Everything Dinosaur team members recently took the opportunity to take some photographs of the popular PNSO Deinocheirus model. This replica of an Asian theropod, the largest ornithomimosaur known to science, has proved popular with collectors.
PNSO Deinocheirus Model
Deinocheirus was named and described in 1970 (Osmólska & Roniewicz), from a pair of huge arms and elements from the shoulder girdle. Two further specimens, which were much more complete were described in 2014. Caudal vertebrae associated with the 2014 specimens indicated that this dinosaur had a tail plume, which has been depicted in the PNSO Jacques the Deinocheirus replica.
The limited-edition Rebor Oddities Extinction models are now in stock at Everything Dinosaur. Two fantastic collectables featuring a Velociraptor. The Rebor Oddities “Extinction” Renaissance bronze version and the Rebor Oddities “Extinction” Victorian neoclassical marble have arrived at Everything Dinosaur.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
Rebor Oddities Extinction Models
Rebor Oddities “Extinction” Victorian neoclassical marble and bronze version. A wonderful pair of limited-edition and highly detailed replicas of a Velociraptor in contemplation cast in elastic resin and polystone. The fantastic Rebor Oddities “Extinction” replicas. These figures are highly-prized collector’s items.
Holding a human skull, the Velociraptor is in deep thought sat upon a pile of books. Such is the detail in this fantastic replica that there are twenty-three books listed, one for each of our twenty-three pairs of chromosomes. The books are a combination of fiction and non-fiction and team members at Everything Dinosaur wrote a blog post in the autumn outlining the contents of this dinosaur’s extensive library.
To read our earlier article and to see the list of books featured in this remarkable statue: The Rebor “Extinction” Library.
Each display piece has been skilfully crafted, and we congratulate the design team at Rebor for producing such an inspirational pair of figures. These are certainly dinosaur models with a difference. Our personal favourite is the Rebor Oddities “Extinction” Victorian neoclassical marble figure, although we suspect both these incredible figures will prove to be extremely popular amongst collectors.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur commented.
“These are very innovative figures and quite striking. We have had lots of enquiries, not just from dinosaur fans and collectors but also from academics conducting research into various aspects of the human condition. Over the next day or so, we will be emailing all those who enquired and ensuring that they know that these limited-edition figures are available.”
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
To view the Rebor Oddities Extinction models (whilst stocks last) and the rest of the Rebor range of figures in stock at Everything Dinosaur: Rebor Figures and Models.
Our thanks to dinosaur fan and model collector William who sent into Everything Dinosaur a detailed PNSO Deinocheirus review accompanied by some additional facts and information about this bizarre Late Cretaceous theropod.
Jacques the PNSO Deinocheirus mirificus
The reviewer praises PNSO for being able to get this item into production quickly. Jacques the Deinocheirus is described as “a bold but extremely welcome final gift to end their 2022 releases”. The reviewer also commented that this bizarre theropod had an increased profile due to its appearance in the award-winning television series “Prehistoric Planet”.
Super Duck!
William confesses that he was previously not a big fan of the “Super Duck” theropod, but the PNSO figure has persuaded him to add this dinosaur model to his collection. He compliments the design team for the detailed head sculpt, including the articulated jaw and the anatomical accuracy of the dinosaur’s bill. The reviewer marks the head as a 10 out of 10!
PNSO Deinocheirus Review
Turning his attention to the main body sculpt, William compares the hump-backed appearance of this model to the neural spines found in the very distantly related Spinosaurus. The plumage is praised, and the feather sculpting is singled out for additional comment, with the reviewer stating that he would have purchased the model for its excellent plumage alone.
William states that in life Deinocheirus would have been a robust and massive animal and one best avoided by predators as it grazed. The tail fan is complimented although no cloaca could be detected on the figure, the presence of the feathers obscuring this anatomical detail. The long powerful tail reminded the reviewer of the large plumes of feathers found on the wings of ostriches.
The Forearm and Hindlimbs
The hands with their massive claws are described and the musculature of the forelimbs is commented upon. The integumentary covering is praised with the reviewer stating:
“In case you wonder, yes, PNSO did not slack! All under wings and body feathers are fully recreated in the finest detail.”
The large hip muscles of “Super Duck” are singled out for comment and the robust weight-bearing toes with their blunt claws are praised.
When commenting on the colour scheme chosen for the model, William explains that the tip of the bill is coloured tan brown with the reminder a rich yellow with a dark wash.
The flanks are a mixture of dark grey with black and white edging. The grey colour scheme continues down to the tip of the tail ending in a crown of white feathers with wide, grey and white bands to provide contrast.
William adds:
“The neural spine is reminiscent of a snow-topped mountain peak with a beige border separating the main body colouration.”
