The Dinosaur Toys Collectors Guide BlogThe Dinosaur Toys Collectors Guide blog is the ongoing chronicle of the Dinosaur Toys Story, using my own collection for illustration. This is a picture-encyclopedia of Dinosaur toys since the mid-1940s. It will aid collectors in recognition and everyone in finding, recognizing and purchasing appropriate Dinosaur toys for themselves, their children and their friends. Just click on the "orange button" to painlessly subscribe. Mar 10, 2010, Recovery on the Horizon: 3-8-2010
More visitors came to see Rexford now that he has recovered from yesterday's scare. Two of the large, Soft Play Bullyland (opens new window) came around....
"I hope to be chasing you in a matter of a few weeks." "And I'll be looking forward to goring you. I'm leaving now." (Rexford doesn't have the best bedside manners whichever side of the bed he's on.) "What'd I say?"
"If you ever drop by the Permian look me up. We'll kill something." "You're on, good buddy. But what's up with that Triceratops?"  (Left) "You're doing very well Mister Rexford and you'll be released to go home tomorrow afternoon. Congratulations and good luck for a complete recovery. It will be up to you now." "Don't you worry your sweet little head about me, darling. But you could use some more meat on your bones...." (SLAP) "Well, ah declare, Mister Rexford." "What'd I say?" I, too, am recovering. Began my own P.T. on Monday and will be back soon. "Soon" being a relative term when you're discussing the Mesozoic. Both Rexford and I know that there is no magic to getting well. Full recovery will require that we work very hard on our physical therapy. Our doctor gave us the opportunity to heal and the P.T. will provide us with direction and tools but the work will be up to us. There's no "magic" to creating a profitable web-business, either. Let me show you how it's done, by clicking here. Mar 9, 2010, Road to Recovery Tour, A Speed Bump: 3-7-2010
You are looking at the new Wild Safari Apatosaurus for 2010. Thank you Safari Ltd. (opens new window) for the sneak peek. It will be in stores in late April. And speaking of opening new windows, you can open your own window for the world onto what you know and love. Why not share it with the world and create a lifelong income stream at the same time? I know and love Dinosaur toys and that is exactly what I'm doing. You can too. Rexford woke up this morning to a surprise perching on his face. (If it were a Perch he would have eaten it.)
"And how did we sleep last night, Mister Rexford?" "Well. I had the most horrible dream. I was surrounded by these, these...."
"Now, now Mister Rexford. It was only a dream. Here are your first visitors of the day, maybe they will cheer you up."
"Howdy Rexford, remember us?" "Ahhhh! Get away, get away! HELP!!" Let's hope this visitor thing shakes out alright and we'll return to the healing part of our program tomorrow. I'm doing better than Rexford so far, thank you for asking. Mar 8, 2010, Milemarker 1 on the Road Back: 3-6-2010
Time flies but healing will take awhile as it slogs ahead. This is the first day, post-surgery and Rexford is ready for whatever it brings. His first night is passed and he has had some, if not strictly "bad", at least troubled dreams. (Left) Have you been dreaming of your own, profitable website? You can make that dream come true, here. Upon awakening he finds that his dreams were not harbingers, but only dreams after all. He awakens to his nurse holding his paw in hers....
"Good morning Mister Rexford. And how are we feeling this morning?" "I'm feeling like having a bite, my toothsome wench. (Slap)"Why I declare, it's hospital food for you, Mister Rexford!" Visitors on this first day are only going to be (The Kenner Jurassic Park collection) family.
"Wow! Uncle Rexford, that was a really scary story about hospital food. Are you saving her for a snack?" (slap, slap, slap, slap, slap, slap)"Mind your manners, boys. Some of Rexford's visitors weren't as happy to see him doing well....
"Talk to the tail. I still think you'll come to a bad end." While others had advice to render up.
"We were on the horns of a dilemma about coming to visit you at all. After all, we've never seen the point to your wastrel ways. And furthermore...." "Zzzzzzzzzzzzzz" But a visit from his younger brother definitely brightened his day.
"As soon as you're feeling better we'll go hunting. I hear hospital food stinks." "Yeah. I think maybe some Triceratops, whaddaya say?" Mar 7, 2010, A Surgical Procedure Proceeds: 3-5-2010
Having fallen off a liquor store shelf Rexford has drawn quite a lot of interest in the state of his health. It's a Southeastern state in the USA. Our local Dino-town news team has taken an interest as well and is interviewing the surgical team prior to their committing the most important surgical procedure of their and Rexford's life... to date.
"We'll be cutting on the big boy and... be sure to get my good side...." The surgery begins in earnest with a careful check of the patient.
"Was it his right shoulder or left foot. I can never remember that stuff." "To heck with it, just start cutting. Yee owch! This is some start to a very tricky operation.
"So, how's your wife, B.A.?" "Pretty sharp. Uh? Did you say knife?" Many fancy, new and complicated surgical instruments are required for this delicate work.
