhornensis), was part of the second wave of horned dinosaurs to be introduced in this series. The Beasts of the Mesozoic ceratopsians are all very colourful, the Wendiceratops, a replica of a Late Cretaceous, Canadian centrosaurine is one of the most spectacular and flamboyant models in the entire range.

The colourful Beasts of the Mesozoic Wendiceratops pinhornensis articulated dinosaur model (oblique anterior view).

Colourful Packaging Too

Even the box the figure comes in is beautifully presented with stunning artwork and the packaging incorporates some facts about this large, horned dinosaur that was scientifically described in 2015 (Evans and Ryan).

The Beasts of the Mesozoic Wendiceratops pinhornenis product packaging.

Wendiceratops pinhornensis Model Measurements

The Beasts of the Mesozoic Wendiceratops pinhornensis is a fantastic 1:18 scale articulated model. Palaeontologist and author Gregory S. Paul estimates that this centrosaurine measured around 4.5 metres in length and weighed 1,500 kilograms. The Everything Dinosaur fact sheet on this dinosaur, which is sent out with sales of the figure concurs.

The model itself measures a generous 30.5 cm long, from the end of the tail to the tip of the dinosaur’s broad snout.

The Beasts of the Mesozoic Wendiceratops model measures 30.5 cm long from nose to tail.

Described as a basal member of the Centrosaurinae subfamily, Wendiceratops roamed Alberta approximately 79 million years ago. Its fossils come from the Oldman Formation and a taxonomic assessment places Wendiceratops as a sister taxon to the geologically younger Sinoceratops (S. zhuchengensis) from the Shandong Province of eastern China.

To read Everything Dinosaur’s article from 2015 about the discovery of Wendiceratops: Wendiceratops from Southern Alberta.

To view the range of Beasts of the Mesozoic dinosaur models available from Everything Dinosaur: Beasts of the Mesozoic Models and Figures.

The award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur Toys.

The recently introduced PNSO Logan the Nanotyrannus dinosaur figure has divided model collectors and dinosaur fans. Is Nanotyrannus lancensis a valid species or do the fossils assigned to this theropod represent juvenile examples of Tyrannosaurus rex?

The consensus view amongst most palaeontologists seems to favour the latter interpretation, that Nanotyrannus is not a valid genus and that the fossil specimens represent juvenile tyrannosaurs but what about the actual Nanotyrannus model itself? One Everything Dinosaur customer, William offers an opinion.

PNSO “Logan” the Nanotyrannus

“Logan is a fantastic little guy and whichever camp you are in he’s a perfect example of a top-of-the-line Nanotyrannus lancensis or medium-sized juvenile Tyrannosaurus rex figure. You decide what he is to be in your collection.”

The reviewer praised the detail on the head commenting on the articulated lower jaw and complimented the shape of the skull that provides an accurate reflection of the fossil record.

Tongue placement was highlighted and its position towards the rear of the mouth commented upon and the finely crafted lacrimal crests earned the reviewer’s approval.

Visit the Everything Dinosaur website: Everything Dinosaur.

Longer Forelimbs Reminiscent of Allosaurids

Scientists are aware that the body shape of Late Cretaceous tyrannosaurs changed radically as they grew. The limbs were proportionately longer and the longer forelimbs of this PNSO figure reminded the reviewer of the limbs of allosaurids. The limb shape contrasts nicely with PNSO T. rex figures, Andrea the female T. rex for example.

William commented upon the well-sculpted legs and feet and described juvenile tyrannosaurs/Nanotyrannus as “like Cretaceous wolverines”.

The packaging was described as “superb” and the box containing the Nanotyrannus figure includes a detailed illustrated booklet and a clear, plastic support stand for the model.

When discussing the colour scheme chosen for this theropod, the reviewer stated that the dinosaur model had been painted in a rich, warm beige, with chocolate brown patches. The painting around the eyes was highlighted and the dark stripes on the flanks praised.

As with previous model reviews, William summarised the figure’s vital statistics.