Providing Further Information on the Deinocheirus Figure
In his detailed review, William provided more information about the PNSO Deinocheirus model:
Scale: 1:32
Length: 11.4 inches
Height: 4.8 inches
In addition, he explained that the figure is supplied with a clear, plastic support stand, along with an A3-sized colour poster, a 64-page, illustrated booklet and a QR code which permits access to a short video about the model.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
As well as providing a detailed review, William also supplied information on Deinocheirus and the history of its fossil discovery:
Time Period – Late Cretaceous 71-69 million years ago
Location – Nemegt Basin of the Gobi Desert (Mongolia)
Environment – An extensive river delta with a climate similar to that of tropical Africa or South America today
A Polish/Mongolian expedition uncovered the first fossil evidence of this theropod (1965). The fossils consisted of postcranial elements including three dorsal vertebrae and a complete shoulder girdle with the forelimbs, minus the claws from the right hand.
The dinosaur was formally described and named Deinocheirus mirificus in 1970.
William explained that work undertaken between 2012 and 2017 to find more specimens and to recover fossils in private collections led to a comprehensive reassessment of this dinosaur.
“Jacques is the greatest Deinocheirus mirificus ever created and if you are a serious collector, it is a must, the model will be the crown jewel in any collection.”
The reviewer also praised the efforts of Everything Dinosaur in sourcing prehistoric animal figures and the rapid delivery service the company offers.
Our thanks to model collector William who sent into Everything Dinosaur a review of the new for 2022 PNSO Chongzuo the Sinopliosaurus figure. This new replica of the first spinosaurid to be described from fossils found in China has proved to be very popular and it is wonderful to be able to publish a PNSO Sinopliosaurus review.
PNSO Chongzuo the Sinopliosaurus fusuiensis
In William’s email to Everything Dinosaur he exclaimed surprise that a replica of this spinosaurid had been produced by PNSO.
William stated:
“I was astounded to be honest but truly delighted! Never had I expected such a little known and fragmented fossil species would have received a highly accurate and superbly detailed PNSO figure but here we are reviewing Chongzuo.”
An Introduction to the Spinosauridae
In the review, it was commented that the Baryonychinae are members of the Spinosauridae family and a number of UK theropods had been assigned to the Spinosauridae. Commenting on the on-going debate about the validity of the Sinopliosaurus genus, William pointed out that Sinopliosaurus fusuiensis and Siamosaurus suteethorni might be synonyms as Sinopliosaurus is only known from fragmentary fossil material
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
Chongzuo the Sinopliosaurus Reviewed
William starts his review by examining the head of the figure, he states that the model has one of the most exquisite Spinosauridae head sculpts, a little longer and finer than a typical Baryonyx figure, which was probably used a reference. The placement of the nostrils is praised, and William highlighted the sagittal crest.
William commented that the head was
“Set atop of a superb but classical ‘S’ shaped spinosaurid neck.”
The Main Body
William’s review of the body stated that Chongzuo shares a similar Baryonychinae body plan. The presence of gastralia in the sculpt and the musculature of the figure was pointed out.
The neural spines giving this theropod a distinctive hump were commented upon William praised the skin texture and the tail length.
Forelimbs and Hindlimbs
The review continues with a statement that the Spinosauridae retained the three-clawed hands of their Megalosauroidea ancestors and the limb proportions of the Sinopliosaurus figure are highlighted. When commenting on the size of the manual unguals (claws), it was pointed out the one of the claws (digit I), should be larger and more recurved than the others. The hindlimbs are described as “outstanding” and a comment is made about the support stand (supplied) being helpful in stabilising the model.
Colour and Texture of the Model
The dominate colour is a russet beige with slightly lighter shading on the underside of the figure, the upper jaw is a grey colour and there are a series of stripes running along the flanks and to the tip of the animal’s tail.
When commenting on the sagittal crest, William states:
“A dash of yellow highlights the sagittal crest which draws the eye to it, the eyes of the model are jet black, and the stained ivory teeth look very natural.”
The reviewer went onto to list theropods ascribed to the Baryonychinae: Baryonyx walkeri Suchomimus tenerensis Ceratosuchops inferodios Riparovenator milnerae Iberospinus natarioi Vallibonavenatrix cani Suchosaurus cultridens Ostafrikasaurus crassiserratus? White Rock Spinosaurus
Members of the Spinosaurinae clade were then listed: Ichthyovenator laosensis Irritator challengeri Sinopliosaurus fusuiensis? Camarillasaurus cirugedae Oxalaia quilombensis Sigilmassasaurus brevicollis Spinosaurus aegyptiacus
Sinopliosaurus Discovery and Classification
As with earlier model reviews, William provided information on the discovery of Sinopliosaurus and its taxonomy.
Time Period: Early Cretaceous 129–113 million years ago.
Location: Southern China into North-eastern Thailand.