"How do these new-fangled things work, anyway? And where's the rotator cuff?" "That's the other guy!" "Never mind then. The surgery was long and hard. The team slept in shifts....
"Where'd B.A. put the bandages? Hey, B.A.!" "Zzzzzzzzz"
"Yes. The surgery was a success and the patient survived, too. A double success!" (Talking Headette)"Does that increase the cost of the procedure?" "Oh yes. It always costs more when they live." (That's a little macabre. -Pointy Head Ed.) After a post-surgical "check"....
"Everything looks good, and he's breathing. He can have visitors."
"We're so glad you're going to be okay, Daddy." "Ummmphh...." If you're reading this I'm okay, too. Mar 7, 2010, A Rexford Update: Part 1, 3-4-2010
Dateline: Somewhere in the Southeastern United States. More information has come in, updating the terrible tragedy at the local ABC store. As you may have heard, Rexford was fooling around with some friends when the horsing around took a tragic turn and Rexford fell from a shelf.
"Hey y'all... watch this!" A somewhat boozy crowd quickly gathered offering comments and opinions.
(left to right) "Does he need 'last rites?'", "He just needs some Southern comforting, doncha sugah?", "I'd better tell the Godfather about this.", "All that boy needs is a good, stiff drink and he'll be back on his feet in no time. Ain't that right son?" "Oooooohhh... my shoulder....And NO, I'm not dead, ooooohhh... Several long lost film-famous cousins appeared out of the woodwork to express their concern....
"I remember when he almost drowned in The Black Lagoon." "Don't tell us about Doctor Frankenstein bringing him back to life, either!" (Hmmm. Seems like Rexford may have had a very interesting life.... We'll have to look into that. If he survives.) Then the Rescue Squad arrived on the scene, along with a news crew (far right)....
"Step back folks, this could be serious. Where's the victim??" And then the police arrived to restore order. (Blog continued below...) Mar 4, 2010, A Rexford Update: Part 2, 3-4-2010
"Move along... there's nothing to see here. Well golleee! Would ya look at THAT!! Most of the bystanders were quite cooperative but there was one in particular the police had a hard time getting to move on.
"Move along ma'am." "But what if the poor boy neeeeds me?" "We're thinking that you might have had something to do with his accident, ma'am." "Ah'll be leaving now, kind officer."  Rexford being somewhat of a local celebrity drew the local-news crew who immediately began interviewing the cousins...(left). (Talking Headette)"Now you've known the victim for quite some time?" (Creature-1)"Oh, yes. Years and years, nearly seventy million." (Creature-2)"This is the worst tragedy in our family since Rexford ate cousin Mike." (Lizard-Girl)"Shut up, Bill!" (Talking Headette)"And so, a tragic loss strikes local family, once again. Back to you in the studio, Ed."
"HEY! I'm not dead! I just injured my shoulder." While Rexford undergoes extensive shoulder surgery tomorrow morning I, too, will be having a medical procedure of my own. WebSite building will come to near screeching halt for a week or two while both Rex and I blunder around in a drug induced haze. We're both hunt&peck typists and our pecking ability will be sorely (and I do expect sore) limited. Bye bye for now." Have you been dreaming of your own, profitable website? You can make that dream come true, here.Mar 3, 2010, New Products and an Unexpected Accident
But who, really, ever expects an accident? Our friends at Safari Ltd. (opens new window) were nice enough to supply us with some of their new figures. A Wild Safari Mosasaur that takes up where their 1991 Carnegie Mosasaur (retired in 1999 and enjoying every minute of it) left off, both shown below:
"You've got big flippers to fill, kid." New to the Carnegie Collection is an Icthyosaurus, with an Ammonite clutched in its jaws....
"Stop struggling. You're not going anywhere but in my stomach." And the prize in my Cretaceous Crackerjacks is a beautiful little Liopleurodon that is part of the Wild Safari collection. This has been my favorite ocean going "Dinosaur" since I saw them in Walking with Dinosaurs" (Swimming with Dinosaurs??) back in 1999. So here are two (2) pictures of the Liopleurodon-
Bad news. Rexford injured himself when he went out to the store earlier today....
(The security camera footage shows Rexford fooling around at the local ABC store. He badly injured his shoulder falling off the Margarita shelf. No one else was hurt in this terrible tragedy.) The Dino-town Emergency Squad was right on the scene (how did they get there so fast?) and quickly determined that Rexford needs surgery on his injured right (typing) shoulder. Rexford is one of those hunt-and-peck, two fingered typists.
"This is a bad injury, he'll be going in first thing Friday morning. Prep him, Barbie!" It looks like the website will be slowing down page production for a week or two as Rexford recovers from this emergency surgery. We'll do our best to keep up with the blog and whatever other production we can manage. Updates as they come in- stay tuned!! Mar 2, 2010, An Ankylosaurus Quarter-Pounder, Hold the Cheese
Whether where you expect it or not the Carnegie Ankylosaurus will climb right into your heart*. This quarter-pounder is very well done, looks great and is rugged enough to stand up to all play demands. Introduced in 2004 it is going to be around for a awhile. Rexford, of course, has his own particular and typical take on the situation. He likes the Carnegie Ankylosaurus just fine....
