Described in 1994, Cryolophosaurus is notable for being the primary named dinosaur and first theropod found on Antarctica. Antarctopelta was the primary dinosaur found on the continent, however Cryolophosaurus was named earlier than it. Cryolophosaurus comes from the Handon formation and sadly the dinosaur materials recovered from there’s very scant. Cryolophosaurus itself is decently well-known nevertheless, with stays consisting of cranium and hip materials, and diverse ribs, vertebra, and arm and leg bones. And naturally there’s its distinctive crest, which has helped Cryolophosaurus obtain a reasonable degree of recognition. Certainly, many figures of the genus exist, together with these by the Carnegie Assortment, Papo, Battat, Mattel, Schleich, CollectA, and Artistic Beasts Studios. Right now we’re wanting on the Safari Ltd. 2022 Cryolophosaurus, a determine that’s lengthy overdue for a weblog characteristic.
The Carnegie Assortment Cryolophosaurus was one of many first figures I ever purchased and stays to at the present time considered one of my favorites in my assortment, and my favourite depiction of the “chilly crested lizard” however I even have the wonderful Battat model as effectively. As such, I didn’t initially plan to get the Safari Ltd. one, though I used to be fairly taken with its putting paintjob when it was introduced. Upon seeing that it nonetheless wanted a overview I made a decision to get it. Plus, I’m a sucker for primitive theropods.
The Safari Cryolophosaurus measures 8” (20.32 cm) lengthy and stands 3” (7.62 cm) tall on the prime of the top. The precise Cryolophosaurus is estimated to have measured 20-23’ (6-7 meters) which might put the determine at 1/30-1/34.5 in scale. The determine is offered with the ft spaced far aside, which aids in stability, and the tail dipping low to the bottom. The determine can stand with out assistance from its tail however it’s good to have the tail there for it to lean again on, if wanted. The top is trying to the left and barely downwards with the mouth open and the arms are unfold far aside, as if the theropod is about to grapple with some unsuspecting prey.
It is a Doug Watson sculpted determine, so you’ll be able to relaxation assured that it’s a well-sculpted, well-researched, and high quality product. The determine has a gracile and muscular construct and consists of small however appreciated touches, like lips and a vestigial fourth finger on every hand.
The faint define of the shoulder and hip bones will be seen and there are sagging folds of pores and skin alongside the torso. The ft are effectively padded with properly overlapping scutes operating down the toes. There isn’t any scale element over the remainder of the determine, which is okay, since any try to sculpt them would lead to scales which are too massive in proportion to the toy. As an alternative we now have a positive, pitted texture throughout the physique. The crest has a ridged texture, like a potato chip.
The paintjob is actually extravagant on this one, with lots of completely different colours in play. The physique and legs are a deep icy blue above that fades to burnt orange alongside the flanks. The underside and inside floor of the limbs is white and the face is white too, giving it an appropriately frosty look. The tail is a brighter shade of orange with sharply contrasting blue stripes operating down it. The crest is vibrant pink and shiny, the eyes are blue, the tooth are white, and the within of the mouth is maroon. The claws are black and the cloaca, nostrils, and ear openings are picked out in black.
I completely adore this colour scheme, which supplies the determine a type of cold-weather vibe that appears acceptable for the cool-temperate local weather of early Jurassic Antarctica. That stated, there’s jarring distinction between the blended colours on the physique and sharply contrasting ones on the tail. The swap from one of many others is just too abrupt. A extra gradual transition or simply sticking with the blended colours would have labored higher for me.
Though my coronary heart will at all times belong to the Carnegie Assortment Cryolophosaurus I do consider that due to Doug Watson’s craftmanship and a vivid and distinctive paintjob that this one is a worthy successor to it, and the most effective mass produced Cryolophosaurus that’s presently obtainable. It’s definitely the most effective in the case of accuracy. Though I’ve some minor quibbles in regards to the paintjob that is nonetheless a determine that I extremely suggest.
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