Earlier than we start the evaluate, I wish to prolong my gratitude in direction of Joyful Hen Toys for sending this determine alongside as a evaluate pattern. Take a look at their giant choice of animal and dinosaur figures by clicking the banner under.
Saurolophus, a genus of late Cretaceous hadrosaur, has been one of the vital requested dinosaurs for so long as I can bear in mind. And rightfully so. Identified from practically full specimens, it is likely one of the few dinosaur genera that’s present in each Asia and North America. Additionally it is the sort species for the Saurolophinae clade, which incorporates different notable genera corresponding to Edmontosaurus, Shantungosaurus, and Maiasaura. In North America it’s identified from the Horseshoe Canyon Formation, which suggests it rubbed shoulders with Albertosaurus, Edmontonia, Edmontosaurus, and Pachyrhinosaurus, amongst different well-known genera. In Asia it’s identified from the Nemegt Formation, together with Saichania, Deinocheirus, Therizinosaurus, and Tarbosaurus. That it lived alongside Tarbosaurus was one of many causes I needed a Saurolophus in my assortment, as a result of as I discussed in my PNSO Tarbosaurus evaluate, I’m a giant fan of Douglas Henderson’s portray depicting the 2 collectively.
At all times with their ear to the bottom, Haolonggood has heard our requests and delivered us a Saurolophus. It’s not the primary Saurolophus however it’s undoubtedly one of the best. Favourite made a good one some years in the past, however it was a hard-to-find museum unique. And even Tyco made one for his or her Dino-Riders line, which I additionally reviewed.
The primary order of the day is determining what species of Saurolophus that is. There are two species described, they usually differ in some apparent methods. S. osborni is the sort species and comes from North America whereas S. angustirostris is understood from a bigger fossil document and comes from Asia. The latter can also be considerably bigger than the previous. Whereas S. osborni reached 27-28’ (8.2-8.5 meters) lengthy, S. angustirostris reached 43’ (13 meters). Haolonggood’s determine measures about 9.1” (23 cm) lengthy and stands 3” (7.62 cm) tall on the hump alongside its again. Since HLG makes their figures in 1/35 scale their determine have to be S. osborni. To be S. angustirostris the determine can be 1/56 in scale!
There are different strains of proof that the determine represents S. osborni. In that species the crest bends upward and doesn’t prolong previous the bottom of the cranium whereas in S. angustirostris it sticks straight again and additional again than the cranium base. Haolonggood’s determine clearly favors the anatomy of S. osborni on this case. There are additionally variations within the scale dimension and patterns, however I received’t get pedantic sufficient to judge that, given how small the scales are. It’s value noting that S. angustirostris has mid-line characteristic scales alongside the again, as seen right here, however that this characteristic isn’t identified for S. osborni. Given the poorer fossil document of S. osborni I feel depictions of it might go both method and I take no concern with the midline scales included right here.
That it represents S. osborni is type of disappointing for me, as I’d have most well-liked a 1/35 scale mannequin of the bigger species that I might lastly show alongside my PNSO Tarbosaurus however all properly, it’s nice simply to have the genus represented in any respect, and S. osborni is the sort species that I bought to see in particular person on the American Museum of Pure Historical past, in order that’s cool.
Haolonggood’s determine is depicted in a strolling posture with the pinnacle lowered and the fitting hindlimb pushing it ahead. The top is turned barely to the fitting whereas the tail dips down at its tip and veers leftward. It’s a typical type of posture from HLG, who doesn’t like to depart their consolation zone with poses, however it seems to be good.
The keratinous beak is roughly textured and precisely curves downward, removing the wrong flattened duckbills of previous. The spike-like crest runs from the snout, up and behind the pinnacle, and has a easy texture. In life this was a stable crest which differs from the hole crests of lambeosaurs, which had been used as resonating chambers.
The neck is thick and quick, and the physique is robustly constructed, with a large torso, muscular limbs, and deep and muscular tail. The whole determine is roofed with small pebbly scales and randomly positioned giant characteristic scales are sculpted alongside the torso. The midline scales are individually sculpted alongside the shallow ridge alongside the again and are largest over the hips.
Pores and skin folds are sculpted in acceptable locations, like alongside the limb joints and alongside the edges of the neck and torso. The forelimbs are considerably dainty in comparison with the hindlimbs. Three claws are painted on every forelimb when it ought to most likely have a single hoof, like Edmontosaurus. All bodily orifices are accounted for.
The determine is available in two colours; Music Quing is grey/blue whereas Yue He’s brown/yellow. Having the brown/yellow Edmontosaurus I made a decision to alter issues up by getting the blue/grey Saurolophus, and I preferred the distinction of colours on it too. It’s getting tougher to keep away from copying paintjobs with HLG figures although, since they appear to favor the identical two coloration palettes. They’ve actually been favoring the blue/grey currently.
The blue/grey coloration covers a lot of the physique, however a horizontal zig-zag band of tan coloration runs alongside the facet, from the neck to the hips. It transitions from there to vertical bands alongside the tail. The underside and again of the limbs can also be tan with peach coloured accents. Darker grey splotches are painted over the blue/grey parts of the physique.
The beak is brown with a yellow wash over it and the crest transitions from peach, to yellow, to inexperienced, to mild blue, to darkish blue alongside its size. The again of it’s peach coloured. It’s brown alongside the edges and coated with a shiny coat. Very enticing, general. The eyes are yellow with black pupils, and the claws are black. The opposite model is equally patterned however with the brown/yellow coloration mixture and the crest just isn’t as showy. They make for a pleasant male/feminine pair.
With this determine Haolonggood does it once more and offers us a dinosaur that we’ve all been wanting. Though I’m considerably upset by the species they went with, I’m certain there are others that will likely be completely satisfied about it and our passion wants them each represented anyway. Perhaps PNSO will give us the opposite one to pair with their Tarbosaurus. I can consider no purpose to go this determine up and in the event you dwell in the US, I encourage you to buy it over at Joyful Hen Toys by clicking on the banner under.
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