"'Quarter-pounders' should always climb right in to my mouth." Continuing his outdoors explorations Rexford has come upon some strange spoor....
"Uh oh. A Beaver with a chainsaw. I'll pass." A blog is great fun but can it be a business too? Check here to find out. Mar 2, 2010, The Carnegie Ankylosaurus brings life to plastic.The Carnegie Ankylosaurus has a way about it that just brings a smile to your face. Permalink -- click for full blog post "The Carnegie Ankylosaurus brings life to plastic." Feb 28, 2010, A Near Thing (or, Why Politics Can Get You Into Trouble)
Rexford considers himself a (even THE) Webmaster and jealously guards his territory. If you want to challenge him click here. Otherwise consider this:Rexford had hurt his foot and was in the hospital being treated. But for how long?
"Without me to run things they will all fall apart." Meanwhile, a rival has stepped in to fill the breach.
"With Rexford out of the way I'm in charge now!"
"But before I take over... are there any requests? I do some great Sinatra covers...."
"How about 'I'll Do YOU My Way' Webmaster wannabe!" Oh dear, Rexford certainly has a temper! I hope everything turns out okay. If you are considering webhosting I suggest that you do it on the quiet. You don't want to get Rexford angry at you. Feb 27, 2010, A Cautionary
Rexford was back at Sam's, picking up a snack (Left)... "The food's okay; but that little plastic spoon!?! Who needs it? Civilization is stupid...." ...and visiting his "couch-potato" cousin "Monty". Monty lives there and Rexford hopes to whip him into shape.
"Okay Monty. It's 'squattin' time'!! Down, up, down, up...up...up!!" He has more relatives there too. And he's mightily concerned for their health and lifestyle. Living in a snackateria can put on the pounds....
"You two need to get out and hunt more. I'll show you how."
"First you need a good place to lie in ambush.... Then you pounce!"
"Even Mickeys can't save you, donkey-boy!" Blogging is great fun but can it be a business too? Check here to find out. Feb 27, 2010, The Wal-Mart Saga Continues
We will be doing our next figure page on the 2004 Safari/Carnegie Collection Ankylosaurus. An archetypal armored Dinosaur that stood five and a half feet tall, was five feet wide, thirty feet long and weighed ~six tons. Its tail ended in a heavy bone club that could be swung with enough force to break the leg(s) or crush the ribs of any potential predator. A definite force to be reckoned with and nobody's Cretaceous crunchy. When left alone they were peaceful vegetarian types who liked long walks in the moonlight and a nice Merlot with their salads.
"This is a good salad. Please pass the Merlot." On the other hand Rexford eats whoever is at hand, hates veggies and doesn't even bother to remove the cork when he chugs down his Thunderbird. To each his own....
"I've always wondered why you people cook your food. But that grill would serve as a cage for my food. Wrap it up!"
"Hey look! Frozen Lures!"
"A bedding and eating department, all in one. Heaven!"
"No need to wrap it. I'll eat it here." Feb 26, 2010, The Parasaurolophus Dinosaur leads this blog archive entry.The blog archive from early February 2010- the Papo Parasaurolophus Dinosaur and its blog buddies. Permalink -- click for full blog post "The Parasaurolophus Dinosaur leads this blog archive entry." Feb 26, 2010, Dinosaur baby and dangerous childcare choices.Childcare choices for your Dinosaur baby are limited. And risky. Permalink -- click for full blog post "Dinosaur baby and dangerous childcare choices." Feb 26, 2010, Dinosaur pictures are revealing.Random Dinosaur pictures taken from the blog and wherever. Really cool. Really. Permalink -- click for full blog post "Dinosaur pictures are revealing." Feb 26, 2010, A cold blooded idea nears fruition.Rexford goes about getting ideas in a cold blooded fashion. An ambush proves successful. Permalink -- click for full blog post "A cold blooded idea nears fruition. " Feb 26, 2010, The Franken Schleich Monster Rex
The 2004 (and 2002) Schleich Tyrannosaurs were the subject of today's recently completed page. Lots of pictures with the one above, showing the wear on one half of my pair, being one of the best in terms of showing the figure off to its best advantage. Doing so isn't easy. With its blocky head, poor paint job and general "Dr. Franken's T-Rex" looks it just doesn't turn me on. Read all about it here. On the other hand it is very photogenic and enjoys marauding almost as much as the marvelous Schleich Allosaurus which I love. My two Tyrannosaurs went out yesterday, the first beautiful day this year, and came upon a rival Bullyland Triceratops...
"Haven't I seen your picture on a food label?" "You don't worry me, fathead!"
"Now I'm getting concerned....I'm outta here."
"Not so fast, fork-face."
"Your'e coming in us. Grrrr! ("Fathead", huh?)"
"Of course we prefer our food packaged and delivered at home."
