Photos by Dan and Jeremy

Although David’s 1:72 scale Antediluvian series has been graced with a few exotic species, he’s giving plenty of love to the classics as well. His considerable talents often present the animal in a new and exciting light, such as the rare uplifted Stegosaurus or surprisingly common closed-jawed theropods.

The beloved Allosaurus fragilis receives a special treatment in his line, as well. Rearing in alarm, with his tail in a flourish, one might be reminded of the tyrannosaur “mating dance” suggested in his instructional DVD. While this carnivore could certainly be attacking another animal, this unusual posture seems decidedly more boastful in nature. It is not hard to imagine a lingering group of females, contemplating the Allo’s fitness while his robust voice echoes through the Jurassic forest.

Granted, the narrative details are left largely to the individual, but to convey such drama from a single tiny sculpt is surely a testament to the ability of the artist. As with most resin models, a small amount of cleanup might be required to remove excess bits of resin. In the photo above, one may notice a small “twig” of resin between the Allo’s claws, which can be easily extricated using a decent utility knife.

The base is fairly important for the dancing Allo, as he teeters on a single foot and would find even more difficulty standing unassisted than his fellow theropods. It features footprints for the performer’s feet to find purchase, though a model builder should be able to position the star just about anywhere he likes. In the buildup photo below, it has been mounted on a custom built base by Martin Garratt.

This buildup was constructed as a diorama, and also features the Antediluvian Apatosaurus. This extends the scene quite a bit, but if you want to display the Allosaurus by itself, it won’t even consume four inches of space on your crammed shelves. Given the quality of the piece though, it probably deserves its own pedestal of sorts.

One obvious question might be, “Can I get this to look like the Allo from Dinosaur Revolution?” Given the stunning level of detailed paint application that Martin has managed to work into this model, I can honestly say that it sounds feasible. Observant viewers may even notice the rows of bumps along the back of his neck, which the series’ European Allo does share. The trickiest part will probably be the mandibular modification, but I expect a skilled builder could still pull this off. At the time this review was written, no known efforts have been made in this respect.

Of course, given the prevalence of other Jurassic denizens in David’s line, one could pair this figure with any number of other critters. While the Kaiyodo Dinotales figures aren’t crafted to a single scale, it would also be possible to use a few of them as companions for this Allo; as I recall, at least one Kaiyodo Allo was about the same size.

While I openly admit to finding excessive favor with Allosaurus, I must say this is one of my favorite pieces in the Antediluvian line. It perfectly demonstrates David’s ability to refresh our image of a classic creature, offering not just another dinosaur, but a unique character with a life of its own.

Allosaurus (Antediluvia Collection)(David Krentz) is a post from The Dinosaur Toy Blog

Review by Ikessauro

For those who don’t know me, I’m Patrick, a member of the DTF, AKA “Ikessauro”. I live in Brazil and started collecting dinosaurs about 6 or 7 years ago. Back then the best dino figures I could find around here were the ones from Salvat collection. This collection, as I found out later, consists of knock offs of the main dino collections, including Carnegie, Battat and Bullyland. One of the models Salvat made was the Dimetrodon, which happens to be a copy of the Bullyland Dimetrodon, the second version, green and brown. So, as I did with the Salvat Acrocanthosaurus, in this review I intend to compare both versions, the Salvat’s and Bullyland’s version of this synapsid.

I’m no expert in anatomy of prehistoric reptiles, but I should say that this Dimetrodon is not bad in this aspect, although it’s not perfect either. The head on both figures doesn’t show the actual bulkiness of the animal’s head and the teeth are sloppily carved in the mouth. The paint application on the teeth isn’t very good either, but at least they are individually done. The sail on the figures looks ok. The skin texture is very scaly, more prominent in some areas and better in the Bullyland version, as the Salvat copy has only some wrinkles on the neck and a smooth head. The Salvat version also doesn’t have the skin fold or veins on the belly and the ear structure and nostrils on the Bully model are much more visible.

It doesn’t take much time to see that the Salvat version is a copy of the Bullyland Dimetrodon, because Salvat didn’t change it very much. The pose is a little different, as the Bullyland figure has the neck turned to left and the copy is turned to right. Actually, if you look on the figures side by side, from an aerial point of view, you will notice that the Salvat Dimetrodon is a mirrored image of its German counterpart. The main difference is the size, because the Salvat one is 19 cm long, while the original from Bullyland is only 15 cm long, what is due to the longer tail on the Salvat model.

Regarding the paint scheme, Salvat didn’t bother to change it, and in fact, the paint in it is shinier than the original, also the brown spots on the sail, which are yellowish tan in color, are much darker. The color in both would be some sort of olive green with brown. The eye on the Salvat version is very simple, just a yellow dot with some black around.

I have both versions because I’m really a completist collector, and also, because when I discovered the originals which inspired the Salvat Collection, I decided to collect every one, to compare. If you already have one of the figures I would recommend you to hold on to it and don’t bother about the other one, unless you are a completist that enjoy looking for rare figures. The Dimetrodon is a bit rare, because was sold only on three countries for a very short period of time (as far as I know), but sometimes pops up or eBay here for reasonable prices, usually costing about ten U.S. dollars give or take.

Dimetrodon (Salvat) is a post from The Dinosaur Toy Blog

When it comes to dinosaurs, I believe there are essentially two attributes that attract us. They are either fearsome, or fancy. The fearsome ones are easy enough to spot, bearing a great deal of menace and lethality. Others may seem less terrifying, but fall into the “fancy” category. Exotic spiked frills, elaborate head crests, and armored plating all make for a visually interesting subject in a model or figure.

When Therizinosaurus came along, it was not immediately clear which of these categories it might fit into. It is a theropod, yet herbivorous. It carries huge claws, but probably used them for more than simple combat. It could probably hold its own in a fight, but it looked portly and just… well, quite weird.

A few companies, including Carnegie and CollectA, have taken a chance on therizinosaur figures in the past. Given their feathery coats, they present a unique challenge in mass production, and we must remember that feathered dinosaur figures are still quite rare today. Strangely, there were few efforts to craft a replica of the prototypical big-clawed dinosaur until this piece arrived from CollectA in 2012.

A certain BBC documentary likely deserves some credit in helping to popularize this bizarre creature, pitting it against Tarbosaurus in a violent confrontation. However, I believe much of CollectA’s success is owed to Anthony Beeson, whose work has allowed the manufacturer to quickly to rise to the top tiers of prehistoric figure quality.

At a very modest six inches in length, the fretting and worrying over feathery details is somewhat reduced. The texture is simple, but adequate to convey the unique body covering. It is attractively painted in autumnal hues of gold, mahogany, and sienna. There is a small tuft of feathers on the back, as well as each of the forearms. A subtle blue highlights the crest over the head. The signature claws are slightly blunted and just a tad pliable, for child safety concerns.

No skull has actually been discovered for this species, so they’ve obviously consulted other therizinosaurids for the reconstruction. The company’s stamp ID is somewhat obtrusively placed on the belly, but only if you’re staring straight at the figure from the front. This is actually an interesting angle, because it shows just how broadly built the animal was. Perhaps my favorite aspect is the pose. While some therizinosaur figures feature the animal’s arms in two separate positions (as though swinging or waving “hello”), this creature has both of its arms swung nearly completely outward, like the warning gesture of a bird. To nobody’s great surprise, this has been one of CollectA’s biggest hits of 2012, which will hopefully encourage other companies to pay homage to the scissor-handed freak of the Mesozoic.

