Review of 1:40 Scale Model of Baryonyx (Procon/CollectA)

Everything Dinosaur team members review the CollecA Deluxe Baryonyx model.

Some time ago, team members at Everything Dinosaur were given the opportunity to review early prototypes of the Procon/CollectA 1:40 scale range of prehistoric models. It was pleasing to note that as well as featuring the likes of Tyrannosaurus rex, some more unusual and perhaps less well-known dinosaurs were to be included. For example, this replica range includes a scale model of Baryonyx (Baryonyx walkeri), an unusual carnivore that may have been an ancestor of the Spinosauridae.

Baryonyx walkeri

One of the most remarkable features of this particular meat-eating theropod dinosaur from the Barremian faunal stage of the Early Cretaceous (125 million years ago), are the two huge 30 cm long claws on its first digit (thumbs). The claw was the first part of this dinosaur’s fossil to be discovered. An amateur fossil hunter, William Walker was exploring a Surrey clay pit and unearthed this huge manual ungual (claw). Nothing quite like it had been found in the fossil record at the time (1983). A team from the Natural History Museum (London) was despatched to investigate and over the next few months nearly 70% of the skeleton was recovered.

It was formerly named and described in 1987 (Baryonyx walkeri), the species part of the scientific name being in honour of the amateur palaeontologist who first found evidence of this fearsome creature.

CollectA Deluxe Baryonyx Model

The scale replica from the Procon/CollectA series depicts Baryonyx as a dark brown dinosaur with, black vertical stripes running along the back and to the tip of the tail. This dull, mottled colouration would have helped camouflage this 10 metre long dinosaur as it moved through undergrowth in conditions where light was broken up by trees and becoming dappled.

Model Colouration

The head has greenish hue, which would have helped obscure it from fish as this fish-eating dinosaur looked into rivers and lakes trying to spot an unwary fish. The underside of the jaw is quite lightly coloured. It has been speculated that the lower jaws and chest of this piscivore would probably have been quite dark, again providing effective camouflage as it leaned over water trying to spot fish. Any camouflage to help break up this animal’s outline against a dark background of vegetation would have been useful for Baryonyx, especially if the speculation about it being a silent stalker of fish such as Lepidotes are to be believed.

The 1:40 Scale Model of Baryonyx

Baryonyx “Heavy Claw”.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

To view the scale model of Baryonyx and other prehistoric animal replicas in the CollectA Deluxe scale model series: CollectA Deluxe Prehistoric Animal Models.

The model shows fine detailing, the prominent hump back is in evidence, indicating that the model makers have read up on recent papers concerning Baryonychidae anatomy. The jaws are well painted and the distinct kink in the upper jaw is visible on the model, although not very clear. The strong, powerful forelimbs and those famous claws are accurately portrayed.

The Baryonyx model measures approximately 30 cm long and stands 10 cm high at the hips. It makes a good contrasting theropod model when compared to the more robust looking T. rex model from the same prehistoric animal model series.

A Close up the Scale Model of Baryonyx

Baryonyx 1:40 scale.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

To view the extensive range of prehistoric animal models and figures available from Everything Dinosaur’s award-winning website: Dinosaur and Prehistoric Animal Models.

Marketed under the “Deluxe” banner, this 1:40 scale model of a Baryonyx provides a contrast to the earlier models of this dinosaur as depicted in the Carnegie Safari and Natural History Museum model ranges.  It makes an excellent addition to any dinosaur collection.