"Pink-dog yesterday, hot-dog today. And remember kids....
Always brush after every meal!" Feb 25, 2010, The Schleich T-Rex - King of the Dinosaur toys?The Schleich T-Rex is far from my favorite but it is photogenic. Does that make me picture-shallow? Permalink -- click for full blog post "The Schleich T-Rex - King of the Dinosaur toys?" Feb 24, 2010, Rexford Eats Wal-Mart
Today we had to make a shopping trip to our local Wal-Mart 35 miles away. This meant that we did not have time to do our Schleich T-Rex page although we did get all the pictures chosen. It will be a big picture-page as this turned out to be a very photogenic figure. Or it may be that I just got excited about it being a nice enough day to get back outside.... (below- our T-Rex pair begin with the worst pick-up line of the Cretaceous Period)
"We hear that you little guys are as tasty as you are goodlooking."
"My, what big teeth you have...."
"You don't need lunch money when you are lunch."
We'll see a lot more of their adventures and find out their other secrets to meeting local fauna on our upcoming page.... Meanwhile our little shopping trip saw Rexford just trying to blend in....
"I heard that you should look like what you want to eat." I think that Rex's camouflage worked as he made a "kill" right away.
"It's mine, I caught it!!"  (Left)"...and your little dog, too..." Yes, Rexford had quite a day and raised a bit of a ruckus but, as always, he got lots of smiles and a generally positive reaction from every one he met (and didn't try to eat).
Feb 23, 2010, Meet the Me at the Counter
As Rexford and I peruse the web we come upon some interesting sites. I'd like to call your attention to a blog we discovered that you may find interesting. It is about Dinosaurs and folks who are interested in them. It is Love in the Time of Chasmosaurs (warning, opens new page and some not quite adult content) and I think that you might enjoy it. I'm finding that writing a history of the creation of this site is a bit harder to do than I had expected. After all, it ain't that old and it's all fresh in my mind but organizing it into coherency is proving a tougher bone to chew than I expected. Rexford, however, isn't concerned about bones....
"Welcome home my new best friend." The next page will feature the Schleich 2004 Tyrannosaurus with a guest appearance by the 2002. Coming soon to a URL near you. Feb 23, 2010, Here's Your Sign
Retirement was not necessarily easy for me to get used to. I thought that I would spend my time in a serene and idyllic natural utopia....  (Left)"I had to set him straight. He wouldn't have been happy sitting around contemplating his navel for the next twenty or thirty years and besides, I have expensive appetites. After showing him this sign he began thinking a home business might just meet my needs. And he likes to watch videos anyway." As you know, I did take Rexford up on his suggestion. But not right away. I investigated the offer and considered the commitment it would require from me. (Below) ("He's kind of a jerk. But he's My jerk and he only needed a little push....")
"Hey! It was only a little push. You okay down there?" Feb 21, 2010, Site Insight-1
Since starting this site back on August 15 of 2009 (we had one visitor that first day) we have grown to where we are averaging over 140 (and growing) visits to our 140 (and growing) pages every day. One question that we get fairly regularly has to do with how we began this site. What motivated us to begin and how we go about creating it. We are working on a page giving a history of our site, from its conception to the present day. The story of how it has gone from a dream to a reality. But this dream has required a fair amount of work and learning to bring it about. Yes, we began with an idea but there are a lot of services out there that (for a price) will gladly act as a host. Rexford put a lot of time and effort into finding a web-host who does a lot more than just host. One who provides all the tools this web-neophyte needed to get the site up and running. And who continues to provide help and support as we grow.  Rexford and his buddies put a lot of time and effort into researching what I should be doing and who I should be doing it with now that I am retired. He doesn't want me wasting my time or his lunch money on making him famous. He wants the most "bite" for my buck. And I have no question but that he is getting it. (Left)"Look guys! THIS is where that old, retired bald guy needs to put his energy!" Hey. What's that crack about 'bald guy'? Feb 19, 2010, SUE, Anato, Toro and ME
We completed our Safari/Field Museum 2004 collaborative effort Torosaurus page, which completes our triumvirate of the Toro, Anatotitan and the (two) SUE T-Rex. Unfortunately these have been out of production for several years but fortunately they still can be found at retailers on the internet.
I got five of these (left) so I would have some to experiment with and found them quite amenable to minor changes in posture and positioning. They are extraordinarily well done and are probably the best of the three Dinosaurs that Safari did in this little series. This takes nothing from either of the SUEs or the Anatotitan, which are also excellent. I just really like this little guy from his ferocious expression to his grace under pressure...
"Your money or your life." "You'll have to speak with my agent." Due to their small size (this goes for all four of the figures) they fit in best with the smaller contemporary Dinosaur toys and especially with the vintage MARX and MPC figures. (Below with Marx Triceratops.)
They are just a little too small scale to get along well with the larger sized contemporary Dinosaur toys which tend to be about two or three times their size. Despite their small size they have plenty of personality and strong desires...
