Concavenator’s Collection

[Halichoeres]

Wow, that seems like such a short time ago, but it's a very different collection from now!

[Concavenator]

Wow, that seems like such a short time ago, but it's a very different collection from now!

Definitely! 

[Concavenator]

~ 01/07/2025 ~

Even though I just showed my collection from 2019, last collection update was posted on January 8th, 2023. It's been a hot minute, which means it's high time for an update.

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I like to do one of these once per year, but I was too busy last year and I'll probably be moving in a few months, so now's a good time to do so. I'll still be returning home, but every once in a while. So, after taking these pics, I packed all of my figures into storage (and since I don't have any cabinets, another advantage is that I won't have to be dusting figures every month  ).

Without further ado, here are the pics, with some comments (as always). Worth noting is that ALL the figures I own are featured in the pics (as per usual).

Here we go!

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The theropod row. I like to display my figures per clade (and scale too, but they're all in a similar enough scale), but the only species here that are somewhat closely related are Gallimimus and Deinocheirus, the two ornithomimosaurs. The others, for the moment, are the sole representatives of the not-so-inclusive clades they belong to (i.e., Megalosauroidea, Ceratosauria, Allosauroidea, Oviraptorosauria, etc). So I'm splitting my theropods between non-coelurosaurs and coelurosaurs:

- Upper shelf for non-coelurosaurs. They're all quite distantly related: we have an abelisaurid, a basal theropod, a spinosaurid and a carcharodontosaurid. Wonder Artistic Models' 1:30 humanoid for scale reference.

- Lower shelf for coelurosaurs. They're all tyrannoraptorans, as we have Megaraptor (a potential tyrannosauroid), two ornithomimosaurs and an oviraptorosaur. Wonder Artistic Models' 1:33 humanoid and CollectA's 1:40 human figure are provided for scale reference.

Even though I only have these few theropod figures, one can still easily notice the morphological differences across different theropod groups.

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The ornithischian row. The 2 uppermost shelves comprise the Cerapoda and the lowermost one the Thyreophora.

- Uppermost shelf for ceratopsids. Arranged from more basal (left) to more derived (right). I like having them displayed in frontal view. After all, it's their noggins what pretty much differentiates them. I took inspiration from the ceratopsian wall from the Natural History Museum of Utah for having them displayed in frontal view, something that I don't do with other dinosaur groups (in those cases, I prefer displaying the figures in profile view in order to better appreciate morphological differences):

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Ceratopsidae is the most represented family in my collection at the moment.

- The shelf below is intended to be used for ornithopods, but PNSO's Edmontosaurus is the only one that I have right now. Provided for scale reference is Wonder Artistic Models' 1:35 humanoid.

- Lowermost shelf for thyreophorans. At the moment I only have one stegosaurian (PNSO's Museum Line Stegosaurus, 2024 version).

And I'm not a big fan of ankylosaurs, but I have two: Borealopelta (by CollectA) and Zuul (by PNSO). Possibly the two members of the group known from the best remains. Schleich's 1:40 human figure is there for scale (maybe a tad too small for reference, but works nonetheless). These thyreophorans are arranged from older (left) to more recent (right).

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- The non-dinosaur shelf. 3 swimmers from 3 different epochs, Atopodentatus (by Yowie) from the Triassic, Plesiosaurus (by Kaiyodo) from the Jurassic as well as the fellow diver that was included with Kaiyodo's Plesiosaurus.

Non-dinosaurs aren't my collecting focus, but I do still highly appreciate some of them.

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The book selection.

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That's all for now. I have 18 figures from 6 different companies. Out of those 18 figures, there are 18 unique species (100 % of my collection).

My collection is made up by:

• 6 HAOLONGGOOD
• 6 PNSO
• 2 CollectA
• 2 Safari Ltd.
• 1 Kaiyodo
• 1 Yowie

HAOLONGGOOD and PNSO are tied as the main contributors to my collection (6 figures from each company, out of a total of 18, that is, a third of my collection).

What has changed coming from previous updates?

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- I'm restricting myself to collecting ~ 1:35 scale figures. It's always been my preferred scale after all. While I used to buy figures in different scales as well, I was replacing them as good figures of the same species were released in scales that are closer to 1:35. So at the end of the day, I think that me focusing on just ~ 1:35 scale figures is the most practical thing to do. Another advantage is that my collection as a whole now feels a lot more cohesive. At some point, displaying figures in vastly different scales started feeling messy to me.

However, the main disadvantage is that I have to reject very nice figures of smallish species I'd love to have represented (which are rarely made in ~ 1:35 scale). All things considered, the pros outweigh the cons for me though.