Therizinosaurus (CollectA) is a post from The Dinosaur Toy Blog

Review by Patrick Król Padilha

Today’s review is going to focus on a prehistoric mammal model, one of my favorites among all mammal figures I have. The animal it represents is the Woolly Rhinoceros, actually defined on the tag by genus and species as Coelodonta antiquitatis. This model predates the start of my collection in at least six years, so I didn’t really witness its release for the first time nor could I buy one when it was largely available. I couldn’t find on the blog anything on the Safari Missing Links Alive set, so I think an introduction may be relevant.

Safari is big toy company today, responsible for the Wild Safari line and Carnegie Museum line of prehistoric critters and was this same company that back in 1997 released a new set of seven new prehistoric mammals called Missing Links Alive. The collection includes the all famous Saber tooth (Smilodon), Woolly Mammoth, one adult and a calf (Mammuthus primigenius) and a Family of Neanderthals (Homo neanderthalensis), represented by a Male Adult Neanderthal, a Female Adult Neanderthal and a Young Neanderthal Child. The thing is, despite the amazing quality of the models, the collection was discontinued by Safari, when they released a new Woolly Mammoth as part of Carnegie Collection in 2003. The set now is quite rare and much sought after by collectors, what makes them a bit expensive in some cases.

Back to the Woolly Rhino, I can say it is an awesome model; I dare say the best Coelodonta toy ever made. It’s big, has a dynamic pose, pretty well detailed, the fur texture is very nice and the horns give the animal a powerful aspect, as its mouth is open in a warning gesture. Maybe the animal is a bull defending its territory from a rival or he’s trying to make a predator go away; this model has a big mouth just like the real animal, as it used to browse on plants with low nutritive value in the cold grasslands of northern Europe and Asia during the Ice Age. The model also presents two hump-like structures, one over the shoulders and a smaller one over the head in between the ears. Probably the humps, like in other animals, were used as a way to store fat as a source of energy during the really cold winter when food was more difficult to find. Despite the well sculpted fur coat, you can see some muscle shapes of the animal especially on the head of the model. The ears are reduced in size as they should and the eyes are small round black spheres with tiny white dots as pupils.

The number of hooves seems right, 3 per foot. The model also has a long tail sculpted but it’s attached to the body going all the way down almost between the hind legs. On the belly it’s stamped with the following text: “Wooly Rhinoceros © 1997 UNITED EXHIBITS SAFARI LTD. MIAMI.FL MADE IN CHINA 8406-61.” The model measures 17 centimeters long and 12 centimeters at the higher point (tip of the horn). It is painted with a beautiful brown mahogany color, there are some darker blackish faint stripes going down from the top of the back to the legs and if you look very closely you’ll notice a very subtle golden/yellowish dry brush on the fur. The hooves and horns are painted in a light tan/brownish color and the teeth are white, in a maroon painted mouth with a light pink tongue.

All in all, this model is an excellent depiction of the animal, very vivid in a powerful threatening display; the left front leg is a little bent as if it was going to start a gallop toward an enemy. I recommend to everyone that likes prehistoric mammals and can afford one, because it has become quite rare and mostly fetch high prices on online auctions. The original price was 17.50 USD, but if you want one now, probably your best shot is to watch EBay and prepare your wallet.

Woolly Rhino (Safari Missing Links) is a post from The Dinosaur Toy Blog

Review by Dan, Photos by Marilyn P. and Jeremy K.

When it comes to classic plant-eating dinosaurs, there is probably no match in popularity for the mighty Triceratops. The silhouette and skull are truly iconic, and no matter how far our interest in paleontology may wander, the eye is always drawn back to this beloved animal.

Plenty of small figures can be found for the species, most of them ranging from mediocre to downright awful. To really see any justice done to Triceratops, one must examine him at a generously crafted scale, preferably by the hands of a skilled paleoartist. This is precisely what Shane Foulkes offers, with his famous 1:15 scale line that can be enjoyed from the comfort of home.

Complete kit before assembly

While high-quality casting should be make assembly very easy, it is understandable that some might be intimidated by this massive resin kit. Fortunately, there are a number of buildup artists available that can bring your personal vision to life.

Buildup by Steve Riojas with quills installed

Incorporating recent fossil evidence, Shane has included a set of dorsal quills for this particular reconstruction. Since these delicate pieces are separate from the main body, they can be arranged in any desired fashion, or not used at all. This is a good option for traditionalists, who may object to any drastic changes to their image of Triceratops.

Another benefit of larger scale reconstructions is that they allow installation of glass or taxidermy-style eyes. This provides a beautifully lifelike quality to the final buildup, and would be less practical on smaller models which have eyes simply painted. Modelers should note that ocular transplant procedures can be tricky, so consulting an expert beforehand is recommended.

Nearly complete buildup by Martin Garratt, before eye installation

Most of the photos shown here are buildups by Martin Garratt in the UK. One is a high contrast pattern, while the other is a diorama containing two models. Martin’s skill as a buildup artist has allowed him to modify the characters to make them quite distinct, with variable scars and different poses to convey the action of two animals locked in battle.

Three buildups of the same model

Most of Shane’s reconstructions portray dinosaurs as powerful, muscular animals; this is surely a necessity where Triceratops is concerned. The bulk of the animal would keep it firmly planted on the ground, and thick limbs lend the appearance of great strength. One foreleg is actually lifted from the ground, so adhesive on the base will keep the main character stable. The “Foulkes” name is etched directly into the base, so there’s no question of who was responsible for the original sculpt.

Triceratops and Allosaurus, both crafted by Foulkes at 1:15 scale

If you are keen enough to spot the forward-facing fingers on the front limbs, fear not. Models were meant to be customized, and Shane has already taken this latest research into account with his more recent ceratopsian creations. He is as dedicated to the science as he is to the aesthetics, and his models represent a euphoric marriage of the two.

The massive base constructed for the diorama buildup acts as a stage for an epic duel. I cannot say that I’ve personally witnessed such an incredible display at a museum; the owner of this piece is surely a lucky fellow. Martin Garratt is to be commended for conveying the age differences in each combatant, and the brilliant coloration in the frill is sorely missed in most other reconstructions.

Even a single 24″ long Foulkes Triceratops can be very effective in consuming your free space. However, for those dedicated enthusiasts that can manage it, this is a definitely a collection centerpiece that will turn heads. Mind the epoccipitals.

Official Website of Shane Foulkes

Triceratops (Resin Model by Shane Foulkes) is a post from The Dinosaur Toy Blog

One of the standout pieces in CollectA’s 2012 lineup is this 1:15 scale reconstruction of Triceratops. The creation of this piece was certainly influenced by the success of CollectA’s giant 1:15 Tyrannosaurus model. However, while the giant Rex was essentially a “blown up” version of their popular “Deluxe” sized figure, this Triceratops is an entirely new sculpt. It is a whopping 26 inches in length.

Shown beside the 1:40 Wild Safari Triceratops

One of the benefits of this quadrupedal model is that it stands quite comfortably on its own, requiring no base like its carnivorous predecessor. The model seems largely hollow and lightweight, slightly pliable in some areas, and generally a safe choice for tots, provided they aren’t prone to gouging their faces with pointy objects. This, combined with its relatively compact design, means it is surely easier to move around than the Rex, and we all know that base-free figures lend greater playability.

The reusable chain and display tag are a nice touch, including some scientific information like many other companies do today.

