The Dinosaur Toys Collectors Guide Blog

Feb 3, Safari Ltd Liopleurodon: Not Your Granny's Sea-Serpent

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:37:03 GMT

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You may have noticed the void on this site when it comes to nautical Dinosaurs or "Pre-evolutionary-Chickens-of-the-Sea." This is simply because I don't have photoshop and can't figure out a good way to do an underwater page. I have the same problem with the flyers as well. That said I really, really like the Safari Ltd 2010 Liopleurodon. Yes, it's small (~7"). But oh my gosh... what they have packed into those seven inches!

From nose to tail this little flippered fellow is one fine figure of a sea-serpent. As can be seen in the accompanying photos the details... from the beady red eyes all the way to the very fine pebbling of the skin and the truly excellent paint-job make this figure's chassis quite a classy one to, if not envy, certainly enjoy.

This very-fine 'graininess' is carried throughout the entire figure while folds of skin, as seen on the left (inner curve) side of the neck simply add to the realism while highlighting the figure's detail. That detail is found not merely in the coloring, and the 'skin' texture but seen in the muscularity and, particularly, in the boney character of the skull.

The head itself, as shown below, is highly detailed with exceptional attention payed to the teeth, which certainly deserve, even demand, said attention.

When observed from above the narrow, arrow-like head truly focuses the predatory nature of the Liopleurodon, and the eyes... their binocular vision providing a clearly unobstructed forward view.

Feb 3, Not Your Granny's Sea Serpent-2

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:37:03 GMT

While seen in its entirety from the top

the Safari Ltd Liopleurodon looks almost alive. There is just so much dynamic animation in this sculpt. Once again demonstrating that great things can come in little packages.

The bottom view shows a white belly....

which contrasts with the deep 'navy' and pale blues of the upper body. Additionally the 'date stamp', in this case "1109" (November 2009) can be seen, showing the manufacture batch date. And of course a closer look will show the standard Safari Ltd imprint:

A few more pictures- a) to show the dynamic movement inherent in the figure sculpt, b) to picture it actively 'on the hunt,' and c) just because I really like this figure.

And of course, the obligatory last thing a Cretaceous Cod ever sees....

All in all a highly recommended figure for any collection. If it has a fault at all (which it doesn't) it is in its small size. Rexford particularly likes this figure.

I really love seafood.

I'd really love to get outta here....

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Jan 30, PAPO 2005 T-Rex Review: Part Deux

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 20:36:05 GMT

You may have noticed that one of these Papo T-Rex has some blue rubber bands on its right leg. Quite astute. Those bands are the ones I used to get him to stand on his own two legs, without the help of the tail, and he does so, so very well.

(Actual photo of Papo T-Rex receiving foot adjustment.)

This blog (which will eventually be a part of the Papo T-Rex page) will essentially be a set of photo-comps of the original Tyrannosaurus with the "modified" model. One of the new 2012 Papo Rexs will be a repaint of this one, in a brown motif.

As you can see below, the modified Rex stands quite "naturally" on its two legs as compared to the original.

For those of you who have some question about tail position relative to the 'ground'....

On the left is the original tail position, on the right the modified.

But the real question is does this modification make a noticeable difference in the figure's posture? I think it does. The blue bands provide ready identification of the Modified-Rex.

From some angles it doesn't seem to make much of a difference and becomes more of a personal aesthetic, I personally prefer Rexy on just two feet.

Objectively though being up off its tail does seem to lend more movement to the 'creature,' more animation perhaps. What do you think?

To me the three point stance often leaves the figure looking as if it is off-balance, back-on-its-heels; while the modified figure is in a more action-oriented and aggressive stance.

So... How Do You Like Me Now? **

** With a tip of the tooth to Toby Keith

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Jan 27, PAPO 2005 T-Rex Review: Part 1

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 19:58:35 GMT

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With the upcoming new Papo T-Rex I'm reviewing the original in the blog.

It was a gorgeous Spring afternoon in 2006 when I first came upon this....

on a shelf in my local toy store/gift shoppe. There were in fact two (along with two raptors, but they're another story) and I instantaneously coveted them. Luckily for me and unluckily for my finances I had my debit-card with me and within minutes all four were mine...bwa ha ha.

This Papo T-Rex was and is the most realistic looking Tyrannosaurus toy figure available from anybody at an affordable price. It even has an adjustable lower jaw (opens and closes) for a great variety of expressions.

Just blown away I was. Of course, as with all love affairs, soon flaws began to appear. Flaws apart from the awful posture of the figure. It is posed more like a two legged dog or cat, swishing its tail back and forth (except for the swishing part as the tail does not move). True it is based on the Rex from the classic concluding scene of the original Jurassic Park movie, but still....

The major flaw is that by 2005 (when this was released) most toy manufacturers (SafariLtd, Bullyland, Schleich et al) had licked the balance problem and posed their Theropods on two legs. This Rex was balanced on its tail. The infamous Three-legged-stool-Rex; what to do, what to do.

I had found previous answers using a hot water bath but this guy was ever so easy to bend I decided to try simple rubber bands. I used bands from Broccoli my wife purchased at our local food market.

The balance on the figure is excellent. All it needed was a bit of a push, or squeeze, in the right direction. That direction was simply pulling the right foot up, towards the right knee (you can see the bands in case they are needed again), overnight.

We'll Be Back.

Jan 9, Safari Ltd for 2012: To Rexford's Taste

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 18:30:37 GMT

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One thing in the Dinosaur Toys world we can count on today are fabulous new figures from Safari Ltd coming out each new year. Our Happy New Year will be extended by these new figures in the Carnegie Collection and Wild Safari lineups.

Starting in 2006 with the Diplodocus the Carnegie Collection began the refurbishment of their line with new Sauropod sculpts. This continues in 2012 with this new Brachiosaurus:

Maybe next year we'll get a new Carnegie Apatosaurus.

In the world of Wild Safari figures these have gone from their late 90's toy-like appearance (even then they were among the best Dinosaur figures) to being the best line of Dinosaur Toys (IMHO) available today. I decry that they are not in constant scale. If only. We have four new figures, two replacement figures and two utterly new.

Let's start with our replacement-predators. The best Acrocanthosaurus came from Battat in 1992 or so. Carnegie produced a decent one in 2001 and now Wild Safari is trumping that with this:

figure that should prove to be the Acrocanthosaur-to-beat for the next several years.

This way comes the long awaited replacement for the highly collectible 1996 WS Ceratosaurus :

(Original 1996 Wild Safari Ceratosaurus)

a much more 'realistic' appearing figure:

This new Ceratosaurus looks like it will rool its roost for years to come.

On the prey side of the ledger, we have a new Dracorex:

another thick-headed member of the Pachycephalosaur family, and a new Ceratopsian (and another exclusive to Safari, just named in 2010), the Vagarceratops:

about 20 feet long in real life, and brought to you within two years of its determination as a unique species.

These five new offerings from Safari Ltd should all prove Happy additions to your collection in the New Year.

You better get 'em before I eat 'em all up.