- I'm limiting myself to collecting figures of species that I really need. Species that my collection would feel incomplete without (according to my own preferences, I don't care to have a Triceratops or an Ankylosaurus or a Brachiosaurus, for example, just because they're widely regarded as "must-have" species in any collection). Which means that I'm after certain taxa, not just pretty figures. Indeed, if a gorgeous figure is released of some species I don't care about, it's a skip on my end, no matter how much I like the figure.

- Fragmentary species are not allowed in my collection. If I'm interested in getting a figure of a certain species, the species in question has to have sufficiently good remains to at least have an identity (a reasonably well-preserved skull at least).

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Limitations like these make me appreciate each individual figure from my collection more than ever before. Each figure feels more special now. These limitations also mean that I'm saving space and money for the stuff I consider essential.

Speaking of space, if you take a look at previous setup updates (which can be seen here), you'll notice that I used to have space issues. I learnt that space is a crucial resource for a collector, so I'm trying to use it as efficiently as I can.

[Protopatch]

Wowww, this is (/was) neatly organized !
It's a shame to hear that they ended up in storage after the photo shooting but it probably has its advantage

[Sim]

I'm surprised by how much space you have now!  I'm also surprised you don't have any sauropods!  I guess you decided not to keep the Eofauna Diplodocus?  I'm glad you're enjoying your collection!

[Crackington]

Thanks for sharing your collection update @Concavenator - it really is a quality group of figures and a classy display.

I also admire your self discipline in not filling every spare inch of space with figures, as many do (me included!). The models can really come into their own and be appreciated properly. Great stuff!

[Quiversaurus]

Great collection @Concavenator ! I really like the use of space in the most recent update. The use of risers makes everything look like a museum.

Also really like that each shelf has a 1:35 human figurine for scale comparison. Context is so important.

Looking forward to seeing what else you'll add to those shelves! I've my eye set on the HLG Iguanodon next, hopefully it doesn't disappoint 

[Halichoeres]

OK, so when the Molina Pérez et. al ornithischian book comes out, will you buy the English or Spanish edition?

[Concavenator]

Thank you all for stopping by!

@Protopatch It sure has! I may not have my figures on sight now, but at least I know that my figures are well-protected. Plus, I usually dust my figures once a month, and that's a chore, so that's another thing I won't have to bother with!

@Sim well-spotted! That's right, at the moment I have no sauropods at all. There's just not a single one that ticks all the boxes in terms of species, scale and accuracy that I'm looking for.

And yeah, I recently sold my Eofauna Diplodocus as well. It is a gorgeous figure (Eofauna's sauropods are lovely), but the reason why I sold it is because, even if the figure is large by itself, it still looked small when compared to all my other figures. Coupled with the very strong possibility of HLG releasing a (1:35) Diplodocus at some point as well.

A 1:40 sauropod doesn't look too out of place in the context of a 1:35 collection, but me focusing on 1:35 scale figures also means that I favor good figures that match that scale as closely as possible. So as much as I love Eofauna's Diplodocus, if HLG releases a nice 1:35 Diplodocus, that'd ultimately be a better fit for my collection.

@Crackington Thanks! I buy what I really need and nothing else, in order to make sure I have space and money for the stuff I consider essential. I value the sense of skipping just as much as gaining (if not more). I'm glad to be a minimalist.

@Quiversaurus Thank you! The risers are useful, they allow to gain extra space and make for a better presentation.

I'm very excited to see HLG's Iguanodon too!! That's one species I'd love to have in my collection as well, but none of the existing versions do it for me. But HLG might change that, fingers crossed they'll do it justice!

Other than HLG's Iguanodon, there's a few upcoming figures that have my interest, including the 1:35 BotM Allosaurus jimmadseni. Speaking of Allosaurus, will you be getting the PNSO "Saurophaganax" after all?

@Halichoeres Most likely the English edition. Eofauna recently announced they'll be releasing a proboscidean book, and in response to some comment, Asier Larramendi said that it's presently unclear whether a Spanish edition will be released. So I guess the same logic would apply to the future ornithischian book.

[Libraraptor]

Although I personally prefer and practice the "cramming" approach, I do admire your minimalist and Zen-like approach to highlighting the individual models. 

[Protopatch]

There's just not a single one that ticks all the boxes in terms of species, scale and accuracy that I'm looking for.

Just by curiosity, have you ever considered the 3D-printed models ?

[Quiversaurus]

@Concavenator fingers crossed for their Iguanodon indeed!