Of course, most people reading this review are probably unconcerned with child safety. They want to know how accurate the model is, am I right? Well, this is certainly progress for CollectA, but there are a few areas that could use improving. The feet aren’t quite correct, and face directly forward. The head could use a bit of symmetry retooling as well.

Why the display tag bears a photo of the “Deluxe” version is something of a puzzler.

That being said, most of the sculpt is impressive. The incorporation of a short tuft of quills over the hips is certainly daring, and based on some recent fossil evidence. It is fairly unobtrusive, and that of course keeps the figure a bit safer around children as well. The teeth are visible within the beak, and the eye glistens impressively, a bit like the Megacerops. Perhaps my favorite aspect is the adornment of the frill, which clearly emphasizes the role of display. Too many figures ignore this feature today. It’s also nice to see that this pattern has consistency across the line, as the newly repainted Deluxe model and carcass figures have the same paint apps.

Elongated patterns cover the ventral side of the body, while the flanks appear to have tough-looking scutes. The frill’s texture is also interesting, with hexagonal surfaces aplenty. Although they are not exactly finely-textured, this variety adds considerable aesthetic appeal.

CollectA has done more than their fair share of ceratopsians, and it can be safely said that this is one of their most impressive. The pose is active as expected, with the head tilted upward in a somewhat menacing bellow. The legs have a sullied look to them, another aspect which I feel is often underused in dinosaur models. For those interested, the cloaca appears to have been enhanced with a spot of dark brown. Let your imagination run wild.

Although it is certainly more affordable than a high-end resin model of comparable size, one wonders if it is really a low enough price point to appeal to parents looking to appease rowdy young children. It seems at times to struggle between child-friendly appeal and scientific accuracy. For those collectors with enough cash to spare, it definitely has the size necessary to grab your attention in a room. The only question is, which room does it belong in?

Triceratops 1:15 (CollectA) is a post from The Dinosaur Toy Blog

Sideshow’s rendition of the mighty Stegosaurus was released in summer of 2012. At 16″ high and 26″ long, the term “mighty” becomes quite appropriate. While previous models like the Apatosaurus may have been technically greater in length, there is a great visual difference between an animal with a long, slender tail, and one that is bolstered by huge plates along the entire body.

Cast in heavy polystone with a relatively lightweight base, this is certainly one of the better pieces seen in Sideshow’s Dinosauria line. Sideshow categorizes this as a “diorama” rather than a single-character “maquette” because of the juvenile that ambles alongside its mother. The paint scheme is simplistic and does not overpower the stunning artistry of Jorge Blanco. Collectors familiar with the “dark dots” on Dinosauria models will notice them here in the diamond formations along the flanks, which essentially reflect the shape of the plates. The base is perhaps the simplest yet seen in the series, with only a few green ferns scattered on the ground to tempt the juvenile.

As usual, the characters have pegs on their feet which allow them to be sturdily attached to the base. This offers us a rare glimpse at a Stegosaurus that stands perfectly on its hind legs, a trick that has only been seen in one other place that I can recall. The base contains trackways that help guide the feet into position, and if you don’t mind using them as only vacant footprints, you can display the adult without the baby.

From a logistics standpoint, Stegosaurus is perhaps one of the most difficult dinosaurs to manufacture. While vinyl toys might be pliable, resin or polystone models are hard and more prone to breakage. Sideshow has cleverly worked around this issue by packing the four largest plates separately. They are easily dropped into place via peg insertion, and since gravity alone keeps them in place, you don’t want to go jostling the statue without removing them first. Each one is numbered and fits into uniquely shaped slots, so there’s little chance of putting them in the wrong place. Once installed, they look exactly as you might expect. Giant blades of bone and keratin erupting from the skin, impressive to gaze upon if not to regulate the animal’s temperature.

The high level of detail in a Sideshow model can be particularly nice for Stegosaurus, with its throat armored in fine ossicles. This feature stands out very nicely, and it is surprising how many manufacturers seem to miss this aspect. The artist has also taken the liberty of providing our roofed reptile with further protection on the forelegs, which bear a smattering of scutes. This is a speculative feature, but it makes for a more interesting restoration.

The backstory suggests that this mother is rearing in response to an impending attack from a carnivore, though the violence appears not to have fully erupted, or surely the juvenile would not be scarfing down food. The rearing posture of the Stegosaurus does provide her an alert quality. This would be more of a showy gesture, one that is appropriate for an extravagant-looking animal. The twisting of the tail and turning of the head are excellent for aesthetic purposes, but also suggest the adult has some awareness of the danger and wishes to protect her offspring.

The famous thagomizer is looking nice and sharp here, as well. The spikes appear to have fractured, splintered, and regrown in certain areas, suggesting this girl has seen her fair share of battle. It is said that Stegosaurus was well-equipped to pivot on its legs and make maximum use of its armed tail, and those legs have been given a great treatment here. In addition to the sheer mass of its body, the limbs have a great thickness and musculature that reinforces the power of this creature, perhaps even more so than any other Dinosauria statue. Theropods might hog a lot of attention, but even large theropods look relatively dainty in their bird-like limbs. This is an animal clearly built to crush its foes.

The Dinosauria line did contain a ferocious Protoceratops at one point, but even an animal as stereotypically parental as Protoceratops did not receive any juveniles for the restoration. It is interesting that Stegosaurus was selected as the first subject to care for its young, when so many other species seem to be chosen for parental scenes. It’s possible this pairing is a subtle nod to The Lost World, without the restrictions of working under a massive franchise.

Like several previous pieces, the prototype shown in Sideshow’s stock photo is warm and golden in hue, while the final product is decidedly less so. The statue turns out to be more grey and green, which is not altogether bad, and in fact mimics the classic colors more commonly seen in Stegosaurus reconstructions (assuming you aren’t sick of them by now). At least the plates are not bright traffic-cone orange.

Shown beside Papo Stegosaurus

For those curious, the baby alone is approximately the size of the popular Papo Stegosaurus adult. It is approximately 1:15 scale, and since the Dinosauria line does not conform to a consistent scale ratio, scale-minded collectors might find it fits better among their Shane Foulkes models, or the larger CollectA pieces. It demands considerable space, so plan your display accordingly.

For all the love we lavish upon Stegosaurus, it rarely gets the treatment it deserves from the manufacturers. If you can afford this, the most expensive Dinosauria model so far, you’ll get fancy throat ossicles, all seventeen plates, and an outstanding sculptural quality. It’s truly a work of art, one that Mr. Blanco should be congratulated for.

“I was working on Brazil when I was commissioned to sculpt the Stegosaurus for the Dinosauria line. I prepared some sketches based on my favorites versions of this peculiar dinosaur. Again, the principal idea was to represent a full grown specimen, plenty of strenghth, but this time he or she would be accompanied by a little one. My initial idea was they were part of a big herd. After a rain season, the little child comes out the forest and the vigilant mom rises on his hind limbs, maybe because she heard some suspicious sounds among the foliage.”

“To represent my version of Stegosaurus stenops, I reviewed some articles by Tracy Ford (Thanks again, Tracy) in which he explained some theories about the way Stego moves, and the skeletal reconstruction of Gregory Paul. I paid special attention to the spikes and the scutes. I wanted to represent a magestic animal, worthy of respect for any hungry theropod. The Sideshow team was very generous to give me all the necessary support, and Steve Riojas did a wonderful job with the painting. I thinking in of mom, who said she saw the dinosaurs through my eyes when I was a child, so I dedicated personally this sculpture to her memory.”