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Jan 2, Papo 2012 Preview: Who's Stepping Out? Part II

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 17:27:59 GMT

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The current green T-Rex will be replaced by a 'new' (read- repaint) brown T-Rex of the same mold. And if you wonder where the brown T-Rex came from there is a brown baby (with the 'action jaw') also arriving for 2012.

And while these are certainly something to look forward to... there's even more coming...

A brand new Tyrannosaurus model, this called 'green running T-Rex' is coming, and coming on strong. I am really looking forward to this particular Theropod...

coming onto the scene. Given Papo's history of realism and detail it looks just about perfect. (It, too, comes with a little green bun fresh out of the oven. Well, it doesn't actually come with one, they are sold separately.) And it is already threatening its smaller stablemates.

Hello there tasty little snack-fella.

The least you could do is wait until you're released to eat me.

Rexford is coming, too, and finds the Papo figures to be quite nice and really likes them.

I'll take one from column 'A', two from column 'B'... aw heck, I'll take 'em all. Except for those bitey looking ones.

If Rexford likes 'em, they've got to be good.

And I like YOU, too.

Uh-Oh.

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Jan 2, Papo 2012 Preview: Who's Stepping Out? Part I

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 17:27:59 GMT

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The first time I came across a Papo figure it was in 2006 in a small gift shop and it was their T-Rex. I was amazed. Having collected Dinosaur Toys for over fifty years I was used to continuing improvements in detail and realism but this was a quantum leap forward. It was obviously based on the original Jurassic Park movie and was accompanied on the shelf by a Raptor, also JP based. Apart from excruciating detail the figures sport a PAPO original- the movable lower jaw found on all their carnivores (see the Spinosaurus and Allosaurus). These figures are truly "Museum Quality" in appearance if not paleontologic accuracy. But heck, they're toys!!

Below is a picture of the complete 2011 Papo Dinosaur/Prehistoric lineup (less paleolitic fire-pit).

However, there is something coming....

Papo is coming up with some fabulous new pieces to combine with those already presented. I have done pages on several of these (Stegosaurus, Triceratops and Parasaurolophus among others) but held off on the Rex and Raptor pages, largely because I have not been sure I'd do them justice. Additionally, the pose of the T-Rex is a tad uninspired. So much for perfection.

But Papo has come up with some beautiful new figures (pictures of new figures lifted from Papo 2012 catalogue). First off is a Brachiosaurus, their first Sauropod. How big is it? I don't know but it has an entire page in their 2012 catalog all to itself:

And a Tylosaur to join the Plesiosaurus introduced last year.

Other introductions are two new Mammoths, a "young" one and a "baby" to join what is currently the finest adult Mammoth on the market today:

But that's not all. Not even close. Read on to part 2.

Jan 1, To Old, Very Old, Acquaintance

Sun, 01 Jan 2012 13:00:20 GMT

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That wasn't all that bad, was it Dad?

No. And we've got a lot to look forward to in 2012.

Yeah. Safari Ltd is coming out with some great new figures....

and Papo is too. This is gonna be quite an exciting year all around.

I still wanna bite that guy who laughed at me though.

We always want to bite somebody, we're Tyrannosaurs.

And we've got the Papo preview coming up tomorrow, in two parts. That'll be really cool.

If this sounded a bit like a commercial we apologize, but we do want to thank Safari Ltd, Hotaling Inc (Papo distributor, USA) and Bullyland for their generous support over the past two years. And a very special thanks to SBI, who provides not only our server but invaluable expertise in creating, building and maintaining our website. For the best in Web-Business support, checkout S.B.I.

Can I take this stupid sash off now?

Yes. But save it, I'll need it next year.

And tomorrow we re-present our two part PAPO 2012 debut, same Dinotime, same Dinochannel.

Dec 30, Happy New Year: More Years of REXFORDIAN Attitude

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 20:00:42 GMT

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Rexford and Rex-Jr. are here, once again, to say goodbye to the old year and usher in the new. So without further ado, let's say adieu to the old year:

Once again, I'm humiliated. Every year for 65 million years this happens. Next year I'm going to Barbados right after Christmas.

And then, let us welcome in the New Year, 2012:

I don't like this outfit. I feel ridiculous. This is worse than Dads. Can anyone see me in this?

You! What are you laughing at? Yeah, You! You think this outfit is in bad taste? Well, as soon as I'm out of this stupid diaper we'll see how YOU taste, buddy. Hey! Somebody help get this thing off of me....

Looks to me like we're heading out of a tough year and into one with an awful lot of attitude. Just keep your attitude one of gratitude.

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!

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Dec 26, In Case You Were Wondering

Mon, 26 Dec 2011 17:34:40 GMT

why there was no Christmas blog. Or why you didn't get everything you wanted on your Christmas list. Or just what may have happened to good old Santa Claus this year.

Well, just as there was no joy in Mudville after Mighty Casey struck out there was no joy in Dinotown after mighty Rexford simply struck.

Late at night (or, perhaps, very early in the morning), just as Santa was depositing his presents around our magnificent Dinotown Plastifraser-Fir tree....

Rexford struck.

I finally caught that mouse that's been eating the popcorn off our tree!!

Ho, ho, uh oh, no, no, HELP!!

As soon as we flipped on the lights we realized a minor mis-steak had occurred.

No!! No! Rexford! That's Santa, not a pesky popcorn purloining vermin! Put him down. Now! Please....

Gaaack, ghhaaaackk... glupf....

Good grief! I was only reaching for the cookies and milk.

So you all can plainly see that Santa got a tad traumatized this Christmas and just wasn't quite up to par. Asked later how this could have happened Rexford had this to say for himself:

First I would like to make it clear that there was no intent to deprive good little boys and girls of Dinosaur toys. It was dark and Santa was just scurrying around the tree and there had been this annoying mouse recently and I just chomped down, if you know what I mean. I coughed the old elf right up and besides, he didn't taste very good anyway and he was a lot tougher than that jolly, fat countenance suggests. This interview is over!

Dec 11, Dinosaurs... Cowboys; What's Not to Like?

Sun, 11 Dec 2011 23:38:07 GMT

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Rexford recently received a ConactOsaurus message from a fan regarding an action game he has devised. Rexford sees high potential in cleaning up the battlefield after each encounter and thought to pass the information on.

It looks like fun so here is what it is called and where you can find it: Dinosaur Cowboys- Yahoo!!

Welcome to MY world, hot-dog....

Here then is a word (well, several) from the game designer:

"Dinosaur Cowboys is a fast playing (30-60 minutes) tabletop skirmish game of competing "posses" composed of up to 5 members and 1 dinosaur.

Papo Paralophosaurus Posse (nice and alliterative) & Papo Styracosaurus Posse

Each character in the posse can be customized to fulfill a different role and purchase weapons and equipment from the many options available. Combat takes place in the futuristic landscape of the year 2285, where a supervolcano erupted and changed the course of mankind forever.

Procon T-Rex surveys the ruins.