I unfortunately have not gotten the PNSO Saurophaganax (to use as my Allosaurus)... Life has been busy for me the past few months, and I've not had as much time to mull over figures. Maybe when there's a next major sale!

I still have 3 species I'm looking to get: Iguanodon, Kentrosaurus and a solid 1:35 scale Qianzhousaurus.

Been also thinking of the Eofauna ankylosaurus, simply because the species is just that iconic.

If I ever get any of these, I'll update my own collection thread (:

[Concavenator]

There's just not a single one that ticks all the boxes in terms of species, scale and accuracy that I'm looking for.

Just by curiosity, have you ever considered the 3D-printed models ?

@Protopatch I did consider that idea, but only for small species that are unlikely to be made in 1:35 scale. But ultimately decided against it, because each figure (regardless of its small size) would still end up being pretty expensive, and there's also the inferior durability of resin models compared to PVC figures (I simply display my figures, but still worth taking into account).

And while small species are unlikely to get made in 1:35 scale (and being done justice, at that), it's not impossible. Like, who would have thought some company would be releasing an accurate 1:35-ish Atopodentatus? And yet here we are.

So I'd rather just wait and see if some company releases a nice ~ 1:35 scale figure of some smallish species I'm interested in. And be grateful if that happens.

[Stegotyranno420]

@Concavenator want to trade shelves ?

Here i am cramming my figures into a small square lol while u have all this extra space

Jokes aside, how long do you think it would have take for you to start losing space, given the strict criteria you have for accuracy.

I agree with @Libraraptor comment about space and "zen" haha, yes I like the classic style of collection but the idea of space and "being able to appreciate more" also resonates with me. And the minimalist approach creates a strong museum vibe 👍🏻

[Concavenator]

@Stegotyranno420 Hopefully I don't get to run out of space! So as I buy new figures, I could still display them all without the figures being crammed. 

[Protopatch]

I did consider that idea, but only for small species that are unlikely to be made in 1:35 scale.

Okay  
Actually, I was more talking about sauropods but perfectly understand your arguments which support a strategic/logical bias with regard to your meticulously built collection !

and there's also the inferior durability of resin models compared to PVC figures

Have you ever had such an experience with that kind of model ?^^ Would be interested to get your feedback !
I don't know anything about 3D-printed figures' durability and it turns out that I just received my very first one so, as far as I'm concerned, only time will tell

[Concavenator]

Have you ever had such an experience with that kind of model ?^^ Would be interested to get your feedback !
I don't know anything about 3D-printed figures' durability and it turns out that I just received my very first one so, as far as I'm concerned, only time will tell

I only ever owned 2 resin models: Signatu Studio's Megaloceros and Ancestors' Tlatolophus. They didn't experience any breakage, but they clearly didn't feel as durable as the other (PVC) figures.

As I understand it, resin models are more prone to breaking compared to PVC figures. Just make sure to be a little bit more careful when handling your Nemegtosaurus than with your other figures and place it in some place where it won't fall over, and it'll be fine. 

[SidB]

Have you ever had such an experience with that kind of model ?^^ Would be interested to get your feedback !
I don't know anything about 3D-printed figures' durability and it turns out that I just received my very first one so, as far as I'm concerned, only time will tell

I only ever owned 2 resin models: Signatu Studio's Megaloceros and Ancestors' Tlatolophus. They didn't experience any breakage, but they clearly didn't feel as durable as the other (PVC) figures.

As I understand it, resin models are more prone to breaking compared to PVC figures. Just make sure to be a little bit more careful when handling your Nemegtosaurus than with your other figures and place it in some place where it won't fall over, and it'll be fine. 

That's the right approach. Almost all of my dozen or so resins are of Cenozoic mammals and I've never had a single breakage or even a fall. I don't treat them as toys, but as collectibles (which is what they are), so no issues. They do feel more vulnerable, of course, so that works to their advantage and survival in how I handle them.

[Concavenator]

Binomial name: Iguanodon bernissartensis (Boulenger, 1881)
Etymology: "Bernissart's iguana tooth" (Greek and Latin)
Classified as: Dinosauria -> Ornithischia -> Genasauria -> Neornithischia -> Cerapoda -> Ornithopoda -> Iguanodontia -> Dryomorpha -> Ankylopollexia -> Styracosterna -> Hadrosauriformes
Period: Early Cretaceous (Barremian - Aptian)
Fossils found in: Sainte-Barbe Clays Formation, present-day Belgium, Lower Greensand Formation, present-day UK, Wessex Formation, present-day UK, Arcillas de Morella Formation, present-day Spain (Europe)

Company: HAOLONGGOOD
Sculptor: ?
Variant: Zheng Tian Shou
Year of release: 2025

Review:

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Iguanodon was the second dinosaur to be scientifically described. It was initially known from just a few teeth, though the discovery of additional fossils made it possible to learn more about its appearance. Owing to several discoveries, our concept of this dinosaur significantly evolved through time. Currently, we know Iguanodon was a big ornithopod, and multiple well-preserved specimens are known. It is one of the most well-understood dinosaurs as well as one of the most famous (Sanz, 2021).