- Jorge Blanco

Stegosaurus (Sideshow) is a post from The Dinosaur Toy Blog

In recent years, the fossil beds of Spain have provided spectacular examples of dinosaurs, but perhaps the most famous is Concavenator. First revealed in 2010, this allosauroid’s distinctive physique made it an instant celebrity. The peculiar hump along the back does not seem as awe-inspiring as the humongous sails lining the backs of certain other critters, yet it has clearly made an impression upon us. This distinction is further bolstered by the presence of quill knobs on the forearms – not a new feature to theropods – but certainly piling on mounds of mystique to what might have otherwise been a forgettable, modestly-sized theropod.

It seems that artists have found Concavenator corcovatus to be utterly irresistible. A simple image search online reveals a plethora of pictures for this animal, with many of them carrying quills all over the body. Not even in a Todd Marshall theropod orgy would one expect to find this much quill craziness (and don’t forget Sean Cooper’s amazing sculpt). Given the increasing evidence of theropods with feathery integuments, these reconstructions may not be as far fetched as one might think. While the Carnegie sculptor likely began working on the Concavenator model two years in advance of release, it is strange that this model does not seem to bear a single quill, not even on the forearms. I can only imagine that it was deemed too great a safety issue or manufacturing concern for final production.

The signature dorsal hump has been assigned at least two possible functions. The first is thermoregulation, which is not a terribly easy feature for an artist to convey. The second proposed function is display, perhaps strutting about in courtship rituals. This is another opportunity that an artist simply cannot pass up, and Concavenator’s signature feature is almost always adorned in some sort of flashy color. In many reconstructions, it bears a reddish hue, contrasted with the more neutral tones of the body. In some cases, this can actually make the bulk of the animal look comparatively boring (see the CollectA Concavenator of 2011). For the Carnegie reconstruction, this is certainly not the case. The basic cream color becomes a more sand-like tone toward the center of the body, while the flanks are streaked in brown. This ensures that even without the hump, this model would still be interesting to look at.

The display hump has also been given more than the typical splash of red. The red actually appears in a long band over what can only be described as a creamy middle. This effect helps the red stand out, to a greater extent than if the entire hump had been coated in a single color. It could also be a clever way to avoid the mistaken impression of a wounded animal (see the original Carnegie Miragaia sculpture, which had only red along the neck without the counterbalance of blue). My only gripe is that the colors seem duller than the original prototype stock photo. Given the strong visual impression of last year’s Carnegie Carnotaurus model, I had hoped for a slightly more striking appearance. It is difficult to argue with the choice of red for exuding sexual energy, of course. If Les Misérables has taught us anything, it’s that red is the color of desire, yes?

Crafting this piece at 1:25 scale has enabled considerable detail to be filled into its 18 centimeter form, though it will no doubt continue to irritate Carnegie traditionalists yearning for the days of consistent 1:40 scale models. As with most Carnegie figures, this model does reveal the substantial research that went into its design, making it a very accurate representation of the animal. The head conveys the hatchet-like shape of a carcharodontosaurid, the arms are held in the proper position, and the feet are elegantly formed and not oversized “clown feet”. Hopefully these models will start getting attached to bases, so they will not require their tails as a third support leg. Otherwise, it is an excellent example of a very exotic dinosaur, and by far the best available on the mass market today.

Concavenator (Carnegie Collection by Safari Ltd.) is a post from The Dinosaur Toy Blog

In 2013, Sideshow Collectibles released an extremely limited edition model featuring a baby Euoplocephalus. Of course, every Sideshow Dinosauria model is produced in limited quantities, and once they are sold out, they often fetch high prices at auction sites. So why all the fuss over this sweet little dinosaur?

Well, the Euoplocephalus hatchling was intended as a sort of lightning-sale. Vigilant Sideshow followers noticed the preorder announcement – which appeared without any warning, mind you – through Sideshow’s official website (exclusively, not available through any retailer) in October of 2012. Within minutes, they were completely sold out, with many clever customers purchasing multiple models with the intent to resell the rare piece at a later date. And boy, did they ever. The so-called “flippers” managed to take a model that was a paltry $40 at retail, and sell them on eBay for $300 each. This does provide at least some opportunity for hardcore Dinosauria collectors to get their hands on the hatchling, but Sideshow’s limited offering of the model left more than a few collectors quite understandably peeved.

No doubt the rarity of this piece is responsible for drawing many readers to this review. If you have come to this page with the hope of finding one for sale, or finding flaws in the model that will make you feel better about missing out, I’m afraid I cannot help you. This may not be the first hatchling dinosaur that Sideshow has offered, but it does represent some of their finest work.

The packing material is not unlike most other Sideshow Dinosauria models, consisting of fitted styrofoam and a thinly wrapped padding to reduce the risk of paint rubs during transit. Given the stout build of the model, this seems safe enough. No assembly is required whatsoever, and the model itself is centered on a round black base. One standout worth noting to collectors is the box. Most Dinosauria models have a dark color theme on their outer display boxes, but this little guy sports a cheerier, brighter case. I suspect it’s intended to mimic the look of an egg shell, and I’m betting this will probably not be seen on packaging for future models.

Although only a baby, this model very visible in a display, measuring eight inches high. I am pleased to say that the prototype stock image is well represented in the final model. The details are not heavily softened, and perhaps most noticeable is the paint. The blend of fiery yellow, orange, and red is reminiscent of the Tyrannosaurus maquette. This has been very nicely implemented to bring out the liveliness of the sculpt. I expect a newborn dinosaur would be more inclined to have a subtle, camouflaged appearance, but there’s no question of the vibrant beauty it provides. A layer of sheen allows it to glisten realistically, so this 1:1 scale model is likely the closest we’ll get to watching a baby dinosaur hatch from an egg. Unlike the Brachiosaurus baby, which appeared barely conscious with its eyes only slightly opened, this little guy is definitely wide awake and wriggling free, unquestionably ready to take on the world.

Another nice thing about the polystone medium used for this collectible is that it allows you to do things that would be unsafe for a mass-market toy. While the dinosaur itself is fairly rounded – and would likely still be even if the clubbed tail was revealed – there is quite a lot of eggshell in the scene. The shell shards are visible on the body and base, and are a bit sharp just as one would expect, so please take care when showing this piece to young children. Chances are, you wouldn’t want them handling a piece like this anyway.

It’s hard to say why this particular species was selected instead of the more prototypical Ankylosaurus, but it may have something to do with the baby ankylosaur fossil find, which has been specifically attributed to Euoplocephalus. There is also a fair chance that Sideshow will introduce a fully-fledged maquette or diorama later on, featuring the more popular species. Given their choice to make this a highly exclusive model, they probably could have gotten away with any obscure species. What’s more, few people would have noticed if they had skimped on the quality, but this does not appear to be the case at all. For those who missed out on this piece, it may be painful to learn this, but I must say this is one model that definitely delivered on the promise of the stock photo. It’s hard enough to find examples of baby ankylosaurs, and I cannot think of any that deliver so well on the concept.

Additional notes from Jorge Blanco will be added shortly.

Euoplocephalus in Egg Maquette (Sideshow Dinosauria) is a post from The Dinosaur Toy Blog

Call me strange, but this is really my favorite new release for 2013. Only Safari Ltd. has the stones to tackle the often-overlooked hadrosaurine (or saurolophine, if you’re keeping up with the times) dinosaurs, with an excellent Edmontosaurus replica being foremost in recent memory. These gentle giants did not have the ostentatious headgear of their lambeosaurine kin, making their presence in a mass-produced figure line all the more impressive.

