Protoceratops & other dinosaurs of the Gobi Desert - Your best figures recommendations

[Sim]

Happy to contribute!  This thread is great!

I agree the Haolonggood Saichania is great, I have it in one of the two colourations it comes in.  I also have the PNSO Pinacosaurus, another figure I recommend.

The Papo Therizinosaurus has quite inaccurate hands, including the length of its hand claws, and teeth in its beak.  The PNSO and Wild Safari Therizinosaurus are excellent and much better versions of the animal.

Regarding the PNSO Tarbosaurus, I would like to add that its shoulder girdle, overbite and neck length match these features in Scott Hartman's Tarbosaurus skeletal.  Its arms too, and I can't imagine them going any lower, see the supporting photo below.
  (Image source)
Its head shape is debatable, I've seen different head shapes on different Tarbosaurus specimens, I have to look at Gregory Paul's reconstruction again and post it here if it's relevant, when I can, hopefully soon.  If one wants a Tarbosaurus with a more robust head, the Schleich version is one of Schleich's best figures and could work if you don't mind its aesthetic.  The Favorite soft model series 2 Tarbosaurus is good too, although not very big, I had it before I replaced it with the PNSO Tarbosaurus.  Alternatively, I think any good figure of Tyrannosaurus could work as a modern version of Tarbosaurus..

neither Saurolophus nor Gobihadros (nor Penelopognathus ?) have their own figure at the moment.

The only one of these that has figures is Saurolophus, there are two figures of the Mongolian species, but they were only available in Japan and have been retired for a long time.  One is a mini figure by Kaiyodo, and the other is a museum-exclusive figure by Favorite.  The latter is nice, but has its beak restored as a "duck-bill" rather than the modern understanding of hadrosaurid beaks as robust, and extending vertically down.

[Sim]

Psittacosaurus is hence added to my wishlist but it's a shame if some of the best references are now unavailable...

For Psittacosaurus I was thinking of the Wild Safari Psittacosaurus.  The sculptor of it confirmed it's Psittacosaurus mongoliensis.  It was retired, in 2023 if I remember right, you might be able to find it still, but it will probably become harder to find as time passes.  There is also a smaller and larger figure of Psittacosaurus mongoliensis, both in the Beasts of the Mesozoic line.  And a mini figure of Psittacosaurus gobiensis by Recur..

Regarding Alioramus/Qianzhousaurus, are you thinking about specific references ?

The figure I had in mind for Qianzhousaurus is the Wild Safari version.  For the idea that Qianzhousaurus is the same species as Alioramus remotus (and that Alioramus altai is the same species as A. remotus too), it's explained on The Theropod Database here: https://theropoddatabase.github.io/Tyrannosauroidea.html#Alioramusremotus

[Elengassen]

It's worth noting that Creative Beast are planning to release an Alioramus and a Gallimimus. They also have various dromaeosaurid species from the Gobi Desert available: Adasaurus, Tsaagan, Linheraptor and Velociraptor (the latter two in both large and small versions). Furthermore, they have made a Mononykus, which is another Gobi Desert species and currently the only scientifically accurate alvarezsaurid figure around.

[Protopatch]

Happy to contribute!  This thread is great!

I agree the Haolonggood Saichania is great, I have it in one of the two colourations it comes in.  I also have the PNSO Pinacosaurus, another figure I recommend.

The Papo Therizinosaurus has quite inaccurate hands, including the length of its hand claws, and teeth in its beak.  The PNSO and Wild Safari Therizinosaurus are excellent and much better versions of the animal.