In general the game is built around twelve sided dice and is meant to be light, thematic, fast playing (and bloody in a non-staining sorta way! ed.). Players build a Posse containing 28mm figures representing a Leader, 2-4 Members, and up to 1 Dinosaur (Papo is a popular choice for these, Wild Safari, Carnegie, Bullyland and others are under consideration. Your posse, your choice. ed.) Different statistics (Movement, Hitpoints, etc.) are used to resolve actions on the table and can be customized by spending Improvement Points to really help differentiate Posses. Weapons and equipment are purchased from a list of over 75 items ranging from laser Six-Shooters to plasma Shotguns.

Posses battle each other in one-off stand alone games or in linked campaigns where they can build and grow their gang."

(Typical pre-game set up.)

All in all "Dinosaur Cowboys" looks like a great game to play and an interesting way to keep your carnivorous Dinosaurs from thinking too much about you.

And an entertaining way to get others to do your hunting for you. Mmmmmmmmmm, tasty.

Check it out!

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Dec 5, The Carnegie Carnotaurus for 2011

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 21:44:51 GMT

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This link will access the new 2011 Carnegie Carnotaurus page.

Wow! When Rexford has the time he can really punch out the pages. Here he has completed another page on the:

The Carnotaurus was a 26 foot long 2-ton South American Apex predator of the late Cretaceous period. So named ("meat eating bull") for the two horn-like protuberances on his skull.

The head of this model is particularly well done and kind of unique. Whereas on every other carnivore model I have seen the teeth are a pristine white (like they brush after every meal) the teeth on the Carnegie Carnotaurus are a rusty, bloodied red-

This is a real departure from the traditional and creates a very realistic "lean and hungry look," as well as a rather scary visage.

I really like this figure based on what appears to me to be its high level of "realism" given the excellent detail of the sculpture itself (beautiful skin texture with natural looking folds) as well as the beautiful paint job (how do they do it?).

WE usually poo-poo the concept of realism in Dinosaur toys. After all, who the heck knows from real when no one has ever seen these. All we have is conjecture as to how they looked. But the recent figures, the past half-decade or so, have seen a quantum jump in the appearance, the "realism" if you will, of the Safari Ltd/Carnegie Collection Dinosaur figures. This one is the best so far and sets a new and higher standard for those to come.

And it ain't easy typing with your feet, either.

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Dec 4, Hey Dinosaur Fans, Watch THIS!

Sun, 04 Dec 2011 23:33:58 GMT

You can actually watch as Rexford and I create a new page over the next few days (or week or month). Just go to the !Carnotaurus ("meat eating bull") page! (opens new window) to see this new page as it develops. The Carnotaurus was so named because of the two horns on its head. Kind of like a bull, see, except it would eat bulls, if it could find any, which it couldn't because they hadn't evolved yet. Your Carnegie Carnotaurus can eat one if you want it to.

Carnegie currently has two Canotaurus figures out. The older is from 1996 and is ~1/40 in scale while the new one is 1/26. In the picture below you can compare and contrast them.

The Carnotaurus was a South American Theropod Dinosaur that was approximately 26 feet long (making this replica almost exactly 1/26 scale) with a very narrow skull, tiny little arms (a la T-Rex - perhaps a late Cretaceous evolutionary innovation), binocular vision and lived in the late Cretaceous period, in about the same time frame as the Tyrannosaurs up North. They were not related.The (Carnegie) Carnotaurus (is)was related to the (Carnegie) Giganotosaurus in that they both are Theropods.

Don't worry tasty little fellas. Even though we're no relations I'm going to build you a great page.

We're not so much concerned with the page as with you not eating us.

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Dec 3, Giganotosaurus Christmas Follow-Up and Comparison: Bullyland v Carnegie

Sat, 03 Dec 2011 20:00:59 GMT

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For those of you who are busily trying to decide on the kind of Giant Theropod to get for your loved ones this Christmas let us compare two of the very best Giganotosaurs on the market today, the Bullyland Giganotosaurus versus the Carnegie Giganotosaurus.

As can be seen in the above photo these two figures, the blue one by Carnegie and the red-head by Bullyland, are just about the same size in terms of length and height at the hip. The Bully Gigano is a bit more hefty in nearly every dimension, with larger arms, feet and thicker body (below).

Both are about 13" (34.5cm) in length. Apart from the coloration and morphology the main difference between these two comes in the comparison of their heads. The Bullyland entry has a fairly generic head while the Carnegie (a Safari Ltd wholly owned subsidiary) has what has to be considered as a much, much more "realistic" Giganotosaur type head.

The Bully boy actually has a cute little smile while the Carnegivore has a lean and hungry look. Aaaah, but the bully's jaw can open and close, while, alas, the Carnegivore's is frozen open.

Here another significant difference can be seen. The arms of the Bullyland figure are much longer, the paws much bigger than the Carnegie's. How important this is to someone who relied on his enormous head and sharp teeth to get his prey to squeal "done!", I don't know.

At fifty-feet in length and nine tons The Giganotosaurus was the biggest land predator in the known history of the earth. It roamed what are now the Argentine Pampas in search of the even larger, much larger, Sauropod, Argentinosaurus (100-130 feet, 70-90 tons) and that size differential is substantial as seen in the picture below, courtesy the University of Bristol-dinobase:

The presumption is that this predator dined in packs to bring down such large and powerful entrees.

So the real question is does little Johhny want that movable jaw or not? Everything else is pretty much aesthetics. Which look do you prefer. The movable jaw makes the Bullyland an "action figure" while the Carnegie is a replica. We report, you decide.

I don't need no stinkin' movable jaw!

Jealous, are we? Twinkle toes.

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Dec 1, Open Wide and Say "aaaahhhh."

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 18:00:48 GMT

We finally completed our first new page in quite a while, The Bullyland Giganotosaurus (opens new window) page and it is pretty much of a doozy. 59 new pictures and lots of text too.

What makes this figure unique is the movable/poseable jaw. Up until this Giganotosaur the only predator figures sporting such a jaw were from Papo, their T-Rex, Raptor, Spinosaurus, and Allosaurus. In this case that jaw opens pretty wide-

Ouch!!

This figure is a real departure for Bullyland and quite a risk to take. Pricewise it is less than the comparable Papo figures.

Sizewise it is about 13.5" (34.5cms) from tip of the nose to tail tip and about a half-pound (225gms) in weight. The mouth itself opens to 1.5" (3.75cm) which is twice as wide as the Papo T-Rex.

Mom said you have to share!

Garrumph!!

The actual pose, or positioning, of the figure is superb and it is beautifully balanced on its well sculpted feets.

All in all I would suggest you run out and get one (or two) before they get you....

A yard infested with Bullyland Giganotosaurs can be detrimental to property values.

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Nov 30, The Bullyland Giganotosaurus: Open your mouth and say "aaaahhh."

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 21:11:44 GMT

The Bullyland Giganotosaurus will put bite in your Dinosaur Toys collection.

Nov 12, A Thanksgiving Menu?

Sat, 12 Nov 2011 18:49:53 GMT

It has been a while. Sorry about that. Well, Thanksgiving approacheth and Rexford's mind turns towards dinner. Pretty much as it does every minute of every day.