Very glad to finally have Iguanodon enter the collection! No previous Iguanodon figure did it for me. While Safari's and CollectA's are good depictions of it, for some reason or another, I wasn't a big fan of either. And on top of its inflated price point, PNSO's doesn't really look like an Iguanodon to me. So I decided to hold off for future figures of the animal... and I finally found the one that's for me.

HLG's Iguanodon is a beauty. I like the sculpt (very refined, and I love the pose), its robust build (which is in line with modern depictions of the animal) as well as its color scheme. And when it comes to accuracy, while not perfect, it's pretty close to being so. The only inaccuracy I can spot is that it has a claw on Digit V when it shouldn't. Safari's figure initially suffered from the same issue (though newer runs corrected this inaccuracy), as is the case with CollectA's Deluxe figure as well. PNSO's doesn't have that issue (but again, personally, its head looks off to me, not saying it's necessarily wrong, though). I'd rather have a figure with an inaccurate digit than with a head that doesn't strike me as the typical Iguanodon head we're all used to. The extra claw on HLG's figure could've been due to a painting error, who knows. It's a bit of a bummer that they got it wrong (would've been the perfect Iguanodon figure IMO), especially because I provided them with a manus anatomy reference in this post. Still, it's not that big of a deal for me. The extra claw wasn't the reason I skipped Safari's and CollectA's versions, and just like those two figures, HLG's is a great depiction of the animal (the aforementioned inaccuracy aside).

The rest of the manus (and generally speaking, the anatomy) is fine, as far as I can tell. I've seen people mention the nose being bulbous, but that doesn't bother me at all. One of the Iguanodon skeletons I saw in Brussels (pic below) had a pronounced nose that reminds me of HLG's figure. The bulbous nose could also be attributed to external soft tissue. In any event, the head still looks like an Iguanodon head to me, as is the case with Safari's and CollectA's figures, but unlike PNSO's.

And I love the color scheme on this Iguanodon. While it is a shade different from the blue Saurolophus' and Torosaurus', it's still clearly similar. In any case, I skipped those two figures, so the similarities in their color schemes don't bother me. But HLG could certainly consider offering more diverse color schemes going forward.

In conclusion, I'm very happy to add this Iguanodon to my collection. As previously said, I got to see some Iguanodon skeletons in person at Brussels' Museum of Natural Sciences. I will always remember the feeling upon seeing them, I was impressed by how big they were. In fact, I've never been that impressed with an animal's size as I was when I saw those Iguanodon skeletons. I don't know why I felt that way, because prior to my visit there, I'd seen skeletons of Tyrannosaurus (in Oslo) and Diplodocus (in Madrid) in person, but for some reason, I wasn't that impressed by their sizes, even though they are both bigger than Iguanodon. 




Here's a couple of pics I took of the iguanodonts from the aforementioned museum. On the second pic, take a look at the Iguanodon on the back and its prominent nose.

And considering 2025 marks the 200th anniversary of Iguanodon's description, here's a nice paleoart that shows how our understanding of this majestic creature evolved through time:



Art by Wyatt-Andrews-Workshop.



Next to Wonder Artistic Models' 1:35 humanoid for scale reference.



With a later, distantly related relative: Edmontosaurus annectens (by PNSO).

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[SidB]

Excellent review @Concavenator in capturing the journey of understanding of the morphology of this famous but somewhat underproduced (IMO) dinosaur. It's long been one of my favorites (I have the Favorite figure too, but no pun intended). Like you, I've really wrestled with accepting the chimera-like appearance of the PNSO version, which is and was a real shame as it's , other than the atypical skull, a really smashing piece. It's taken me a couple of years to finally accept that it's within the bounds of possibility, though it certainly doesn't fit the classic image of the Iguanodon b. Again, I agree that this new  HLG comes much, much closer to the mark, though, again, that inflated nose area leaves room for debate, as you noted. I haven't ordered mine yet, I'm wavering between the two color variants. I have so many brownish figures that I first leaned towards your choice, but then HLG's brown one really seems to make the detail 'pop'' I'll wait a bit and chew it over. But in the meantime, thanks for this post.