That being said, I don’t think Gryposaurus should be written off as a boring animal too quickly. It is most readily recognized by its “Roman” nose, making it a sort of Charlton Heston of the Cretaceous. What really grabbed my eye with this model, however, was the color. Not since the days of Barney has anyone dared infuse a dinosaur with such a royal hue, but why not? For me, this color recalls the massive Playskool Parasaurolophus. If you haven’t seen that magnificent toy, try to imagine a ferocious, bipedal eggplant on the prowl. This Gryposaurus is more blueish and pale, which probably keeps the animal looking more natural. Still, we don’t get this color very often, so it’s nice to see.

Safari has been raising the bar on detail, and here again they do not disappoint. The body has plenty of fine textures, and the tail (being quite stiffened by those ossified tendons) sticks straight out. When that Edmontosaurus turned up, many were quick to point out the separation of the digits on the forelimbs, which should have been a padded “hoof”. Fortunately, this has been corrected for Gryposaurus, with only a single separate “pinky” digit in sight. The hands look a tad large, but it’s not too noticeable. The sculptor has even included the ridges running along the back, a real feature of this animal, and a very cool effect that lends more interest to the silhouette.

Collectors might also be pleased with the size of this piece. The model is nearly 22 centimeters long, giving it an approximate scale of 1:35. This means it should play reasonably well with the other models in your collection, even those not produced by Safari, in the event you’ve accidentally purchased a scientifically inferior model from a different manufacturer.

The pose of this model is not quite so animated as the Edmontosaurus, but I actually like this conservative level of liveliness. It suggests an animal moving at a comfortable speed, but not too rigid like some other figures. I fear I must also draw attention to the impressive cloaca of this model, which must be the deepest of any figure I have seen. Make whatever assumptions you like.

Despite its relative obscurity, the replicas representing this species are not as rare as one might be led to believe. There is a lovely model of Gryposaurus available on Shapeways from Angie Rodrigues, and a tiny one by David Krentz. Heck, there were even two separate Kritosaurus kits on the market at the time this review was written. Hopefully, this speaks to the continued desire of collectors to see more hadrosaurs on the market, and Safari appears to be makin’ it happen. Their reconstruction is distinct, and should help more people become familiar with the diversity of the duckbilled dinosaurs.

Available for purchase here.

Gryposaurus (Safari Ltd.) is a post from The Dinosaur Toy Blog

On November 8, 2012, Sideshow offered the first preview image of the Dilophosaurus statue. This choice of species does not come as a great surprise to many of us, as we all know that this creature was featured prominently in a rather successful film in 1993. Sideshow’s Dinosauria line first set out to demonstrate the great profitability of dinosaurs without a major franchise backing them, perhaps making Dilophosaurus all the more an expected choice.

Original box

Many manufacturers have since capitalized on this species, and some have done a pretty good job of it. One of the great benefits of the original line is that it can freely pursue contemporary, scientifically sound reconstructions of these animals, rather than perpetuate the often fictionalized “cinematic” interpretations.

Female

Male

Paleoartist Jorge Blanco has, as always, stuck closely with the science for his sculpt. The skull bears the correct maxillary notch, the long neck is free of any frill, and the hands are not held like a Sterling Cooper typist. Particularly noteworthy is the posture of the animals. Instead of the endless combat that theropods seem to engage in, these animals appear to enjoy a moment of domestic bliss. The male is recognizable by his enlarged nasolacrimal crests, which are highlighted in blue, much like the Tupuxuara. He strolls past the female, who sits in supplication nearby. This is perhaps the boldest feature of the diorama, and was likely inspired by a recent fossil find that is attributed to a “sitting” Dilophosaurus.

The female’s crest is smaller, as are her neck spines. At the time this review was written, this sexual dimorphism was not demonstrated with fossil evidence, but it remains appropriate as an artistic choice. I am especially fond of the way the two characters’ tails “frame” one another, as visible from a rear angle. This tail curling is common in these models, perhaps also for the practical purpose of reducing their fragility.

The details preserved from the original sculpt appear to be quite strong. No area looks”softened” in this respect, right down to the leathery avian feet. The paint application does not deviate far from the original of Steve Riojas. Interestingly, it looks very similar to the pink and grey of the Dinosauria Allosaurus; perhaps Steve really likes this color pairing on theropods. The male does have a stronger reddish flush, however. The eyes have been painted in Sideshow’s favorite “carnivore red”, though at least they shine in a more lifelike manner.

Time will tell if collectors find this piece to their liking. Although the popularity of Dilophosaurus is reasonable, this placid pair might prove to be too dull for the casual crowd. This might be acceptable though, since more of the dedicated enthusiasts would be likely to approach a piece at this price range anyway. I do hope the manufacturer continues to take risks with scenes like this. It’s the dinosaur everyone has seen before, but in an entirely new light.

Back in 2010, when Sideshow asked me for some dinosaur designs, I thought about some mating scenes. I didn’t want to show the couple almost ready to give birth. Instead, I was more interested in showing the very first steps of the courtship – an adult male with some battles on his back, and the female impressed by his self confidence. I’ve read some works about the special ways the Dilophosaurs sat, but I wasn’t totally sure, so I talked to the Sideshow Team in order to justify the classical seating position the sculpture finally adopted. And, to help me decide about this, I observed some contemporary big birds from Argentina (Ñandúes, a sort of small ostriches) and everything became quite clear to me since then.

-Jorge Blanco

Available to order from Dan’s Dinosaurs here.

Dilophosaurus (Sideshow Dinosauria) is a post from The Dinosaur Toy Blog

The approach of 2014 means an exciting new line from each of our favorite prehistoric figure manufacturers. However, there’s an extra surprise this year – the new 2014 line from Safari Ltd. has already arrived! While their offering is impressive as always, I have to say that my most anticipated figure is the Pachyrhinosaurus, and Safari has really delivered on this piece.

Given that Pachyrhinosaurus is the starring species of the new Walking With Dinosaurs motion picture, it is understandable that some people believe this figure’s release is simply an attempt by Safari to capitalize on the film. However, the development cycle for these figures can often take one or two years. It has been confirmed by the original sculptor, Doug Watson, that this was essentially a happy coincidence. Hopefully this means we can continue to look forward to more ceratopsian releases.

In fact, the blunt-nosed fellow has been getting quite a lot of attention in pop-culture lately, which should make its appearance less surprising (though certainly no less welcome). Collectors will notice some textural similarities between this model and the recent Vagaceratops, but the complex skull of Pachyrhinosaurus alone makes it seem far more impressive. The attention to detail here is excellent, and really shows the artist’s dedication to the original fossils.

This model features a beautiful set of high contrast patterns that blend softly, yet provide a nice pop to help this herbivore stand out. I would like to draw special attention to the eye, which is very precisely painted and has the crucial sheen that makes the animal come alive. The base color reveals itself gently on the horns and bosses of the head, which makes for a very convincing keratin-like appearance. In many other ceratopsian figures, the horns are simply dabbed with a different paint color, and it tends to look crude and distracting upon close inspection. I’m glad to see this little guy holds up to close scrutiny.

For a stout creature with relatively low flexibility, it can be tricky to incorporate some form of movement and fluidity to the pose. Our critter is caught mid-stride, but also with his head tilted slightly to one side. This can make it a little trickier to photograph the right side, but this simple gesture really helps break away from the often stiff appearance of other horned dinosaur models.