Rexford received a gift in the mail from one of his many admirers. This fan had gone to the recent AMNH (American Museum of Natural History (opens new window) Sauropod exhibit in New York and mailed him an exhibit brochure. Rexford sees it in his own light.

So let's see what's on the menu little fella. Why, it looks like you are.

Now THAT (opens new window) looks tasty, and filling too.

Moving right along....

I'll have Column A, Column B aaand, oh, Column C too.

Plus this little take-out tid-bit while I'm waiting.

OUCH!! Check please.

And a big thanks to Fred in New Jersey from all of us here at the Sauroasteraunt here in Dinoville and especially from Rexford

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Sep 28, Only 88 Days Until Christmas

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 18:08:13 GMT

Our friends at Bullyland (opens new window) have come up with a series of terrific, large sized, virtual pillows they call the:

Soft Play figures.

Rexford likes these guys, as they are more his size... Dinosaurs he's comfortable hanging out with, not just eating.

These guys don't get tangled under my feet!

We live with three of the figures. These are now out of production but are likely still available. The ones who live here, in DinoTown, are:

Apatosaurus...

You never know what's coming up behind you.

Dimetrodon...

Call me "el Permianente."

and the Triceratops....

I'm cuddlier than I appear.

To get an idea of the size of the figures, about eighteen inches (18") long and seven inches (7") tall, you can check them out, checking out their breakfast coffee....

Hey! How do we pour this stuff?

These three have been with us for a year or so, DinoBabe (who is almost three) and DinoTot (who is 17 months) having provided hours of rough play and lots of loving- toddler style, and they survive undamaged. NOTE: Bullyland recommends them for three and up. NOT under three! (The DinoKids are Precociousaurs.)

The Apatosaurus has also taken some rough treatment at the hands (jaws!) of a pair of Bullyland Giganotosaurs, as can be seen below.

Get 'em Bob! Bite 'em, bite 'em!

I'm biting as fast as I can!

Even the Bullyland (opens new window) Giganotosaurus can't put a permanent hurt on these Soft Play figures. The above photos taken prior to the beautiful portrait of the Soft Play Apatosaurus (opens new window) seen earlier in the blog.

All in all, these Soft Play figures make for a great gift for the younger Dinosaur fan in the family. There are some new ones out as well and we'll review those as well. Very huggable.

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Jul 28, Civilizing Mr. Rexford: Does a T-Rex Go in the Woods?

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 20:33:38 GMT

Potty training for DinoBabe has been progressing very well and Rexford has gotten quite jealous over the attention she has been receiving. In response we have decided to let him "civilize himself" and practice with the inside potty.

A Tyrannosaurus goes wherever it wants to.

In accord with Rexford's desire to try the indoor potty he received his initial introduction.

What is this thing? It looks like a miniature hand-operated whirlpool spa!

After a short explanation of how the porcelain product works Rexford took a second shot at it. So to speak.

That seat thingy is too big! I could fall in. Is it some kind of 'sitz bath'? I don't need that!

Okay then. We'll go with DinoBabe's seat.

Now this is more like it. A comfortable throne fit for a king. And that's ME! The king!

It looks like everything is a "GO" now. Let's see how it turns out.

Uh oh! My arms are too short! This indoor potty stuff stinks. I'm outta here!

Hmmmm. This change hasn't turned out quite as well as well as we might have hoped.

Aaahhhh. Now this feels much more natural to me. Do Dinobabe and Dinotot know about the garden?

Rexford! And you're not going to tell them!

Don't yell at ME. I'm the KING!!

(blog censored- we'll be back)

It has been said (I think by Arthur C. Clark) that a sufficiently advanced technology will appear to be "magic." This indoor plumbing thing is a pretty advanced technology for a Dinosaur. There's no "magic" to creating a profitable web-business, let me show you how it's done by clicking here.

In fact you 'hew-manns' might reconsider the whole indoor plumbing thing. It really leaves you both unwary and immobile! The way I like you best.

Jul 4, Rexford's July 4 2011 Commentary

Mon, 04 Jul 2011 16:15:42 GMT

This July 4 2011 Rexford discusses the responsibility of the vote, and big teeth.

Jul 4, July 4, 2011: God Bless America

Mon, 04 Jul 2011 15:16:53 GMT

Never in the history of our world has a nation been as free, and as well armed, as the United States of America. Many say, and the founding fathers believed, that the two go hand in hand.

Now being a T-Rex I rely on my teeth and claws (such as they are) and overall hugeness to guarantee my freedoms. You little soft ones, on the other hand, rely on the Second Amendment to your Constitution and your willingness to exercise that right for your freedoms.

As I lookout out over our nation this Fourth of July, our Independence Day, I think of what Thomas Jefferson said: That, perhaps, a revolution every twenty years or so might be necessary.

What he meant was what our founding fathers knew. That bureaucracies, governments, are subject to "institutional creep." They tend to grow larger with time and take on more and broader mandates. In order for this 'Noble Experiment' to survive they knew it would be necessary for the citizens to keep a close watch.

( These guys didn't vote and look what happened to them! )

Envisioning a wise and educated electorate it would be those citizen voters that would keep the government in line. Not a bloated and regulation happy government keeping the citizens enthralled.

I am the ghost of freedoms lost. oooooooooohhhhhhh.....

So, on this July 4th we are all standing on the edge of a slope, celebrating our freedoms, together. Where we go from here is up to us.

We here at TDTCG thank all of you who have and are defending our nation even as we speak. And a special thanks to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, and their families, down through the years. Your sacrifice has not been in vain.

In closing I remember as a little T-Rex getting choked up watching Kate Smith on our 13-inch television singing "God Bless America." Check it out and watch it with us....

God Bless America (opens new window)
Have a Wonderful Fourth of July

GOD BLESS AMERICA

Jun 20, REXFORD, Blogging Away

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 11:40:34 GMT

Rexford has a minor problem with modern technology and contemporary trends. After all, if you can't eat it, what good is it? Tyrannosaurs (opens new window) tend to be quite conservative by nature anyway. Confronted by behavior du jour (Have you noticed a recent tendency here towards a Francification of language? It too will pass.) Rexford is somewhat dismayed....

"Is this 'blogging'? Seems wasteful when they could be building my food supply instead."

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Jun 17, A Picnic in the Pines?

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 15:40:26 GMT

Rexford can get pretty tired on his extended hikes through the deep woods. Luckily benches are provided for weary travelers....

"It's really nice that someone provided 'al fresco' dining facilities 'au de foret', so to speak. Very continental."

Once settled in it's picnic time but there is a certain disappointment(?) expressed over the picnic fare.

"Who packed this crop? Get me a burger!"

While Rexford tries to resolve his luncheon problems you can find out more about Tyrannosaurs, here (opens new window) and, perhaps, their dietary preferences as well. Just in case Rexford drops by YOUR house.

"What's in your picnic basket?"

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May 18, A Correction

Wed, 18 May 2011 16:10:44 GMT

A correction to our March 26 blog.

I've been sweating out this correction for weeks. Luckily I have protection or my hunting abilities would have been compromised.