"I don't care what SUE said, I will not be the 'Blueplate Special.' Call my agent!!" Feb 19, 2010, The Torosaurus Dinosaur toys are but may not be.The Safari Torosaurus created for The Field Museum is a real beauty from 2004. Permalink -- click for full blog post "The Torosaurus Dinosaur toys are but may not be." Feb 18, 2010, Toro! Toro! Toro!
We got all our pictures for the Safari/Field Museum Torosaurus ready to go but we simply don't have time to complete the page today. In consequence we will give you just a taste of what is to come, tomorrow. This Torosaur was conceived in a collaboration between Safari Ltd. and The Field Museum of Chicago (opens new window) to create Dinosaur toys based on the museum's "Sue" T-Rex fossil. The Torosaurus was one of two companion figures, the other being an equally wonderful Anatotitan ("large duck", see yesterday's blog), the largest of the Hadrosaurs. These all came out in 2004 and are now (2010) out of production. There is some dispute about the Torosaurus. It is, clearly, closely related to the Triceratops, but it has a much larger frill. It has, in fact, the largest head (including the frill) of any Dinosaur. The controversy is over whether the Torosaurus is a distinct and separate species or simply a fully mature Triceratops. We will discuss that, and more, in our Torosaurus page tomorrow. We were planning on giving you a little taste but it appears that some one else wants that taste instead....
"Don't run little Torosauruses, we just want to check your, uh, hat size." "Let's get outta here...."
"We thought you'd make a great lunch box. Hold still." "How about I give you my fat friend's address?"
"Stop squirming. One in the mouth is worth two in the woods." "Please go away now."
"Roar!! Sue triumphant!!" "Well how do you do? Don't call me SUE!" Catching your lunch can prove easier than holding on to it in the toy-eat-toy world of today's Dinosaurs.
"Pretty tasty. And I'll call you little girls anything I want to...." Feb 18, 2010, "Large Ducks"
Anatotitan means 'large duck' and these largest of the Hadrosaurs, were named such due to the duck-like shape of their 'bills.' They grew to twelve meters (39 feet) and weighed as much as three to four tons. With no natural defenses (apart from swinging their tasty tail) they relied on the herd for protection. Pretty much sheep relying on sheep. The first best Anatotitan Dinosaur toy was from SRG in 1947. The next Trachodon (that is what they were called back then) came out i9n 1955 and was from Marx. This Anatotitan is no titan, size-wise, being only six inches in length- but that half-foot is packed with detail and I really like this figure.
We all gathered together this morning to discuss the day's shoot and the Anatotitans gathered around the oatmeal bowl (left). They like cereal(s) (being vegetarians) but Oatmeal has certain inherent dangers. It is like teh La Brea Tar Pit of breakfast foods. It may appear tasty and nutritious on the surface, but underneath it is clingy and sticky. Woe be to any who slip and fall into the oatmeal bowl....
"Help me. I'm falling in and I can't get out!!" Meanwhile Rexford's cousin Rocky partook of his own repast...
"These ain't half bad...." PUT HER DOWN... SHE"S PART OF THE CAST!! And Rexford was busy working up his own, new, act.
"Yeehah!! Which way's the circus!!" (Next, the Safari/Field Museum Torosaurus....) Feb 17, 2010, The Anatotitan by Safari and the Field Museum.Anatotitan means "large duck', really. Permalink -- click for full blog post "The Anatotitan by Safari and the Field Museum." Feb 17, 2010, Sweet SUE
The 2004 Safari/Field Museum ~1/90 scale Tyrannosaurus Rex was featured today and it created quite the stir. Small by contemporary standards (of size) but large on quality these little guys demonstrated an ability to work and play well with others (below)
("One of these is not like the others....") as well as doing fine on their own.
Our day began with the crew getting together for breakfast....
Proper table manners are called for, but
"Hey in there! I want that piece...gimme!" More tomorrow and either the Anatotitan or Torosaurus....
"If we're going to conquer the world we have to know what it looks like." "What's a world?" Feb 17, 2010, Safari Sue T Rex Dinosaur toys.Safari Ltd Sue, the T Rex Dinosaur, is a terrific denizen of the Dinosaur toys jungle. Permalink -- click for full blog post "Safari Sue T Rex Dinosaur toys." Feb 15, 2010, SUE
Safari Ltd. has long been a very interesting toy making company. They laabel themselves as an educational toy company and they live up to that reputation through both some very interesting products and their associations with educational institutions. Their Dinosaur toys Carnegie Collection, in conjunction with the Carnegie Museum (Pittsburgh, Pa. USA), is THE standard by which other companies Dinosaur toys are judged. Their most recent in-house Wild Safari Dinosaurs (i.e., Wild Safari Allosaurus, Scutosaurus, Brachiosaurus and Velociraptors to name just a few We've done pages on) are among the finest models we've ever seen. The bottom line here is that safari is a class act. Becoming classier. Back in 2004 Safari was involved with the Field Museum of Chicago (Illinois, USA) in the production of figurines of their infamous and most complete fossil Tyrannosaurus Rex, "SUE." While now out-of-production and largely out-of-stock these are among the nicest Dinosaur toys ever produced. Small by today's standards, at five and one-half inches in length and ~1/90 scale it was produced in two styles. One with the mouth open, the other closed, and sold in two fashions. One in a "gift box" with either an exquisite 1/78 scale Anatotitan, or a 1/75 scale Torosaurus, or separately and individually. We have been gathering material to produce our next three pages, one on each of these figures (one page for the two 'Sues'). We have featured "SUE" on several of our pages already as she fits in quite well, size and scale-wise with both the MARX and MPC figures. There are a lot of things I really like about these three figures and I'll tell you about them this week. Stay tuned gang.