The reviewer then commented on the fossil discovery that eventually led to the proposal of a Chinese spinosaurid genus, the first in the country. He also hoped that further fossil discoveries would be made providing palaeontologists with a more complete understanding of this dinosaur.
When explaining the differences between different clades defined within the Spinosauridae it was stated that Members of the Spinosauridae exhibit a skull with a profile similar to that seen within the crocodilians. Baryonychinae have a greater number of teeth as compared to their Spinosaurini cousins. But they all share the unique terminal rosette hook which sets them apart from all other major theropod groups.
All members have their nostrils held higher upon their skulls to aid with the hunting of fish.
Whilst reviewing some information on members of the Sauropoda we came across a photograph that we took of the Eofauna Atlasaurus shortly after stocks of this Eofauna Scientific Research sauropod model arrived at our warehouse.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
Eofauna Atlasaurus
The Eofauna Atlasaurus model was the first sauropod figure to be produced by this manufacturer, the Diplodocus replica (D. carnegii) was added to the range earlier this year. Team members recall taking a model outside and taking some pictures close to some ferns. This was an opportunity to highlight the striking colour scheme chosen for this African dinosaur.
The Papo green Styracosaurus dinosaur model is now in stock at Everything Dinosaur. This figure is a new colour variant of the original (red) Papo Styracosaurus figure that was introduced into the “Les Dinosaures” model range in 2011, but has now been retired.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
A Popular Horned Dinosaur
Styracosaurus is a popular horned dinosaur. Team members at Everything Dinosaur are often asked about this spiky centrosaurine, a dinosaur that was formally described and named more than a century ago (Lawrence Lambe in 1913). It is perhaps second only to Triceratops in terms of its popularity. Styracosaurus can be regarded as a superstar amongst the Ceratopsia.
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
Papo Green Styracosaurus Dinosaur Model
One of a handful of new models to be added to the Papo range, this figure effectively replaces the original Papo Styracosaurus model. Everything Dinosaur has been able to source a limited stock of the retired Papo red Styracosaurus. The UK-based mail order company is able to, at least for a short while, to offer both Papo Styracosaurus figures (green and red).
A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur commented:
“We are pleased to announce that the green Papo Styracosaurus figure is now available. It is great to have this figure in stock in time for the festive season.”
The recently introduced (2022) CollectA deluxe Spinosaurus dinosaur model has been well received by dinosaur fans and model collectors. The latest incarnation of the largest theropod known to science is just one of the Spinosaurus figures that have been made by CollectA. Their range of Spinosaurus replicas helps to chart how our perceptions about this carnivorous dinosaur have changed.
The CollectA Deluxe Spinosaurus
The first Spinosaurus model introduced by CollectA came out not long after the range was launched. It depicted this dinosaur as a colourful biped. The model was short-lived, it was replaced by a more muted version.
Spinosaurus Replicas and Models
Since the early days of the CollectA range, Spinosaurus has been an integral part of the company’s product offering. In 2010, the first Spinosaurus in the CollectA Deluxe range was added.
In 2015 CollectA introduced their first Spinosaurus replicas depicting this animal as an obligate quadruped (walking on all fours). Three models were introduced, a 1:40 scale CollectA Deluxe Spinosaurus replica and two smaller models (Spinosaurus walking and Spinosaurus swimming). The 2015 swimming Spinosaurus model was the first CollectA model to be introduced that depicted a swimming dinosaur. These figures commemorated the centenary of the formal scientific description and naming of this theropod (1915 Stromer). CollectA was the first toy company to make a model of S. aegyptiacus based on the comprehensive reassessment carried out the previous year in a scientific paper entitled “Semiaquatic adaptations in a giant predatory dinosaur” (Ibrahim et al). The 2015 swimming Spinosaurus model was officially retired in 2019.
The latest version of this iconic carnivorous dinosaur to be added, the 2022 CollectA deluxe Spinosaurus has a restyled dorsal fin and the tail has been thickened to reflect yet more published research on this dinosaur: Spinosaurus – The River Monster.
A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur commented that the history of CollectA Spinosaurus models closely reflects the changing views held by palaeontologists. The changing models of Spinosaurus demonstrate how perceptions about this huge dinosaur have changed over the last two decades.
The new for 2022 Spinosaurus has certainly proved popular with one model reviewer posting on Everything Dinosaur’s website that this figure was the “best CollectA model ever”.
Team members at Everything Dinosaur have been most impressed with the new for 2022 CollectA deluxe 1:40 scale Triceratops horridus dinosaur model. This new, horned dinosaur figure is largely based on the fossil specimen nicknamed “Horridus” which is on display at Melbourne Museum (Victoria, Australia).