Back on March 26th we noted that Carnegie (opens new window) was going to 1/30 scale as their default. That is not quite the case as, as it turns out. The Carnegie Collection (opens new window) will continue to vary their scale depending on the actual size of the Dinosaur. For instance, the beautiful new 2011 Carnotaurus & Miragaia (below)...

are in 1/30 scale but (I have been secretly and stealthily informed) two undisclosed new figures that are currently under construction will either be in a smaller (1/40?) or larger (1/10?- after all, they are undisclosed) scale. Carnegie will continue to vary scale depending on the Dinosaur being modeled to maximize detail and limit massiveness (even a 1/40 scale Argentinosaur would be three feet long!) and consequent price point.

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May 7, Foreign Policy: a la Rexford!

Sat, 07 May 2011 16:50:14 GMT

We're back!

* I can see Russia from my back deck! *

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Apr 2, Getting A Head: The Dilophosaurus Skull

Sat, 02 Apr 2011 17:06:30 GMT

Hi There! 'member me? I'm your Dinosaur Toys Collectors Guide guide to Dinosaur skulls. Today we are taking a look at the Safari Ltd Dilophosaurus (opens new window) skull. As your host I want you to meet one of my favorite Dilophosaurs, the 2008 Safari fella. The Dilophosaurus was about 20 feet long, this one is eight inches, so he's in 1/30 scale, like the new Carnegie figures. The skull is in, perhaps, 1/15 scale. The real Dilophosaur lived over 200-MYA (million years ago). The Dinosaur Toy Dilophosaur is with us today. Lucky us.

(Below, two views of the Dilophosaurus skull.)

(Below. The 2008 Safari Ltd Dilophosaurus.)

I am soooo good looking.

The Dilophosaurus skull is but one of eleven great little heads, in varying scales but all about the same size (two inches long), presented by Safari Ltd in their Dinosaur Skulls Toob (opens new window) (all 11- plus an educational insert) and in bags of 48 (no insert but lots of heads).

Two great things about these skulls is that you can pepper them about your dioramas or use them mounted on top of skeletons you make yourself.

Gramps here was a BIG dude!

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Mar 31, Safari 2011: T-Rex Hunts- Part II

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 18:49:15 GMT

2011 sees a new Tyrannosaurus Rex in town, brought to us by Safari Ltd (opens new window) as part of their burgeoning Wild Safari Dinos Collection. Seen above hunting the new WSD Edmontosaurus, blogged yesterday. These have been improving continuously and this is the third WSD T-Rex to take the stage, the other two, from 1996 and 2006 remain in production. All three can be seen below.

(2006, 1996, 2011)The 1996 is a terrific Rex (I have fifteen) but a tad toy-like in conformation and coloring. It was not so much replaced as supplemented in 2006 with a much more realistic figure (I have five) and now, for 2011 well complemented with this new T-Rex which is essentially the same size (about ten inches long) and scale as its predecessors; it is slightly more massive and broader, while its arms are smaller and more Rexian.

(2006-----2011)

The coloration has gone from greens to shades of brown and the conformation has taken on much stronger tones. The pose is quite active and dynamic.

The newest head. The body conforms.

This may very well be the best T-Rex on the market today. It is a shame it is in the odd 1/52d scale. All of the WSD figures are in odd and differing scales. All things considered if Safari Ltd only produced them in a constant scale like their Carnegie Collection this would be THE premier collection. As it is, it is anyway.

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Mar 30, Safari 2011: New Edmontosaurus and Two Tyrannosauridae

Wed, 30 Mar 2011 14:43:19 GMT

For 2011 Safari Ltd has come out with some more Dinosaurs that should be in the stores any minute now. First off is the Guanlong (Crown Dragon), a 10-foot long predecessor of the Dilong and relative to the (also new) T-Rex.

This Guanlong is about 6.5 inches long and ~1/18 scale. Quite simply painted in brown and blue with a red crest the one pictured is actually able to stand bipedally, without the tail as a tripod. In this scale he is large enough to hunt the new Wild Safari Edmontosaurus which is in ~1/64 scale at eight inches in length.

The new Safari Ltd Edmontosaurus is very similar both in coloration and conformation to the 2004 Safari/Field Museum "Sue" Collection 1/80 scale Anatotitan. (You say Anatotitan, I say Edmontosaurus, look 'em up.)

Combining the new Wild Safari Edmontosaurus with those smaller Anatotitans makes for a nice scene of a mother Dinosaur and her troublesome "teenaged" brood.

The Edmontosaurus/Anatotitan was huge in real life, about 43 feet long and allegedly used its tail in self defense when whatever speed it had wasn't its salvation. This figure is posed in just such a defensive posture, on all fours with head and neck curved and its tail raised so as to whip around. The coloring is bold and the detailing excellent. This is the retail version and quite a nice addition to any collection.

Tomorrow we visit with the new Safari Ltd WSD Tyrannosaurus Rex....

Go away. You're an unwelcome visitor!

But I just want to take you out for dinner!

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Mar 26, Carnegie 2011: Going Upscale- Carnotaurus & Miragaia

Sat, 26 Mar 2011 21:27:36 GMT

Safari Ltd has added an all new Carnotaurus and Miragaia to their renowned Carnegie Collection in a big way. Expanding the scale from 1/40 to 1/30, a 33% increase in size!! As seen below with the 1988 Carnegie Stegosaurus the result is a significant increase in figure size!

The Stegosaurus was 50% larger (~30 feet) than the Miragaia (~20) but when compared at 40th v 30th scale that difference is reversed. I have been informed by the honchos at Safari that this increase in scale will be for all future Carnegie figures. In honor of this expansion the look of the tag on the Dinosaurs has also changed....

The Miragaia is a Stegosauroid Dinosaur combining the best features of the Stegosaur (plates on back & spiky tail), the Polacanthus (spikes on back) and long, Sauropod-like neck for improved browsing. It was only discovered and named in 2009, once again demonstrating Safari Ltd's unnerving habit of being on the cutting edge of discoveries. The figure is approximately ten (10) inches in length and looks terrific.

The Miragaia is of equal quality with the 2008 Diplodocus and 2009 Spinosaurus, which is to say it is very very good.

Then we come to the other new member of the Carnegie Clan, the new 2011 Carnotaurus-

Now this guy is a full foot-long from snout to tail and stands on his own two feet without modification! As you can see in the photo (which does NOT do him justice) He is beautifully (hand) painted in a base pale-green with heavy orange & black mottling on his back and sides. The interior of the mouth is highly detailed, the teeth reddened with ichor and the snout is a bright scarlet. This is the top of the Carnegie line right now, bar none! (IMHO.) The previous Carnegie Carnotaurus looks pitiful in comparison, below.

The Carnotaurus skull, from the Safari Ltd Dino-Skull Toob (below)....

As you can see. The skull is in something closer to, perhaps, 1/20 scale and certainly looks good. Although not as good as when the skull is attached and in use....

"Uncle Carl! Looks like you've lost some weight."

Those beady little eyes actually gleam when light shines off them!