Model Dimensions

Length: 6.5 inches.

Height: 2.5 inches.

Scale: 1:30.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, William stated:

“The wee guy is a must for your collection be he a dwarf tyrant or a tyrant lizard king. Add him and you will see for yourself, he may be wee, but he is mighty!”

To view the PNSO Nanotyrannus figure and the rest of the prehistoric animal models available from Everything Dinosaur: PNSO Age of Dinosaurs.

Dinosaur fan and model enthusiast William sent into Everything Dinosaur his review of the PNSO Andrea the female T. rex figure. William has been avidly collecting PNSO prehistoric animal models and figures for a while now. He was delighted when “Wilson” a new version of Tyrannosaurus rex was introduced recently and has been able to acquire the “Andrea” female T. rex figure so that the male and his mate can be together.

PNSO Female T. rex Model Review

William started his review by praising PNSO for all the wonderful figures that they have introduced this year and he was looking forward to seeing what marvels the company would launch in 2022.

The head sculpt is highlighted for its detail. William commented that the artist Zhao Chuang did his research into whether this theropod had lips, explaining that osteological research has identified large facial scales present beyond the margin of the upper mandible and therefore no lips have been added to this figure. The fully articulated jaw is well designed and the lower jaw fits into the upper jaw exactly. As the dinosaur is in a resting pose, to display it with the jaws open, the model’s head must be positioned over the edge of a shelf or slightly raised.

The eyes are placed correctly to indicate stereoscopic/binocular version and the sclera is coloured a dark yellow/reddish hue with a black pupil. William stated that the eyesight of this apex predator was believed to be particularly acute T. rex could pick out prey even when the intended victim was hidden in cover.

In Praise of the Skin and Texture

The painstaking care taken to get the skin texture on the head so detailed is highlighted by the reviewer.

He comments that:

“The lacrimal crests are on the money and converge onto the nasal crest. No shrink wrapping on his antorbital fenestrae and orbits.”

The robust teeth are impressive and the mouth has been painted correctly in a rich, wet pink to give a natural look and William stated that if this dinosaur lost a tooth, then a replacement would erupt from the jaw. Tongue placement was accurate with a nasal opening in the roof of the palate also observed. William praised PNSO for these additional highlights.

The stocky body shape was commented upon in William’s review, both the male PNSO T. rex figure “Wilson” and his partner are regarded as having “ample heft”, the arms and figures of Andrea were praised. The shoulder muscles hidden under the skin folds were discussed and the muscles depicted in the tiny arms highlighted. William commented that the arms held close to the body gave the figure a natural resting pose.

Model Supplied with a Beautifully Illustrated Book

As befits a replica from PNSO with the talented palaeoartist Zhao Chuang on their team, this T. rex model comes with a beautifully illustrated book. The narrator comments on the position of the hind legs the presence of a cloaca and comments that this meat-eater looks poised ready to rise from her slumbers adding:

“Andrea’s powerful leg muscles are outstanding we can imagine her rising straight up in heartbeat to defend or feed.”

William explained that this figure is supplied in a superb white box, there is no need for a support stand for this dinosaur model, the prone position of the model is perfectly stable.

Comments on the Colour

The female T. rex has a much darker face with rich hues consisting of blacks and charcoals from the tip of the snout running along the upper jaw line rising upwards around the eyes with a column of black reaching up to fuse with the darkened crown of the skull. The reviewer comments that the chosen colour scheme “sets the head sculpt off to perfection”.

Model Dimensions

William states that the PNSO “Andrea” the female T. rex measures:

• Length 12 inches
• Height 2.75 inches

He concludes his review by stating:

“Andrea is worth adding to your collection! She is a true Tyrant Queen and accurate rexes come but once in one’s life.”

Our thanks to William for sending into Everything Dinosaur his review.

To view the PNSO female T. rex figure and the rest of the models in the PNSO prehistoric animals range: PNSO Age of Dinosaurs.

The Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur Toys.