Safari: New for 2017

[Stuckasaurus (Dino Dad Reviews)]

My opinions!

Psittacosaurus: Looks great! The not accurate coloration can be excused since its color scheme was decided before the new info, but the sculpt looks really good! Despite not being up to date. (missing the skin connecting the ankle to the tail base)

The coloration given in the newest reconstruction is basically identical to the conclusions reached in 2010 by Langham and Soliar.  It has been known and published on since at least 2010.  SEE THE PAPER titled. 'On the integument of Psittacosaurus " authored by Lingham and Soliar The latest study basically confirmed what was already known. Doug got this right ...his model demonstrates coloration lightening dorsally to ventrally as the study described  , It looks close to me at least...with any interpretation or reconstruction surely there has to be some room for artistic interpretation and what not. The next time someone tries it..it may be whole colors off the original.

Let's not forget that there's nearly a dozen valid species of Psittacosaurus...

I take back my comment , the CollectA deinocherius is still a great model .
Is it possible for dinosaurs to drastically change colours to better suit the seasons?
CollectA deinocherius - Summer     Safari deinocherius - Winter   

or male/female.

Or flashy, sexually mature adult & slightly-more-cryptic juvenile.

[Silvanusaurus]

The Deinocheirus looks just fantastic; like some kind of lovely cross between a bear and a duck. I've got nothing against the CollectA one specifically, I just don't really care for their designs generally, this on the other hand once again has me excited to get a figure of a species I didn't have much interest in before. 

[Killekor]

Today Safari have revealed The Eniosaurus, and it's a good figure, but my favorite is Coelophysis.
Now missing only two dinosaurs, the Diplodocus and the deinocheirus.

[Patrx]

The coloration given in the newest reconstruction is basically identical to the conclusions reached in 2010 by Langham and Soliar.  It has been known and published on since at least 2010.  SEE THE PAPER titled. 'On the integument of Psittacosaurus " authored by Lingham and Soliar The latest study basically confirmed what was already known.

I read that paper, and followed the authors' logic. Certainly, any clue at all regarding a nonavian dinosaur's coloration is a fascinating thing, and I even based a repaint on it myself. But, Theagarten Lingham-Soliar is known to be something of a crackpot, and a BANDit to boot. He even once argued that Psittacosaurus' tail bristles are actually collagen fibre. So, I am very glad to have another paper on the matter from more reputable workers. Certainly, I think the new Safari piece matches the newest interpretation of Psittacosaurus very well, what with individual variation and all.

[DinoToyForum]

Another staggeringly successful Doug Watson ceratopsid! Can't wait to add it to the ranks. Last year's Nasutoceratops was unmatched for details and accuracy, but this looks every bit as good, maybe better.

The informational text seems to have been updated on the product pages for this year's figures. Mostly, it's really nicely written and pretty accurate compared to some of the "info" we've seen in the past.

I'm pleased somone noticed this since the copy is largely my own handiwork. An error or two may have been snuck in by the editor e.g they called Kronosaurus a dinosaur - a sin no plesiosaur palaeontologist would ever commit! - but they quickly corrected it when I pointed it out. Safari Ltd are obviously serious about their models and content, which is great for their reputation and adds so much value to their products.

I haven't read through all the live articles yet, so if you spot any mistakes, please let me know via PM.

That explains a lot! You know, I try to remain as objective as possible when it comes to brands, but Safari have been pretty impressive lately. Adam, you mentioned you'd consulted on the Quetzalcoatlus, Kronosaurus, Microraptor, Giganotosaurus, and Diplodocus, as well as Doug's Tylosaurus, yes? I'm curious, were you approached by the other sculptor, or by Safari themselves?

That list is correct.

I'll say no more, I don't wish to break anyone's trust. Thanks for understanding.

[Arrancon]

How could I have missed these being revealed 2 whole months ago?! I gotta pay more attention here now.