Mar 19, Rexford Walks in the Woods: 2- Ride Ride Ride the Wild Surf

Sat, 19 Mar 2011 17:03:53 GMT

Rexford finds unexpected things in the woods....

Look! A dry stream bed... uh...pipe....

...and he comes upon a lost lake.

A perfect place for me to take my Kayak!

Your Kayak?

YEE HAAAH... Watch out rapids, here I come!

Rapids? Oh no Rexford... be careful. I don't think he heard me. Actually I don't think he's listening. Stay tuned for further adventures of what's left of Rexford and his kayak.

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Mar 18, Rexford Walks in the Woods: 1

Fri, 18 Mar 2011 16:27:59 GMT

Rexford finds the woods a peaceful place to wander and return to his roots, so to speak.

These roots have seen better days.

And of course, a beaver with a chain saw is not to be messed with.

Then checking out some anomalous, unnatural features....

This seems like some kind of high-tech cave....

We will leave Rexford to his confusing musing and just glory in the oncoming Spring.

Feb 26, Tales of the Olde West: The Bedlands

Sat, 26 Feb 2011 19:40:53 GMT

The Earth is as old as the hills, or so they say, and it has undergone many upheavals as well as downs. Out in the West, in the mythical Dakotas lies a land created by time and the tectonic activities of those who live there. This is a (short) story of that befabled land.

Two young Velociraptors headed into the bedlands on a hunting expedition. It was to be a daunting adventure.

First they came upon an old Dinosaur burial ground. The remains (opens new window) of previous hunters were come upon...and even an old friend was found.

Alas, poor Vorick, I knew him well.

At the top of a hill an apparition appeared....

oooooo, booooo, ooooo

They approached more closely. It could be something to eat.

Are you as tasty as you are cute?

(Not much scares a Velociraptor.)

Nooooo. I'm as cute as I am scary. Booo-oooo-ooo!

But, for others, the Bedlands provide a certain peace and comfort not to be found elsewhere.

Zzzzzzz...arumph... Hey, keep it down, some of us are trying to sleep here! (Danged tourists.)

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Feb 22, Just Keep Eating

Tue, 22 Feb 2011 21:41:16 GMT

The Brachiosaurus was one of the largest of the Dinosaurs. Its head was really quite small when you consider the size of the body with a total weight of over thirty tons. This is a weight-watchers bad dream. It must have done nothing but eat.

Safari Ltd (opens new window) presents us with a wonderful little replica of the Brachiosaurus' skull in a 1.5"x1"x1.125" package. It is done in a brown plastic to recreate the look of an ancient skull or fossil. Complete with large eye holes, and additional holes for the nasal cavities and just plain lightness, given that this was stuck at the end of a neck that was as long as ten meters.

Anyone who is into the Brachiosaurus or Sauropods in general will find this little head a pleasing addition to their collection. Unfortunately they are not generally available except as part of the set of eleven that can be gotten from Safari Ltd. (opens new window)

The Brachiosaurus is the first of eleven blogs, each highlighting another of these great little skulls from the Safari Collection.

Bring our head(s) into your life.

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Feb 21, Skullduggery in the Offing: The Headliners

Mon, 21 Feb 2011 20:41:33 GMT

Bwa ha ha- We hope you'll enjoy our blogging.

Our friends at Safari Ltd (opens new window) have introduced eleven (11) great little pieces of paleontological educationary in the form of little (~1.5x1 inch, ~4x2.5 cm) Dinosaur skulls.

There are five Carnivores...

These are (top row left to right- each link will open to new window) Dilophosaurus, Velociraptor; (bottom row) Carnotaurus, Tyrannosaurus and Oviraptor.

The herbivores (below) are (top row) Dracorex (a Pachycephaloid), Diplodocus, Brachiosaurus, (bottom row, l-r) Triceratops, Parasaurolophus and Nigersaurus.

Over the next few weeks we'll be bringing you a closer look at each skull and, perhaps, provide interesting commentary to flesh out the blog.

BWA HA HAAAAA

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Feb 14, Rexford Ambuscaded: Happy Valentine's Day

Mon, 14 Feb 2011 19:45:43 GMT

Yesterday we saw Rexford demonstrating his infallible hunting technique to his relatives. Today, we see the results of his efforts.

Mistah Wexfud pwayed "POUNCE." Are you having fun mistah Wexfud?

blurp...gurgle...uck!

What's going on here!

(uh, oh) Nothink! mistah wexfud and I just pwaying.

gasp, gasp, pant pant.

I wuv you mistah Wexfud. Happy Vawentines Day!

Wanna pway 'Pounce' again?

I think I want an aspirin.

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Feb 13, Rexford in Ambuscade

Sun, 13 Feb 2011 17:24:53 GMT

Rexford thinks it is important to teach his couch-potato relations how to hunt, Rexford-style.

You guys need to get off your duffs. I'm going to teach you some of MY hunting secrets.

First of all you want to get your condiments ready.

Seems like pretty good advice so far. What do you think?

Then you find a great ambush spot, get very quiet.

And wait for something tender to come along.

........--------........,,,,,,,,,,,.............-----------..........---------_________------

---------___________---------^^^^^^*********##########!!!!!!!!

Dum deedee... Deedee dum dum. Dum deedee dumdum.

Okay, that's it.

I'm bored.

HEY! HEY KID! YOU! OVER HERE!

I'm afraid what Rexford lacks in patience he makes up in (a misplaced) self-confidence. We'll see how this all turns out, in time.

More Soon.

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Feb 7, Rexford: Quite a Site

Mon, 07 Feb 2011 19:38:33 GMT

"Hey. This looks pretty interesting."

Rexford discovered this site thanks to a "Contact-O-saurus" contact from its owner and creator. It is called Dawn of the Gods (opens new window) and specializes/focuses on Dragons, along with other fantasy creatures that readers of this site should find interesting. We have featured Dragons here, in numerous blogs and as guests on several of our Dinosaur pages as well.

"Multimedia guys. Let's check it out."

The site is very well laid out, has been there since late 2007, and is beautiful visually, with sound effects to boot. It is a large site and, unfortunately for Rexford, in German. Rexford has found a few translation apps but nothing that meets his expectations. But the beauty of the visuals easily outshines any problems in translation.

Here is a sample of the graphic quality and colorfulness....

There is some English used on the site, but not enough to navigate by.

""Dragon-World" looks like it will be interesting."

But no site is complete without a "Rex-Land"!

Rexford is a tough audience and considers that any site that doesn't feature himself to be ultimately inadequate. I think that you will find "Dawn of the Gods" to your liking. Check it out!

I will also be including a link to Dawn of the Gods (opens new window) on my (Missing) Links page. Check it out, too!

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Feb 4, "This Dog Won't Hunt."

Fri, 04 Feb 2011 22:26:16 GMT

"In order to properly hunt you lie in ambush where you will be least expected. Then when your prey approaches, you pounce!"

"But just laying around...?"

"What'd I tell Ya?"

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Jan 29, Rexford Meets Giganotosaurus: A Clash of Titans

Sat, 29 Jan 2011 19:27:29 GMT

"I'm introducing the Carnegie Giganotosaurus. A nice little fella."

