Corythosaurus (Replica-Saurus by Schleich)

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Review and photos by Lanthanotus, edited by Suspsy

When the term hadrosaur is combined with a toy, it usually results into a Parasaurolophus. While this genus may still not be as overrepresented as some carnivorous theropods, it easily exceeds all other hadrosaur renditions in number. Just recently I came across a comparably rare Corythosaurus figure produced by a major company which hit the shelves 20 years back and has been retired for way more than 10 years already. Surprisingly it never made it to a review in the DTB, so here’s the remedy.

We’re all aware of Schleich’s infamous reputation when it comes to dinosaurs and especially its somewhat boastfully named “Replica-Saurus 1:40” unleashed some horrible renditions to children’s rooms worldwide. Nevertheless, even a blind squirrel will find a nut once in a while and so Schleich made some decent or even nice dinosaur figures during the years. This Corythosaurus may be included among those gems.

Despite the figure’s stamp names ’97 as the year of copyright, the figure was released in 1996 according to ToyAnimalWiki. It was retired in 2003. The dinosaur is sculpted in the despised tripod position, but it’s unclear if the sculptor intended this to be the standard stance for the animal, or if it’s just reaching for some greens up in a tree. Whatever intended, the posture amusingly looks like this ornithischian is doing its best “Egyptian” moves.

This Corythosaurus stands 16 cm tall and measures 22 cm in length (directly from snout to tail tip) which leaves it slightly too big for the 1:40 scale of the Replica line. Anatomically, the “helmet lizard” is one of the better Schleich renditions by far, though one could argue that the head crest resembles more that of Lambeosaurus magnicristatus with its forwardly directed headdress. The neck may be a bit on the short side and the dorsal spine may not be as bend as would be proper, but other than that there’s little to moan. The animal’s hind feet show three hoof-like claws and the forelimbs show four digits correctly, although they are all of the same length while in reality the outermost digit should be shorter and thinner.

The whole body is covered in scales of different size and shape which is more or less correct as skin impressions show that Corythosaurus was decked in several different types and sizes of scales, though it is not totally clear which were placed where on the body. It may be possible Schleich only did the “right” by chance as these scales were easier to sculpt than various types of uniform scales on differnt parts of the body. The coloration is another example of Schleich’s infamy. No eye candy here: a body of sandy base color, a dull green-gray stripe pattern, and uniformly black eyes.

Schleich’s Corythosaurus may be a bit crude and awkward in its whole appearance, but I like the figure nonetheless as it represents a rarely depicted species and . . . “Oh, look at its sad face, it begs for some colourful love for its formidable headcrest!” If you’re looking out for that duck-billed fellow, eBay Germany and its flea market will be the most promising places.