While most of us have been working Rexford has been off, doing his own thing, so let's take a looksee....
"Yeee-hah, Ride 'em Rexford. "I didn't sign up to be your steed." "It's better than being my meal. Giddyap!" Feb 12, 2010, Memories
The page for today was the MPC Triceratops. A product from 1964 that was member of a set of twenty-four figures designed to take advantage of the market created by Marx's Dinosaur toys series. Marx had had that market pretty much all to itself for eight years and these were the first to challenge them. It wasn't much of a challenge and it wasn't until 1974 and the introduction of the Invicta Dinosaur toys that the market as we know it today was born.  In any event doing this page got me to reminiscing about those early Triceratops I played with back in the early to mid '60s. (Left) I still had a few of my SRG figures, which along with my Marx were the mainstay of my collection. By this time there were very few of those fragile metal Triceratops still in one piece.
Above is an SRG Triceratops with an MPC (after all, this was today's page). As you can see from the above pictures (MPC-brown, Marx-pale green, SRG- metal) these three played quite well together. The SRG has since graduated to "show" status and while the others can still play they have all become "vintage collectibles' and bear the responsibility that comes with such an apellation. All three are designed essentially in the same, straight line, fashion. Heads forward and tails straight behind they are in what amounts to a "neutral" pose. They can graze, migrate, mate, fight or flight- anything you can imagine- from this position. I simply do not like the dynamic posing of most contemporary (luddite!) figures. The more that a toy is doing on its own the more limiting it is to imaginative play. My opinion. These are toys after all, meant for playing with. These three were great toys. Even as recently as 1993 the Jurassic Park (first movie merchandising) Triceratops, despite being an "action toy" (one of the first Dinosaur toys to be so) was 'neutral' in its sculpt. I love it!
Meanwhile all this talk of "Triceratops" has made Rexford hungry....
"Mmmm, mmmm. Let's see what's on the menu."
"Garkon! I'll have two of these. Mercy bowcoop." Feb 12, 2010, The 1964 MPC Triceratops is one of the better Dinosaur toys.The MPC Triceratops is one of the best of their breed. (Now what does that mean? Read on....) Permalink -- click for full blog post "The 1964 MPC Triceratops is one of the better Dinosaur toys." Feb 11, 2010, MPC: Market Priced Consumables?
We have got all our Pteranodons in a row and all our pictures ready to do the page on the excellent little MPC Triceratops tomorrow. If they aren't ravaged by those Marx Tyrannosaurs before then. The PAPO Raptors are great Dinosaur toys and find hunting in the 21st Century to be a lot easier than it was seventy-million years ago....
"Ya know you don't really even have to cook this stuff. Right?" Feb 11, 2010, A picture of a dinosaur blog archive page.Drawing a word picture of a dinosaur or two for your pleasure. Permalink -- click for full blog post "A picture of a dinosaur blog archive page." Feb 11, 2010, Mega Fauna are very, very big animals.Mega fauna are not giant Bambis. Permalink -- click for full blog post "Mega Fauna are very, very big animals." Feb 10, 2010, Have You Herd about the MPC Ankylosaurus
Today we did our page on the MPC Ankylosaurus. As a Dinosaur toys figure it doesn't have very nuch to distinguish itself with. In fact, in my opinion, it has nothing. Essentially a just a copy of the Marx figure it was produced as part of a set of twenty-four similar figures (in that most, but not all, were poor copies of the Marx Dinosaurs) in 1964 taking advantage of the market in Dinosaur toys that Marx had opened up. Their advantage was that they were cheaper (in every way) and often available where Marx could not be had. They also could serve as inexpensive additions to fill out herds. The MPC wasn't really all that bad if you didn't examine it too closely. I am the type who tends to look too closely.... I have already reviewed a number of other MPC figures (Allosaurus, Brontosaurus, Cynognathus, Trachodon, Plateosaurus and the Stegosaurus.) with varying results and some surprises as I take this second, closer look for the purposes of critical review. These have not risen to figures I covet but I really like some of them. There are still a lot of MPC Dinosaurs that I have left to review. Most will be considered in comparison to the Marx figure (as was the MPC Ankylosaurus) but some are unique and stand alone. Rumor has it that Marx of Mexico has purchased the MPC molds and will soon be manufacturing these anew. I say- Good Luck to Ya! (Below- a small herd- all I have- of MPC Ankylosaurs grazing the Carpet Plains with a [pale green] Marx Ankylosaurus to put a crimp in their egos.)