Triceratops horridus
The Museums Victoria Triceratops fossils, representing some 87% of the bones from an individual animal, were excavated from Upper Cretaceous (Hell Creek Formation) deposits in Montana (USA). The bones from the tail (caudal vertebrae) were almost all present, and for the first time palaeontologists were able to accurately re-create the tail of this iconic dinosaur. The CollectA Deluxe 1:40 scale Triceratops figure reflects the data, and the tail is in proportion with the rest of the dinosaur model.
In addition, the excellent condition of the skull bones and the frill of this dinosaur enabled the design team at CollectA to accurately reconstruct the head of a Triceratops. The Montana specimen has the most complete skull and neck frill of any Triceratops found to date. The bones make up more than 99% of the skull skeletal material. CollectA have been able to use this skeleton to accurately depict the head and the neck frill on their dinosaur model.
The Skin of a Triceratops
The beautifully detailed skin of the CollectA T. horridus model is based on a second Triceratops fossil nicknamed “Lane” from the Lance Formation. These fossils (specimen number BHI-6273) include stunning skin impressions that indicate that Triceratops had a skin like no other known ornithishcian. Triceratops was covered in large scales, many of which were hexagonal in shape. In addition, this dinosaur had raised, conical tubercles embedded in its skin some of which were over 10 cm in diameter.
No formal scientific paper has been published yet on the skin of “three-horned face”. These fossils are on display at the Houston Museum of Natural Science (Texas).
Team members at Everything Dinosaur congratulate CollectA for creating such a magnificent Triceratops horridus dinosaur model.
This year, (2022) PNSO added a replica of the Early Cretaceous theropod dinosaur Acrocanthosaurus to their popular mid-size model range. Say hello, to PNSO Fergus the Acrocanthosaurus. It is a wonderful replica of a member of the Carcharodontosauridae known from the United States of America.
A Detailed Dinosaur Model
The figure has been beautifully painted, and it has an articulated lower jaw and a clear, plastic support stand to assist with display. The figure measures over 32 centimetres long, and those skilfully recreated lacrimal crests are some 10.5 cm off the ground. It is a stunning replica of a super-sized predator.
Sci-Art Poster and Colour Booklet
The figure has been so well made that it can stand on a solid, flat surface without the need of the clear, plastic display stand that comes with the dinosaur model. Fergus the Acrocanthosaurus is also supplied with a sci-art poster and a 64-page, fully illustrated colour booklet.
A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur commented:
“We are delighted that PNSO have added a replica of an Acrocanthosaurus to their mid-size model range. As far as we at Everything Dinosaur are aware, Acrocanthosaurus atokensis is the only member of the Carcharodontosauridae known from the United States. A theropod named and described in 2012 known as Siats meekerorum might be a member of the related family the Neovenatoridae, which along with the Carcharodontosauridae make up the Carcharodontosauria clade, but the taxonomic position of Siats remains uncertain. However, Acrocanthosaurus was an apex predator, and it deserves to be included in the exciting PNSO model range.”
To view the PNSO Fergus the Acrocanthosaurus dinosaur model and the rest of the PNSO range of prehistoric animal models and figures in stock at Everything Dinosaur: PNSO Age of Dinosaurs Models and Figures.
Earlier this year, (spring 2022), PNSO announced that they would be adding a 1:35 scale replica of an adult Torosaurus and juvenile to their scientific art series. The PNSO Aubrey and Dabei Torosaurus models are in stock and have been proving to be very popular amongst dinosaur fans and model collectors.
Torosaurus Figures in 1/35th Scale
The Torosaurus pair (Aubrey and Dabei) are part of the highly successful 1:35 scale scientific art models series from PNSO. Torosaurus is the second ceratopsian to be featured after the initial introduction of the Triceratops figure (Doyle).
Aubrey, the adult Torosaurus measures an impressive 23 cm in length. The beautiful headshield with its stunning eyespots over the fenestrae stands over 12 cm off the ground. The baby Torosaurus (Dabei) measures approximately 5.5 cm long.
Torosaurus latus
Torosaurus (T. latus) was formally named and described in 1891 (Othniel Charles Marsh), and is one of the largest, and youngest of the chasmosaurine horned dinosaurs known to science. Fossils have been ascribed to this genus from Upper Cretaceous deposits from both the USA and Canada, although the identification of some of these specimens as Torosaurus fossils remains controversial.
Compared to the closely related Triceratops, fossils of Torosaurus are much rarer.
Twenty Scientific Art Posters
The PNSO Aubrey and Dabei Torosaurus models are supplied with a 48-page, fully illustrated booklet, 7 drawing cards and twenty scientific art posters featuring the two dinosaur figures.
PNSO have earned a deserved reputation for the breadth and depth of their prehistoric animal model range. To view the wide range of PNSO figures available from Everything Dinosaur: PNSO Age of Dinosaurs Models and Figures.