Regarding the PNSO Tarbosaurus, I would like to add that its shoulder girdle, overbite and neck length match these features in Scott Hartman's Tarbosaurus skeletal.  Its arms too, and I can't imagine them going any lower, see the supporting photo below.
  (Image source)
Its head shape is debatable, I've seen different head shapes on different Tarbosaurus specimens, I have to look at Gregory Paul's reconstruction again and post it here if it's relevant, when I can, hopefully soon.  If one wants a Tarbosaurus with a more robust head, the Schleich version is one of Schleich's best figures and could work if you don't mind its aesthetic.  The Favorite soft model series 2 Tarbosaurus is good too, although not very big, I had it before I replaced it with the PNSO Tarbosaurus.  Alternatively, I think any good figure of Tyrannosaurus could work as a modern version of Tarbosaurus..

neither Saurolophus nor Gobihadros (nor Penelopognathus ?) have their own figure at the moment.

The only one of these that has figures is Saurolophus, there are two figures of the Mongolian species, but they were only available in Japan and have been retired for a long time.  One is a mini figure by Kaiyodo, and the other is a museum-exclusive figure by Favorite.  The latter is nice, but has its beak restored as a "duck-bill" rather than the modern understanding of hadrosaurid beaks as robust, and extending vertically down.

This is most helpful, thank you.

1 - The Haolonggood's Saichania is cool (1:35 – maybe more the brown version than the green one ?) !

2 - I agree with you about the claws of Papo's Therizinosaurus. Moreover, I am not completely convinced by the shape of its chest.

3 - Actually, the most delicate task in the collection I'd like to achieve consists of trying to keep a certain coherence between figures that aren't necessarily produced by the same company, in terms of scales and design (even if it could be tempting to remain faithful to PNSO's figures...).*
In that respect, I'm still hesitating a little bit between PNSO and Schleich's Tarbosaurus as I would like it to be consistent with my latest acquisition, the Wild Past's Protoceratops.
*You were talking about the same issue in a previous reply (#5)

4 - Indeed, there used to be a figure of Saurolophus angustirostris produced by Favorite Co. Ltd.
This is a good opportunity to re-spotlight B @Bokisaurus excellent review on DTB (by the way, I hope he'll shortly retrieve time and enough energy to write again...) :
https://dinotoyblog.com/saurolophus-favorite-co-ltd/
Apparently, we cannot find this reference anymore, even on the second-hand market 

[Protopatch]

It's worth noting that Creative Beast are planning to release an Alioramus and a Gallimimus. They also have various dromaeosaurid species from the Gobi Desert available: Adasaurus, Tsaagan, Linheraptor and Velociraptor (the latter two in both large and small versions). Furthermore, they have made a Mononykus, which is another Gobi Desert species and currently the only scientifically accurate alvarezsaurid figure around.

Thanks, do you have any idea of their expected releasing date(s) ?
I just had a look at their website and the small version (1:18) of CB's Velociraptor is great, it could perfectly match the other "wanted figures" of my list.
The Linheraptor (1:6) is cool too but I'm afraid that it will be too big and as a result, not fit with the sizes of the other figures which are in my mind.

[Elengassen]

They haven't announced the release dates yet AFAIK, just mentioned that they will be coming and shared an image of the Alioramus head sculpt.

The Linheraptor also comes in a 1:18 version, which is about the same size as the 1:18 Velociraptor.

[Protopatch]

The Linheraptor also comes in a 1:18 version, which is about the same size as the 1:18 Velociraptor.

Okay, the 1:18 version appears "out of stock" on CB's official website, that's why I couldn't find it first...
https://creative-beast.com/product/1-18-linheraptor-exquisitus-4-figure/?srsltid=AfmBOoqqb0uvd6KBCm6EytOfwPSD3dHAnfP4ageS7eqcBTCEJMbbihpE

[Sim]

Regarding the Mongolian pterosaur, I don't know if it's been named, but I know there is no figure of it.  However the illustration shows it as an azhdarchid, so I think you could use a Quetzalcoatlus from the following lines to represent it: Wild Safari, Haolonggood, Papo.

[Protopatch]

Regarding the Mongolian pterosaur, I don't know if it's been named, but I know there is no figure of it.  However the illustration shows it as an azhdarchid, so I think you could use a Quetzalcoatlus from the following lines to represent it: Wild Safari, Haolonggood, Papo.