There has been some discussion as to how much of the pebbly texture of a dinosaur’s skin should be visible in a small figure, since it is scaled down quite a bit. Of course, it can be tricky to deliver a sculpt that adheres to scientific research, and still provides the “cool” looking aesthetics that will make people want to own a model. Undoubtedly, people do enjoy fine detail work in these models, which can draw the eye around the entire body, rather than just the head. This is clearly something that has helped make Papo figures so popular. However, Papo has often ignored the science, and these new releases from Safari are actually bringing in the best of both worlds.

Interestingly, there was a Papo Pachyrhinosaurus released not so very long ago. Many were pleased with that model at the time, but compared to this masterpiece from Safari, it seems downright bland, with very little paint and a head that is barely recognizable as its intended species. This leads us to a realization that may be jarring for those diehard Papo fans – Safari has surpassed Papo here. This seven inch figure is proof that you don’t always have to choose between science and aesthetics. Sometimes they combine into one truly awesome model.

This figure is available to order from Dan’s Dinosaurs here.

Pachyrhinosaurus (Wild Safari by Safari Ltd.) is a post from The Dinosaur Toy Blog

Review by Dan Liebman – Dan’s Dinosaurs

Regular visitors to the DinoToyBlog know that I enjoy reviewing every new piece in this series, but I really wanted our resident paleontologist Dr. Adam Stuart Smith to have a go at this one; truly, I doubt there would be anyone better suited to this task. Sadly, the good doctor’s schedule did not permit this plan to come to fruition, so I’m afraid our dear readers are stuck with yet another review from an uneducated amateur.

To my simple eyes, this statue does uphold the lofty standards of aesthetics and accuracy the series is known for. There are a number of unusual factors at play here, starting with the name itself. The manufacturer simply attached the moniker “Mosasaur”. This strangely nonspecific name might have something to do with the similarly titled “Mosasaur” revealed around the same time to star in the upcoming film “Jurassic World”. We do know that Sideshow has been eager to see how their own dinosaur line can stand up without the costly license of Jurassic Park, so it’s not really surprising when one considers the species selected for previous projects, many of which seem likely influenced by the Jurassic Park franchise (though happily, restored with much greater accuracy). Keen readers will still recognize this piece as depicting Tylosaurus proriger, which has been confirmed by the sculptor. Names aside, the species itself was not likely influenced by the film, since the original sculpt was completed at least two years ago.

Original stock photo

Another striking feature is the vertical build of this statue. Every paleo-enthusiast knows how rapidly shelf space is consumed by so many horizontally constructed models, and running out of space for new pieces isn’t fun. This is almost a merciful design decision here, as the Dinosauria statues are undoubtedly some of the largest pieces in most collectors’ displays, so any chance to own this model without wasting valuable space is certainly going to make it more desirable. Bear in mind this is definitely not a puny statue, either. Like several other models in the series, the Mosasaur is around 1:20 scale, and stands 20″ high.

Sideshow has introduced some fancier backdrops for their more recent releases. These water effects are computer wizardry, and under no circumstances should this model be placed in water.

I also wish to point out something very strange indeed. This animal is undoubtedly a fearsome carnivore, and yet, its jaws are closed. It’s been said many times that “closed jaw” depictions are naturalistic, since this is how the animals would have held their jaws most of the time. I feel some measure of admiration of any mass-manufacturer that approves of such a decision, knowing full well that it could negatively impact sales among mainstream audiences, but clearly this is a company that has grown confident in its ability to attract serious collectors. It’s as if Sideshow is seductively whispering in our collective ear, “We know you’re smarter than the others, and we know you want this. We made this just for you.”

Another great shot I couldn’t resist sharing. Many of Sideshow’s impressive diorama-like images have been used as clickbait around the web, from individuals claiming to possess “leaked images from Jurassic World” and so on. If only the films could really be this accurate.

I will admit, the set of jaws on this animal are really spectacular, and it would have been great to see those deadly chompers and palatine teeth as shown in several excellent models of years past. Even so, they are scarcely missed here, because there is so much for one’s eyes to dance around. The colorful base is probably one of the most complex in the series, and consequently, this makes it a bit trickier to assemble the eight piece model. My recommendation is to insert the Mosasaur into the seafloor base first, so as to avoid damaging the more delicate pieces around it. From there, it’s mostly a matter of matching colors: branches of green coral with shimmery fish, yellow plate coral, and the big orange tube sponge with ammonites attached. A nice pink and green zoanthid sits at the center. There is a square hole below the left rear flipper to insert the shark’s peg. The peg will go all the way inside, but I would suggest wiggling it very gently to avoid any breakage. This easily sets the new record for “Most Species Ever Featured in a Dinosauria Statue”. Don’t bother looking that up. I promise it’s a real thing.

I know that quality has been inconsistent for a few of the previous Dinosauria statues, particularly where paint is concerned. Happily, there appear to be no such issues present in this Mosasaur. The signature jagged striping of Steve Riojas is transferred reasonably well by this factory paint job, and the eyes convey appropriate realism. If it were larger and a bit greener, it would stand quite nicely beside the Foulkes Tylosaurus. The patterns do enhance the predator quite nicely, as it’s not too garish, but enough to help it pop despite being surrounded by so many colorful critters. It seems to rise above them ominously, an eerie presence that is both huge and hidden.

With several crimson-eyed predators appearing in the series, it’s nice to see this fellow looking very natural, without compromising his menace. The loose folds of skin around the neck, and the skin texturing itself (which appears to be faithfully reproduced from actual skin impressions) really drive home the reptilian heritage of this animal. The flippers have visible digits running through them, and the “thumbs” actually end in very small claws. These features all contribute to a great sense of realism in this sculpt, truly a testament to Jorge Blanco’s dedication and skill.

Like the other Dinosauria statues, this can be a fun model for playing around with different lighting effects. Warm light beaming down from above could simulate sunlight, allowing the giant to literally cast a shadow over the tiny creatures below. I’ve seen very intricate collections that make use of blue light for that aquatic atmosphere. I strongly advise keeping it away from actual water sources though, including any live aquariums you may feel tempted to utilize. Besides, it’s sure to terrify your poor fish.

Dinosauria Mosasaur (1:20) shown beside Foulkes Allosaurus (1:15)

“The shark is a young Sqalicorax and the small fish are acanthomorpha (angelfish). I also could not resist the temptation to add a couple of ammonites. At the time I finished sculpture and while it was in production, a new paper was unveiled that showed new features of the tail of a new specimen of mosasaur. I had already given my final version so it was impossible to make changes, but I’m honestly very happy with result. I wanted to emphasize the aspect of varanid lizards in these marine reptiles, and I put my full attention to some anatomical features, and how varanids swim propelling with the tail, and with the limbs close to the body and using them only to maneuver, although these are basically terrestrial reptiles with aquatic adaptations while the mosasaurs were fully aquatic.”

– Jorge Blanco

Available to order from Dan’s Dinosaurs here.

Mosasaur by Sideshow Dinosauria is a post from The Dinosaur Toy Blog

Review by Dan Liebman of DansDinosaurs.com
Photos by Chris Kastner of BackyardTerrors.com

If you ask a paleontologist what the two main types of dinosaur might be, you’re likely to receive an answer containing the words “Saurichia” and “Ornithischia”. Pose this same question to a manufacturer of dinosaur models, and you may discover an altogether different dichotomy: “T. rex” and “Dinosaurs that aren’t T. rex”. It’s beyond question that this predator’s popularity far outranks any other dinosaur. The quality of a manufacturer can arguably be judged by the quality of its king, and with reliably high demand, it’s quite common to see several incarnations of Tyrannosaurus rex from a single figure manufacturer.

