Supersaurus (Canon Papercraft)

In 1972 the Dry Mesa Quarry in Colorado relvealed an enormous scapula to the paleontologist James A. Jensen. Official description took its time and was published more than a decade later in 1985. While not undisputed over time, Supersaurus is currently accepted as a sovereign diplodocid species growing to tremendous size.

Quite a few years back Canon released a template for a papercraft model by Ayumu Saito. While naturally lacking the details and finesse of a plastic or resin model, the resutling figure is still quite a nice and formidable representation of the true dinosaur, not least because of its great size.Without its base the model stands 23 cm high at the hips and measures 73 cm in direct lenght, approx. 90 long the spine.

14 sheets of printed paper and the better part of a day’s labour are required to assemble that figure. I made the first of them like 13 years back and had it printed out top quality on photobase paper. I highly recommend using such coated, heavy quality paper as the result will be much better as seen in the photos here which show my second run from like three years back when I used common printing paper on an old and sucked dry printer. Also make sure to use a good glue that dries fast and without spilling.

The final model stands on a small and low base resembling a river bed. A name plate is added to this base and some low paper walls help to fix the figure in place and mimick evading water and mud from the planting of heavy feet.

The dinosaur figure itself is quite up to date, the only real complain could be the forearms which are slightly bend outwards and the missing ears. Other than that the model has everything you’d expect from a decent diplodocid dinoaur within reason (keep in mind it’s a paper model for kids): small and flat head, horizontal stance, long and thin tail, heavy legs with appropriate digits and claws and a voluminous girth. The coloration is quite attractive for such a gargantuan animal. If you look close the ribs and scapula are printed on, probably intended to mimick them showing slightly through the skin, however, this is easily overlooked.

While not as detailed as Johan Scherft’s models, the paper origin of the model is easily overlooked from a distance and the assembling method feels quite organic. The final result is quite satisfying, however, it requires some time and patience to cut out all the parts cleanly and assemble them correctly, make use of several tools for best results, as sharps scissors (paper and nail scissors) and exacto knives.

Not too far off, the dark winter season may give you (and your kids?) some hours to dare this one? Free downloadable template can be found here.