"I'm really bigger than you are you know."

"No you're not."

"Yes I was!"

"You're not NOW!"

We finally finished the Carnegie Giganotosaurus page. A mighty South American Theropod carnivore who ruled South of the Border. It fed on the Titanosaurs that roamed the Southern continent, was about fifty feet long, weighed seven tons.... And if that weren't enough probably hunted in packs as well.

The Giganotosaurus was larger than the infamous T-Rex ("No he's NOT! NOT! NOT!") and this Carnegie figure from 2007 does that mighty creature justice. It is one of my all-time favorite Dinosaur toys and my favorite Carnegie Collection collectee. (Followed closely by the 2006 Carnegie Diplodocus, the 2008 Spinosaurus and the 2010 Cryolophosaurus, btw.) Produced by Safari Ltd (opens new window) it is the best looking Giganotosaurus on the market. IMHO.

In response I have produced the most photo-intense page yet. This new page has the most pictures (72) of any page to date, with lots of close-ups of this beautiful Dinosaur toy. And it took me long enough to complete it too. Go there now.... (opens new window) Then come back to finish this blog entry, I've made it easy for you.

"Ain't I good-looking! And I photograph well too."

The Theropods were almost all carnivores and jealously defended their territories against all comers....

"Not only are you not bigger than ME. You're not even bigger than my kid."

"YEAH! YOU tell 'em, Dad."

"Grumble, grumble. Stupid 21st Century. @!#*&%%$!"

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Jan 26, The Giganotosaurus was bigger then Tyrannosaurus Rex. Good Luck.

Wed, 26 Jan 2011 23:14:16 GMT

The Carnegie Giganotosaurus is one of the most exciting Dinosaur Toys to be found.

Jan 21, Someone(s) to Get Your Teeth Into: A Toothsome Pair

Fri, 21 Jan 2011 20:44:10 GMT

A Dental Dream Team?

These two new offerings from Safari Ltd (opens new window) for 2011, a six (6) inch Inostrancevia (a late Permian predator) and a nine (9) inch Kaprosuchus (late Cretaceous ancestor of the Crocodile- see 12/29 & 12/30/2010 blog entries) are best considered in their toothsome presentations. These guys are in need of an Orthodontist. Not so much to fix their more than adequate smiles as to have for a snack. (Tasty free-range orthodontists, often well fed.)

Here's a quick, pre-page look at these two.

The Inostrancevia was a Synapsid, related to the Dimetrodon, and was another of those mammal-like reptiles that populated the Permian Period. These were about thirteen feet long and the size of a large, modern day, bear. And take a look at those teeth! This figure will certainly have a compelling page. (Yeah, right. Whenever we finish that Giganotosaurus page. Oy!)

(Kaprosuchus on left & Inostrancevia on right. A food's last view.)

The Kaprosuchus (along with Deinosuchus and Suchimimus, et al) was a twenty (20) foot long ancestor/predecessor of today's Crocodiles from the late Cretaceous period. This bad-boy was a terrestrial, rather than an aquatic, predator and those long legs are one giveaway. Although he might have been a bit of a wader as well. You can see the excellent detail of the figure in the scales and rather nasty looking mouth. Very cool looking character.

Given their relative sizes these two figures are in-scale to each other. Does this mean that the Wild Safari Dinosaurs will now be produced in the same scale like Safari's Carnegie Collection? Let's hope so.

The Safari Crocodiles seen below, hanging out with their great** grandfather, are about 17-feet in comparative length.

"Uh-oh. Gramps is back in town."

"Yeah. And the ole coot's blocking my sun!"

"And I'll take a big bite out of your sun too, Sonny."

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Jan 17, New Moon (Dragon) Rising

Mon, 17 Jan 2011 20:45:12 GMT

One of my favorite Dragons of recent vintage was last year's Mountain Dragon by Safari Ltd. Well, Safari has added a new Dragon to their mythical menagerie, the opalescent Midnight Moon Dragon.

The brick-red Mt Dragon is seen above with this newest member of the Dragon Clan, Safari's Midnight Moon Dragon for 2011 (See pre-production blog entry from December 15, 2010). Using basically the same sculpt (the MM Dragon's head seems raised a little bit higher) but in an iridescent purple with golden belly scales and red eyes...

...which give this Dragon a definitively sinister aspect. One that does not come through in the earlier incarnation. For some reason my camera (a Sony DSC-W55) does not pick up certain subtleties of color very well and the purple does not come across as well in most of the pictures as it does in the ones above.

"Hey Mounty, whaddya wanna do tonight?"

"I dunno Moony, whadda you wanna do?"

"Let's go down to the mall food court and eat everybody."

"Great idea! BAR-B-Q!"

I guess that regardless of how they may look Dragons are Dragons. This particular Dragon happens to be visually stunning in appearance.

(Above is the Booklet Safari provides with this figure. It also has Italian, French, German and Spanish translations. Learn languages while reading about your Dragon.)

(Below, three views of this Dragon.)

(Included in background are plants from Safari Ltd's new Prehistoric Landscape collection.)

"I'll be signing autographs at the mall food court. Hurry on down."

Over the next week or so we will be looking at some of the other new offerings from Safari Ltd (opens new window) along with some of Rexford's doings as well- so don't be wandering off now, ya hear.

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Jan 14, A Dragon that Can Light-Up Your Life: And A Humble Correction

Fri, 14 Jan 2011 19:47:03 GMT

When Safari Ltd announced that one of their new figures would be The Krystal Blue Dragon I wasn't terribly impressed. (See December 13, 2010 blog entry.) It looked pretty nice, but simply a re-cast of their Chinese Dragon.

BOY! Was I wrong,

For Dragon fans the Krystal Blue Dragon sets a new standard. To begin with it is a Chinese Dragon. That's as far as it goes. The similarities to the other Chinese Dragons are purposeful:

On the other foot, so are the differences:

The feet are different from the Chinese and are much more similar (see right hand photo above) to that of the great Theropod Dinosaurs, such as Giganotosaurus on right (above) for comparison.

Looking at this Dragon head-on we see a very interesting and fearsome face.

And while the earlier Chinese Dragons are pretty-much cast with their bodies in a linear fashion the KB Dragon is somewhat more active, holding its head, for example, at a cock-sure angle.

The head itself is very well sculpted with lots of detail. But what makes this figure particularly unique and interesting is...

...(see above right) that the figure will actually glow when seen with a bright light shining behind/through it.

The body itself is in a light-blue translucent plastic with dark-blue neural-spines and golden scales and claws. Dragon Fans will be pleased.

More of the latest figures are forthcoming, so you keep coming forth. Okay?

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Jan 8, The Feud Begins: A DTCG Exclusive

Sat, 08 Jan 2011 20:49:28 GMT

There are many famous feuds throughout history, Hector and Achilles, the Hatfields and McCoys, the Capulets and Montagues, Eliot Ness and Al Capone. All names that have come down to us as bitter enemies. But none as vicious and longlasting as that between King Kong and T-Rex.