With that in mind, it is not terribly shocking to find the Sideshow Dinosauria line introduced their third Tyrannosaurus model in 2015, approximately six years after the series first launched. Even if you are an avid collector, you may wonder if it’s really worth having a third statue taking up precious space in your display, and what novelty this new model might offer. In short, there are two main distinctions. The first is that it’s been beautifully crafted by longtime Dinosauria sculptor Jorge Blanco, who has created more models in the series than any other artist thus far. The second reason? It’s huge.

Manufacturer stock photo featuring original painted prototype

Stock photo, alternate angle

When I say huge, I mean just that. At thirty inches in length, this titan reaches the generous 1:15 scale often associated with the Foulkes lineup. This makes it noticeably larger than the previous two tyrannosaurs in the series, and likely more menacing than most of the little vinyl versions you’ve picked up over the years. Serial numbers are boring, so Sideshow has distinguished this Tyrannosaurus with the fitting moniker of “Tyrant King”. In its original box and packaging, this giant weighs a whopping 22 pounds, but is still quite manageable once unpacked. The Dinosauria models are often partly hollow, but the base does have a good bit of heft.

Those anxious about stability in their theropod models need not worry. While past statues sometimes attached to the base with a single sturdy peg, this one features peg insertion for each foot, safely rooting the creature in its massive footprints. The terrain is plain and mud-like, with a scattered rocks and a log to provide some scale. As is sometimes the case with these models, the base could probably do with a stronger paint application, even just a bit of rotten foliage. It’s entirely possible I’ve just been spoiled by the sight of so many buildups from Martin Garratt. Much like the reissued and repainted versions of previous Dinosauria statues that have arrived this year, the base has a secondary layer underneath, which makes it bigger and heavier. This seems to be an attempt to bring a consistent motif to the series, though I suspect many collectors would have gladly forgone this feature in favor of a slightly lower price tag.

Outdoor image, indirect sunlight

But of course, you want to know more about the fearsome predator itself. In addition to a high level of scientific accuracy, Jorge Blanco is known for reconstructing these giants with a primal robustness. This is a considerable contrast to the leaner, more “shrink wrapped” reconstructions of the nineties, and definitely distinct from the pot-bellied predators that came before. Here is a creature laden with an extraordinarily impressive musculature. While gracile tyrannosaurs certainly did exist, our contemporary king is a very heavily built animal. This is especially pronounced in the big, meaty thighs and powerful caudofemoralis, where Blanco once again demonstrates his expertise. There is the barest protrusion of bone at a few points in the body, such as the center of the thigh and the scapula, just enough to remind you of the sturdy framework that supports such a large animal.

Indoor image, with photo flash

The lowered head of the animal adds to the aggressive posture, and feels far more naturalistic than the stereotyped “victory roar” pose better suited to a summer blockbuster than a nature documentary. Whereas many reconstructions show the skull fenestrae, nothing of the sort is found here. The skull’s dorsal surface is appropriately outfitted with an array of bosses, including some slight angularity at the brow, for that classic “angry” look that people have come to expect. The large, forward-facing nostrils are quickly becoming a standard feature, one that befits an animal that depended on its acute olfactory sense. A nice long scar adorns the right side of the maxilla. No pristine white chompers will be found in the jaw of this reconstruction. Instead, there are rows of disposable weapons that show signs of wear and decay. For me, the real icing on the cake is around the glistening gum line, where the skin seems to recede in a grotesque and believable fashion. Lean in close enough, and you can practically smell the rotting stench of death emanating from the jaws. Or it might just be paint, in which case, please don’t sniff it.

Original prototype (left) and mass produced model (right). Not quite identical, but still impressive.

Paint has become something of a controversy when it comes to Sideshow models. Prototype sculpts are given detailed, professional paint jobs for the manufacturer’s stock photos, which can sometimes lead to disappointment once the mass produced statue is seen in person. To their credit, Sideshow seems to have been stepping up their game in this respect, and the recent reissuing of many of their original pieces in more vibrant color schemes suggests they are trying to do better. In its coloration, the new Rex looks similar to the subadult that was featured in the premiere Dinosauria statue, sculpted by Adrian Taboada. The shadowy browns and stony greys feel appropriate for large predator, watching silently in the darkness of the undergrowth. Instead of crimson demon eyes staring at us, we have simple but effective golden eyes, rather like those of a Carnegie model. There is a wavy pattern if you look carefully at the tail, but for the most part, this is a very conservative coloration for this species. It is possible the paint scheme was intentionally simplified in order to reduce the chances of a botched final product after passing through the factory, but either way, collectors have responded positively to it. Personally, I would have liked something a bit bolder, yet I must admit I would not want to risk an unsightly paint job on such a crucial character.

1:15 Sideshow Tyrannosaurus with 1:10 NECA Alien Queen – Because why not?

As I’ve mentioned in the past, the real attraction of a Dinosauria statue is the simple fact that it’s a beautiful sculpt from a world class paleoartist. Many collectors are not aware of the existence of resin kits, and those that are may simply find them beyond their financial reach after hiring an artist to finish it. This makes the Dinosauria statue a great intermediate choice for a serious collector who wants to elevate their collection from the vinyl figures. If there is anything that can entice a collector to try new things, it’s a big bad T. rex.

Preproduction concept art by Jorge Blanco – Thanks Jorge!

“Every time Sideshow asks me for a new sculpture for the Dinosauria series, it´s a thrill. Especially in the case of the T. rex, since there are two great versions: Taboada´s and Krentz’s. So, I wanted to give my own interpretation of the King focusing on the features of a bold and aggressive big male. I don´t believe the T. rex is just a pretty face (far from that), so I dedicated hard work to other features like feet, arms, weight, underlying fat, skin, and the way all these factors make an impression on the base. I want to thank the team for their support, which I find essential to accomplish my own vision of any given animal.”

– Jorge Blanco, Sculptor

Available to order here.

Tyrannosaurus “Tyrant King” (Sideshow Dinosauria) is a post from The Dinosaur Toy Blog

If you’re around my age, you probably remember the old balsa wood dinosaur skeleton kits. After inhaling all the sawdust from sanding and pulling the splinters out of your fingers, you had a fairly serviceable model that didn’t even require glue to assemble (assuming the cheap wood didn’t break apart, which it often did). Supposedly, this was a great way to keep a kid occupied for a while, but that might depend on the kid in question; my own father remarked that he could barely finish examining the instruction sheet, only to find I had finished assembling the model myself. I was probably around six years old at the time, and I’m afraid the old man isn’t so easy to impress these days.

Today, these cheap wood kits are still pretty easy to find, but you may want to offer something less anxiety-provoking to your offspring. That’s where 32Square comes in. Their Boneyard Pets series features all the nostalgia of those classic kit designs, but in a more modern medium. So far, their line has included kits in plastic, acrylic, and laminated birch. At present, they’re using Kickstarter to get a new line going that’s manufactured in Komatex, which is considerably sturdier than the balsa models of old.

You still get to press the pieces out of their flat boards, and you do get to sand them down (sandpaper is included). This means the buildup can get a bit messy, although I suppose a parent could sand all the pieces down before letting their tots take over. However, I feel the patience and concentration required for the task is worth cultivating in children, so I hope parents will consider letting their kids have a go at the entire kit themselves. Kids can surprise you, and not always in a horrifying way.