Indeed, in the 2009's paper the species was unnamed, they just mention "Azhdarchid pterosaurs".
Anyway, many thanks for these new quality recommendations.
I share your view regarding the Safari Ltd's Quetzalcoaltus which is a good option for my Gobi team !
In spite of the geographic mismatch, it looks nice as its legs are quite well-shaped whereas those of other flying Ptero figures I've seen so far are often kinda sloppy.
Papo & Haolonggood's Pterosaurs are nice, but « landed ».
There is a Papo flying Ptero as well, however the shape of its hind legs is less convincing (maybe too stumpy/crooked ?) in comparison to the Safari's one.

[Sim]

That Papo pterosaur, the Papo Pteranodon, was one of Papo's first figures and has terrible anatomy.  Besides being shrink-wrapped and having teeth (on a species that has toothless in its name!), its hindlimbs look more like human hands than pterosaur feet!  It also lacks feathers.

[Elengassen]

Regarding the Mongolian pterosaur, I don't know if it's been named, but I know there is no figure of it.  However the illustration shows it as an azhdarchid, so I think you could use a Quetzalcoatlus from the following lines to represent it: Wild Safari, Haolonggood, Papo.

The Vitae Zhejiangopterus would also probably make a decent stand-in for any fragmentary azhdarchid genus.

[Protopatch]

That Papo pterosaur, the Papo Pteranodon, was one of Papo's first figures and has terrible anatomy.  Besides being shrink-wrapped and having teeth (on a species that has toothless in its name!), its hindlimbs look more like human hands than pterosaur feet!  It also lacks feathers.

Yeah, apart from the head, it pretty looks like a prehistoric Batman.
I know understand that it's better to avoid Papo if your aim is to collect more scientifically accurate figures.

[Protopatch]

Regarding the Mongolian pterosaur, I don't know if it's been named, but I know there is no figure of it.  However the illustration shows it as an azhdarchid, so I think you could use a Quetzalcoatlus from the following lines to represent it: Wild Safari, Haolonggood, Papo.

The Vitae Zhejiangopterus would also probably make a decent stand-in for any fragmentary azhdarchid genus.

A good option to consider indeed.
By the way, thanks to your great reco, CB's figure is my definitive choice for Velociraptor (small size in black) 

The GR Toys Quetzalcoaltus is rather good too, albeit featuring some anatomical inaccuracies according to what I could read in an old thread on the topic : (quote)

1) The torso is far too large relative to the head and neck
2)  the head and neck are far too short
3) the eye appears to be mounted too high in the skull
4) the leading edge of the headcrest doesn't match the two that are preserved in the fossils
5) the lateral distal syncarpal and pteroid appear to be attached to the proximal carpal instead of the distal carpal (pteroid should attach to the proximal side of the lateral distal syncarpal)
6)  the massive deltopectoral crest is missing from the humerus
7) Phalange IV-4 (the tip of the wingfinger) is waay too long)
I don't see any indication of Sesimoid 'A' that seats on the antero-dorsal end of the lateral distal syncarpal and supports the tendon that attaches to the proximal Metacarpal IV-1.  The tendon isn't shown either
All in all, many proportions are wrong

[Protopatch]

Haolonggood saichania is a great overall figure, so I highly recommend that one!

@suspsy posted an excellent review on Haolonggood's Saichania in January, focusing on the green version.
If possible, I would also be interested in knowing your opinions about the brown/red version as it is my favourite option at the moment.

[Fembrogon]

In any case, there is only a few species of Hadrosauridae/Hadrosauroids known to originate from the Gobi Desert, and neither Saurolophus nor Gobihadros (nor Penelopognathus ?) have their own figure at the moment.

I almost forgot, but there actually IS another Saurolophus option if you so wish to try hunting for it. SEGA did a hollow vinyl figure as part of their Dinosaur King toy line in the 2000s, and based on the crest I think it could be S. augustirostris.