But how did this terrible and continuing feud ever begin? Yes, there is some talk that it began over a girl. (opens new window) But reality, as usual, trumps fiction. So let us go back a ways in time and see how this feud really got started,

It seems that King Kong and k were out for a walk when they came upon T-Rex, who was minding his own business.

"Howdy 'T', and a good morning to ya. Aren't you going to bow down to me?"

"Whaddya? Nuts? Calling you 'king' isn't good enough for you?"

"He needs to be taught a lesson, boss."

"And you mind your own business, pipsqueak!"

"I mean, where do you guys come off with this #@!* anyway?"

"Well. I am KING Kong, you know."

"(Pssst, I'm in position boss.)"

"One little push, and over you go. Let this be a lesson to you."

"Wha?? Ooooohhhh!"

THUD!

"OUCH!"

"Haa - haa!"

"Oooohhh, my back. I'm calling my lawyer! I'm gonna sue!"

"Come on k, a high-five and we're outta here!"

And that, folks, is how the fabled Kong v Rex feud began. remember, you heard (and saw) it here, first.

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Jan 7, KONG, KONG, KONG!

Fri, 07 Jan 2011 20:59:03 GMT

We are introducing a new character to our blogs today. King Kong. Discovered in the Lost Toy Box and brought back to (what passes for) civilization (around here). I'm sure you've heard of him. He was in all the papers, conquered the previously unclimbed Empire State Building in New York City (it was in all the papers) and has had several movie biographies made. He has generously decided to lend his presence to our site in ways that are, as yet, unforeseen.

Kong is seen here with his little buddy and manager, "L'il Prince K" or just plain "k" for short.

You can see, above, that Kong measures about five inches tall in his normal quad-pose. Kong is a real heavyweight at just over a pound and, I think, a part of the Wild Safari series that included the absolutely stunning 'leaping Siberian Tiger' (in orange and white, see April 26 date). He was originally produced by Safari Ltd (opens new window) in 1990 and therefore lacks the Eurohealthcode "CE" imprinted on his belly. He is also no longer in production and is a great character, happy to get out of his toy crate and assert his kingly authority, whatever it may be. k, I believe, is by Schleich but I cannot find any manufacturer information anywhere on him.

Tangent

"The main problem in riding a Tiger occurs when getting off."

"SLURP"

Comparing Kong to a recent Carnegie Collection Giganotosaurus figure....

"You don't look so tough "King".

"Bow down, peasant."

Kong and k posed for a final portrait before starting out on whatever adventures may befall them.

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Jan 3, Rexford Does Wal-Mart

Mon, 03 Jan 2011 21:47:58 GMT

Our favorite Tyrannosaurus Rex, Rexford, went hunting at the local Wal-Mart today. He pounced on an unaware little ducky on the playground.

"Surprise! No fair peeking, Duck!"

Rexford doesn't like being watched when he's eating."

"What are YOU staring at, desert-boy teeter-turtle?"

But not all his hunts prove as successful.

"Yeah, call me a softy but I just can't eat 'em when they're saying their prayers."

But can he eat them after they finish? Keep praying, kids!

Stay tuned when that and other questions, such as when we'll finish the Carnegie Collection 2007 Giganotosaurus page get answered. Or not.

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Dec 31, Rexford and the Last Goodbye: December 31, 2010

Fri, 31 Dec 2010 18:34:28 GMT

Rexford took the kids out to look at the Community Calendar and deliver some bad news.

"This is the end of the last page of The Calendar kids. It's the End of Time."

"Oh xy*@?#-&^^*zz!"

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Dec 30, Time to Smile at a Crocodile: Safari 2011 Kaprosuchus

Thu, 30 Dec 2010 18:39:54 GMT

The Kaprosuchus, (opens new window) an early Crocodile ancestor from the Upper Cretaceous (95 mya) is known from a single skull (opens new window) discovered about an hour and a half ago (2009). And of course this Wild Safari Dinosaurs replica. That's it. How do they do this?

Back in 2005 Safari Ltd came up with the Suchiomimus, (right) one of the last of the more toy-like of their Wild Safari Dinosaurs collection. It was largely a piscavore (fish eater, like modern day Crocs) that didn't disdain dining on land-based tasty treats. Much like the Spinosaurus with whom it shares a page on our site.

Ten years earlier Safari Ltd, in their guise as the Carnegie Collection, had presented us with their very dynamic Late Cretaceous (80-73 mya) Deinosuchus (Terrible Crocodile) figure. Fifteen years down the road and still the best in breed.

More recently (2008), Safari came up with the Postosuchus. (below) This being one of finest detailed and accurately portrayed replicas of the Late Triassic relatives of the Dinosaurs ever produced. It is a spectacularly cast figure and not to be missed. Truly. Part of the fabulous new models that Safari has been presenting in their W-S Dinosaur series since ~2006.

Modern Crocodiles, including the huge Australian Salt Water Croc, only begin to approach the giants of the past. Safari, though, makes them too. And quite nicely....

"It's important to learn about your family tree."

Safari Ltd (opens new window) has this to say about this figure: "we are proud to introduce the Kaprosuchus, an ancient ancestor of the modern crocodile that lived over 99 million years ago. This figure measures 8.25” L x 2” H." There'll be a lot more than that to look forward to. Due in early 2011. Keep your eyes open.

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Dec 29, The Inostrancevia. Say What? Safari Ltd New for 2011

Wed, 29 Dec 2010 22:44:47 GMT

(Above photo Safari Ltd Promotional Photo)

Once again Safari Ltd has come up with a surprise guest. Ever on the lookout to provide interesting and unexpected new figures, the Inostranscevia comes pretty near to taking the cake. It was a mid-Permian era apex predator, about the size of a large bear. It also continues the tradition begun by MARX back in 1955 of including the occasional unexpected not-quite-a-Dinosaur in their prehistoric package.

The MARX Cynognathus, with a modern day friend, and below, the Marx Moschops.

It wasn't that many years ago, 2008 in fact, that Safari Ltd (opens new window) gave us their rather magnificent Scutosaurus. (opens new window) As can be seen in the pictures below, a gorgeously colored and detailed movable feast for the Inostranscevia.

Safari Ltd's (opens new window) own promotional copy on this goes: "the Inostrancevia, an authentic reproduction of a mammal-like carnivorous reptile that lived 251 million years ago. This ancient reptile measure 6” L x 2” H." Well, not a whole lot there about this fascinating creature. But then we don't really know a whole lot about it anyway. They did bear huge, Smilodon-like fangs, that they could bare to bring down their prey. Read more about the Inostranscevia: here. (opens new window) This will be a great addition to the Permian compartment of our prehistoric toy-box.

"We can't hardly wait for the new addition to our world."

("Some of us can gladly wait!")

This figure will be out in early 2011 and, personally, I can't hardly wait!

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Dec 25, Merry Christmas

Sat, 25 Dec 2010 21:20:35 GMT

!!Merry Christmas Everybody!!

from all of us here at the Dinosaur Toys Collectors Guide.

And for those of us with simple needs and desires....

"All I wanted for Christmas was a Salmon. And I got it!"

May All Your Christmas Hopes and Dreams Come True.