Rexford, meanwhile, says that he tastes no difference between the Marx and MPC Ankylosaurs. That means there really is none. Very zennish.
"Tastes like PVC with just a hint of pthalate...mmmmm." Feb 10, 2010, The MPC AnkylosaurusThe MPC Ankylosaurus was the answer to an unasked question. Permalink -- click for full blog post "The MPC Ankylosaurus " Feb 9, 2010, Big Bad Brach
Wheeww! We finally completed the Wild Safari Brachiosaurus page. With all we've been doing ranging from Grand-dino care, doctors visits and shopping for geriatric contrivances (Dinosaurs are OLD) we have taken what feels like an awfully long time to complete this page. Now that we're done though it feels good and we'll be off to new adventures. There are two W-S Brachiosaurs, one that came out back in 1996 (the all-green, all the time one) and another that came out in 2008 (but was just released for 2010) which is not only more "scientifically correct" but is also part of the wonderful upgrading that Safari is doing for their entire W-S line. Being a juvenile (or juvenile sized) Brachiosaurus isn't always easy and can pose a variety of problems related to both experience and size. Compared to the Carnegie Brachiosaurus (or the Invicta, for that matter) these are juvenile-sized and took that role in our page's adventure- the search for a home- that is the part these played. After leaving the forest they were stalked by all kinds of dangerous fellows.... (Below- Carnegie Sinraptors above, Safari 2007 Allosaurs below, and in their faces.)
But in the end they joined up with a herd and can look forward to a long and well fed life with their new friends. (Below)
(That is a 1996 Wild Safari Apatosaurus that can use a herd of its own being harassed by a pack of the 2004 Safari Field Museum "Sue" T-Rexes up on the mesa.) The new (2008) Wild Safari Brachiosaurus is, for now, the best Brachiosaurus being made. If only it were bigger it would be perfect. On the other hand these cats (who aren't that big) know that they will have to gang-up big time if they expect dinner from these walking cafeteria....
"Meow" Wassamatta.... Cat(s) want your tongue? (Neither Allosaurs, Brachiosaurs, Cats or Sinraptors [ABC'S] were hurt in the making of this blog.) Feb 9, 2010, The Safari Brachiosaurus is an elegant scale reproductionThe newest Safari Brachiosaurus will wander joyfully through your imagination. Permalink -- click for full blog post "The Safari Brachiosaurus is an elegant scale reproduction" Feb 6, 2010, Erratta
Safari's "new" Brachiosaurus was misidentified by us in yesterday's blog as being introduced in 2010. In fact this Brach was introduced in 2008. (see Rexford's response below.) The earlier Brach first appeared in 1996 and has worked with us here posing as a youth, or teen-Brach in "herd scenes" with, for instance the Carnegie Brachiosaurus. This new version is much cooler, realistic and less toy-like. We have finished picking out the photos for their page (the page will be for both the '96 and the '08 models) and hope to do it tomorrow. It will be a large page (because it covers both) with lots of pix and adventure. (Below- 2008 on left, 1996 on right.)
Meanwhile Rexford really hates mistakes and Pointy-head Ed. is in trouble. I'd say he is getting a tongue lashing.
"I don't care what 'McGruff' says, a mistake is not a crime! Feb 6, 2010, The Marx Ankylosaurus
The Marx Ankylosaurus (1955 & '59) is a wonderful old vintage collectible that can't and won't do anything you don't want it to but get lost. And it can't even do that without your active help and cooperation. On today's page we explored this little fellow's life and presented the differences between the two models (below) and yes, you cannot tell the difference(s) without a scorecard. That is why we supplied the scorecard.
We also met some of their original old friends...
"These are NOT our friends!" ...and met some new ones too...
"Let's play restaurant. You can be Mr. Entree." "You're not my friends either." But not every meal is easily presented.
"Hmmm. I hope it tastes like lobster."
"You see anything under there that looks like an opener?"  This pair of young Safari "Sue" T-Rex (2004) are having a hard time figuring how to get at this older, experienced Ankylosaurus. The only way to really get at one would be to somehow leverage it over, onto its back, to get at its soft stomach. To do so required strength (the Ankylosaurus was a low-slung 4-6 ton bundle of muscle) and perhaps a certain amount of luck. Avoiding that tail was also an absolute necessity as one solid hit could snap a femur or crush ribs. Both the Marx Ankylosaurus and the Safari "Sue" T-Rex are currently out-of-production. I included them here to demonstrate that being OOP doesn't mean out-of-play. Next up is the Wild Safari Brachiosaurus, new for 2010. Feb 5, 2010, The Marx Ankylosaurus LIVES!!The Marx Ankylosaurus lives in the hearts of Dinosaur collectors everywhere. Permalink -- click for full blog post "The Marx Ankylosaurus LIVES!!" Feb 4, 2010, Anky Bracelets
Just trying a bit of a play on rhyme (if you have better- which wouldn't be hard- please let us know) as we are finishing the preparation for what will be a rather large page on the MARX Ankylosaurus. The "Anky" was a large, heavily armored vegetarian Dinosaur of the late Cretaceous Period. Much like an M&M it was tasty on the inside once you got past the armored shell. Which wasn't easy as it had a very mobile tail with a big bone ball at the end it could use as a "mace and chain" to defend itself. With the power of several tons of weight whipping that heavy bone ball around the Ankylosaurus' tail could easily break a careless predators leg. A most dangerous prey. Below the herd is seen around the waterhole (the Cretaceous equivalent of the office water cooler) getting ready for the next scene.