DinoToyCollector page


^{photo from my own collection}

Pulling out the figure real quickly, it measures just under 23 cm (9 in) long, so for an 8-meter individual it should be about 1:35 scale.
Obviously the Sega figures aren't quite up to the standard of modern brands like PNSO or Haolonggood, but in a pinch it's a pretty nice toy in its own right. They pop up on eBay sometimes, and more often on Mercari and Yahoo Japan.

[Sim]

I know understand that it's better to avoid Papo if your aim is to collect more scientifically accurate figures.

Papo has made some quite accurate figures, their Ceratosaurus and Kaprosuchus are the best versions of those animals in my opinion, and their upcoming Suchomimus and Yangchuanosaurus look excellent too.  But many of Papo's prehistoric figures are not the most accurate versions.  I just remembered Papo has a new flying pterosaur coming this year, their Anhanguera, it looks great too.

If possible, I would also be interested in knowing your opinions about the brown/red version as it is my favourite option at the moment.

The red version is identical to the grey/green version apart from the colouration.  I think either one is equally good.

By the way @CharlieNovember, I think you're in for a good surprise when it comes to Deinocheirus   I recommend the PNSO version!

[Protopatch]

I know understand that it's better to avoid Papo if your aim is to collect more scientifically accurate figures.

Papo has made some quite accurate figures, their Ceratosaurus and Kaprosuchus are the best versions of those animals in my opinion, and their upcoming Suchomimus and Yangchuanosaurus look excellent too.  But many of Papo's prehistoric figures are not the most accurate versions.  I just remembered Papo has a new flying pterosaur coming this year, their Anhanguera, it looks great too.

Papo undoubtedly produces some good figures (the ones you mention among other things) and my words were probably exaggerated.
Nevertheless, they maybe depicted my slight disappointment in regard to their Therizinosaurus, when I realized that there was a better figure by PNSO.

[Protopatch]

I am quickly taking stock of my ideal Gobi dinos collection.
Starting this time by the Wild Past's Protoceratops (many thanks to @crazy8wizard ) which becomes the "master piece" of the collection instead of Papo's Therizinosaurus, I therefore have to entirely reconsider its content.
And so far, I've come to the following composition :

1 - PNSO's Tarbosaurus
2 - PNSO's Tsintaosaurus (Large version - the Sega's Saurolophus suggested by @Fembrogon or the Favorite's one are really nice, but it should be harder to get my hands on them)
3 - BotM's Velociraptor (1:18 - black)
4 - Haolonggood's Saichania (red version)
5 - PNSO's Therizinosaurus
6 - PNSO's Deinocheirus
7 - Wild Safari's Psittacosaurus
Pterosaur : still in thorough consideration...

Unsurprisingly, PNSO's figures remain the main choices when it comes to bigger animals.
Of course, I will continue to fill this start list with your upcoming recommendations regarding the other missing species of the Gobi Dream Team abovementioned 
This is definitely a thrilling exercise as it is similar, to a certain extent, to a puzzle. I mean, in terms of visual compatibility.

[Protopatch]

PS : I've just updated the wishlist as I almost forgot Psittacosaurus...
@Sim your contribution is greatly appreciated !

[Protopatch]

In any case, there is only a few species of Hadrosauridae/Hadrosauroids known to originate from the Gobi Desert, and neither Saurolophus nor Gobihadros (nor Penelopognathus ?) have their own figure at the moment.

I almost forgot, but there actually IS another Saurolophus option if you so wish to try hunting for it. SEGA did a hollow vinyl figure as part of their Dinosaur King toy line in the 2000s, and based on the crest I think it could be S. augustirostris.

DinoToyCollector page


^{photo from my own collection}

Pulling out the figure real quickly, it measures just under 23 cm (9 in) long, so for an 8-meter individual it should be about 1:35 scale.
Obviously the Sega figures aren't quite up to the standard of modern brands like PNSO or Haolonggood, but in a pinch it's a pretty nice toy in its own right. They pop up on eBay sometimes, and more often on Mercari and Yahoo Japan.

Found one secondhand item on Ebay today but its price was rather prohibitive ie 100€ including the shipping fees