Once prepped, the pieces are assembled via slot attachments, which are numerically labeled on their instruction sheets for your convenience. All the straining and pressing of sharp, splintery wood seems like a distant memory when you’re working with this Komatex. I would definitely feel better about handing over one of these to a child. It’s bendable and resilient (yes, I did make some effort to break a piece). I think the vivid colors will really be a source of appeal, as well. Each Komatex kit is available in one of seven different colors, so they’re especially eye-catching if you want to display them. Not all of them are flamboyant, so you always have the option of more muted hues.

The series also offers a few pieces that have not been seen in this kit format before, such as this Tupuxuara. While many of the series’ classic designs are woefully inaccurate by today’s standards, the addition of new and exotic species gives me hope they’ll push for more contemporary reconstructions in the future. I am sure an updated, horizontally posed Tyrannosaurus would be a welcome sight to collectors looking for something sizable, but still affordable. If the pieces prove to be popular – and so far, they’re definitely grabbing attention – perhaps something like this could very well be in the works.

Once finished, my new pterosaur has a wingspan of a whopping 23 inches. The lightweight, pliable frame means I won’t have to worry about it injuring anyone, so I hope to hang it from a ceiling, where it will laugh heartily at the flightless mammals lumbering below. I encourage everyone to check out the Boneyard Pets official website and Kickstarter project (which includes some nifty bonus incentives) to help support this revival of a classic childhood series.

Tupuxuara Skeleton Kit (Boneyard Pets) is a post from The Dinosaur Toy Blog

Review by Dan – DansDinosaurs.com
Photos by Dan and Robban

Now that everyone and their mother owns a Sideshow Tyrant King statue, the clever folks at Sideshow are counting on buyers to look at their giant Tyrannosaurus displays and wonder if anything seems missing. Can you guess? After T. rex, this is consistently the most popular dinosaur, and even a more casual collector may have difficulty refusing one. Certain species in the Dinosauria line were not reissued like the others, presumably driving up the desirability of said species. Species that go together since the days of Charles Knight, and are almost never observed interacting with one another in a scene of tender love.

The original prototype painted by Steve Riojas. The color appears a bit different, but the imitation of his design is pretty good.

Depending on the lighting, you can emphasize the colors or the textures of a fine piece like this. The mirror is especially useful here, as it reveals that beautiful beefy neck.

The Dinosauria Triceratops was released in the summer of 2015, and has generally received even higher acclaim than its predatory predecessor. How can this be, exactly? Well, I’m sure there are several issues at play, but I suspect one major aspect is the paint scheme. The manufacturer has taken its fair share of heat for their paint quality, and the Tyrannosaurus was given the simplest paint scheme of any piece in the series. On the one hand, this makes it relatively easy for the factory to replicate thousands of times. However, it can also make for a somewhat underwhelming final product, especially when these pieces are so costly.

Sometimes it’s hard to emphasize the frill while keeping the appearance natural, but I think this works perfectly.

Happily, things look to be very different with ol’ three horns. I daresay this Triceratops upstages its natural enemy. While the colors always seem more muted than the ingenious original designs by Steve Riojas, there is still a nice variety of naturally blended hues on display. Steve’s familiar dappled patterns frame the physique in golds, greens, and greys. Of course, no modern ceratopsian would be caught dead with a bland frill (and I mean that literally), so there’s a brilliant punch of orange beaming from the parietal crest. This looks lighter, and more pinkish in the prototype image, but I prefer this stronger saturation anyway. The eyes are painted gold, probably to give them sheen, a familiar aspect that recalls the recently retired Carnegie Collection.

Turning with its head bowed, there is no mistaking the aggressive body language of this animal. The texture does resemble the fossilized material, large scales popping up regularly amid the normal sized scales. Additional ferocity is piled on by some interesting modifications to the skin. All across the body, we are treated to a dizzying assortment of larger scutes and osteoderms. The largest of these are in long rows over the giant pelvis, while others are scattered around the flanks in a more sporadic arrangement. This lends a craggy appearance to an already prickly-looking prey item, as if its entire form is just a giant “Keep Away” sign. Much of it is artistic embellishment; Jorge did provide similar bonus armor to the Stegosaurus, but this is pushing the envelope much further. The result is a very strong, distinctive silhouette that breaks up the normally round physique of this animal, making it appear all the more dangerous, without stretching the science too far.

Since this model is 20” long and hits the 1:15 scale made popular by Shane Foulkes, it seemed only fitting to set it beside its resin counterpart in the display case. The 1:15 Foulkes Allosaurus can be glimpsed further back.

I suppose if I had to offer any criticism, I do find myself wishing the base had a little more color. The Mosasaur statue raised the bar pretty high for intricate bases, so we’ll see if this changes down the road. I am always impressed by Jorge Blanco’s sculpts, and this extraordinary reconstruction definitely met my expectations. It’s a refreshing take on a classic dinosaur, familiar in its trademark features, yet explosive in its artistic presentation. If Sideshow is willing to grant freedom to the artists working on other species, there is no telling what brilliant future designs the Dinosauria series may yield.

Robban kindly allowed use of his outstanding photos. This beast would not make for an easy meal, even for the Tyrant King.

Given how frequently Ceratosaurus shows up in pop culture, it is a little surprising that so few people can identify it. Certainly, one cannot fault it for lack of a catchy name, which makes it sound like a walking nightmare composed of dripping gore and massive steak knives. Indeed, its horny visage must have inspired visions of reptilian monstrosities, echoing our earliest impressions of a lizard-like Iguanodon. This image of dinosaurs has endured, and can still be seen today. From ancient paleoart to cheap bargain-bin toys, it seems our basic view of dinosaurs has been characterized by two features: giant teeth and devilish horns.

The educated enthusiast knows these animals don’t deserve to be portrayed as villains. Still, the Ceratosaurus – and in particular, this 2016 reconstruction from Sideshow’s Dinosauria line – does little to soften our instinctive terror at the thought of a gnashing, horny beast. In fact, this predator is best recognized for those very features. Its skull bears a pair of impressive lacrimal horns, as well as a third nasal horn for bonus badassery. Even better still, its jaws were lined with exceptionally large teeth. In juveniles, these teeth were even longer in their relative length to the skull, making it quite possibly the most terrifying tot ever to trod the earth.

The spectacle is enhanced even further in this reconstruction with Steve Riojas’s hellish-looking paint application. It’s been suggested this style was inspired by the Ceratosaurus in Jurassic Park 3, though I wonder if the striped tiger wasn’t a bigger influence on this design. In any event, it works very well, providing a believable yet bold quality to a predator that too often goes unnoticed by casual paleo-fans. Some of the lateral stripes fail to break in a natural pattern along the ribs, but given how well the rest of the piece resembles the original design, I am not terribly bothered.

In many previous Dinosauria models, the base has been largely plain and dull. This time, we are treated to a more immersive diorama. A pair of pterosaurs flee as the predator approaches, pressing one huge foot along a massive fallen log. If you look closely, you’ll see how the bark buckles and sinks beneath his weight. Fortunately, the log is not actually hollow, so the base is still more than adequate to support the main character. The entire piece has a length of about 19 inches, so it can sit comfortably among your other Dinosauria collectibles (assuming you haven’t run out of space).

The head of the theropod is faithfully modeled here, with an excellent sheen running through the mouth and trademark teeth. It is also held perpendicular to the body, which ensures the model really looks interesting from a variety of angles. I recognize that not everyone can appreciate this dinosaur, and the prominent position it held in the Jurassic ecosystem, but I think this makes it all the more intriguing. For a closer look, please consider the brief video in the link below.

Video available here

Available to order here