The page after the Ankylosaur's will be on the new Safari Brachiosaurus. (Left) First offered up in 1996 (figure on right) the 2010 release is bigger, heavier and far more elegant than its predecessor. A worthy addition to the new and highly improved Do you hear an odd, crunching, sound? REXFORD! What are you doing? Don't eat the cast!!
"Mmmmm/ I like M&Ms. Taste like chicken. (Whatever that is.)" Feb 3, 2010, Gone Fishing
We have just received the new Coelacanth by Wild Safari and it is a beaut. Great detail in this model of the earliest known fish. It was believed extinct until one was caught in the Indian Ocean in 1938. Since then more have been caught. They taste terrible and are of interest primarily to museums. They are, literally, a living link with our past. Even Rexford was impressed. Weren't you? uh, Rexford... REXFORD!!
"Here fishy fishy. Here little tasty fishy fishy..." Feb 2, 2010, The PAPO Parasaurolophus... finally
The Papo Parasaurolophus has proven itself, through hard knocks on the street, as very tough prey. So whether it is facing down Velociraptors...
... being chased by an Allosaurus...
... or just hanging out with some OOP buddies...
...the Papo Parasaurolophus is one heck of a Dinosaur toy!
The Parasaurolophus is a very popular Dinosaur toy, most likely because its wonderful head is so distinctive and easy to model. That great crest was hollow and most likely used for communication, allowing the Para to create a variety of different "ga-honks" by blowing through it. It also may have been able to be flushed with blood for sexual display. It is believed that these were sexually di-morphic, the males having larger crests than the females. Our next star will be the MARX Ankylosaurus. Stay tuned.
"Buzz-off. I'm busy!" Feb 2, 2010, Really cool dinosaurs - Dinosaur toys that come alive from Papo.PAPO makes really cool dinosaurs that are highly detailed and extremely realistic. Feb 2, 2010, The Parasaurolophus makes very popular Dinosaur toys by PAPO.The PAPO Parasaurolophus is a highly detailed, realistically colored 1/34 scale Dinosaur toy. Jan 31, 2010, Preparing Papo Parasaurolophus Premier
We are gathering the pictures together for our next big Dino-page, the PAPO Parasaurolophus! This marvelous Dino-creation from 2005 is incredibly detailed and has six (yes, six) teeth showing in its lower jaw. As real Parasaurs had hundreds and hundreds, both top and bottom, these six are sort of a plasteontologic illogicallity. Apart from this anomalous appearance the rest of the figure appears pretty darn good and this can be readily overlooked. In fact this PAPO offering is about the best Para out there today.  So while we're working on the Para-page pix you can enjoy this photo (Left) we took back in the Summer when a Carnegie T-Rex came upon a pair of Carnegie Triceratops on the local flood plain. We are also introducing a slight change in format with our pictures, today, putting a five-pixel boundary around the picture, creating some space between it and the text. Let us know what you think, thank you.  Finally, here is a photo (Left) of Dino-babe and Rexford taken after he had "insulted" her "Baby Dignity." "HEY... leggo my node!!" "Do you still think that I need my diaper changed??" (Dino-Babe doesn't take well to suggestions of imperfection. Her motto- "If you can't fix it, keep your mouth shut about it.") Jan 29, 2010, Re: The Dinosaur Babies Page
Today saw the completion of our two-days to complete page on Dinosaur toys babies. Featured are the Wild Safari (now mostly out-of-production) Dinosaur babies but also other, not dedicated Dinosaur babies that can and will serve in a pinch. (Not a Dino-baby but plays one in your toy box.) These latter are simply smaller sized Dinosaur toys that can be used as either babies or represent younger Dinosaurs.
The Maiasaura started the ball rolling hoping to hire some childcare workers to help in the care of Dino-towns baby population while the parents are all off "at work." There were a great many applicants but all found wanting, despite some coming a very long distance....
"There are an awful lot of you." "We take Pride in our work." When an Oviraptor is hired for "storytime" you can be sure that there was a shortage of viable applicants.
"...said, 'My, what big teeth you have'..."
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the siren-song of sausage results in a Dino-scrum, and some decidedly bad behavior....