With my shelf space becoming very limited now, I can't make all of these figures 'must-have' purchases. So far, only Einosaurus, Coelophysis, Microraptor and Deinocherius are definitely getting picked up. I'm trying not to get duplicate species anymore, the Micro being the exception due to its IRL feather color depiction.

That Rexy is looking EXTREMELY awesome, yet I already have the feathered Collecta one. Giganoto is tempting too, just so I can finally have a figure of the species that will stand on my shelf (looking at you, Carnegie version).

The rest are a pass, with the Psitttacosaurus being on the fence. How accurate is it to the recent evidence I've heard about on its actual skin color?

[Patrx]

Adam, you mentioned you'd consulted on the Quetzalcoatlus, Kronosaurus, Microraptor, Giganotosaurus, and Diplodocus, as well as Doug's Tylosaurus, yes? I'm curious, were you approached by the other sculptor, or by Safari themselves?

That list is correct. I'll say no more, I don't wish to break anyone's trust. Thanks for understanding.

Oh, of course! I should have considered that factor myself 

[CMIPalaeo]

What about the Wild Safari Pachyrhinosaurus? Its a great figure too hehe.

It is good, but for some reason something about it has never struck me as being as great as the Diabloceratops, Nasutoceratops, Vagaceratops, and likely this Einiosaurus.

[Everything_Dinosaur]

Everything Dinosaur's contribution with regards to the thirteen new Wild Safari Prehistoric World: http://blog.everythingdinosaur.co.uk/blog/_archives/2016/10/04/new-safari-ltd-prehistoric-animal-models-2017.htm

[Patrx]

On that note, the remaining two figures have appeared in full on the Safari site!

[Flaffy]

Love the shaggy feel tot he deinocherius. Not too fond of the white stripes, but overall an awesome figure.

[SpartanSquat]

Deinocheirus looks so elegant and very detailed the feathers. Now watching the diplodocus, I thought when I saw the video, the model didnt have scales.

[sauroid]

that Diplodocus. is simply beautiful.

[amargasaurus cazaui]

Placed a pre order for mine.....bought them all ...and the psittacosaurus x 12 

[Tony92]

I take back my comment , the CollectA deinocherius is still a great model .
Is it possible for dinosaurs to drastically change colours to better suit the seasons?
CollectA deinocherius - Summer     Safari deinocherius - Winter   

It's not like you have to retract your comment because someone didn't like your opinion, you didn't offend anyone with your previous post. We should all be entitled of our own opinions, I think.

[Dinoguy2]

How could I have missed these being revealed 2 whole months ago?! I gotta pay more attention here now.

With my shelf space becoming very limited now, I can't make all of these figures 'must-have' purchases. So far, only Einosaurus, Coelophysis, Microraptor and Deinocherius are definitely getting picked up. I'm trying not to get duplicate species anymore, the Micro being the exception due to its IRL feather color depiction.

That Rexy is looking EXTREMELY awesome, yet I already have the feathered Collecta one. Giganoto is tempting too, just so I can finally have a figure of the species that will stand on my shelf (looking at you, Carnegie version).

The rest are a pass, with the Psitttacosaurus being on the fence. How accurate is it to the recent evidence I've heard about on its actual skin color?

Not quite a match, based on the latest paper. But. This is a different species than the one they figures the coloration for, so the fact that it's not really an exact match for the newest interpretation is actually a plus.

[PaleoMatt]

So, seems like there bringing back some classics from the Carnegie lines well as some new ones! Also notice how there is t rex, giga and sp- wait? NO SPINOSAUR? I think Safari is making a Spinosaurus to complete the trio as either another secret or for next year.

[suspsy]

Given Doug Watson's strong preference for sculpting dinosaurs that are known from ample fossil remains, I'd be very surprised if he did a Spinosaurus. Personally, I really like the Ibrahim/Sereno reconstruction, but the fact of the matter is that it's still not confirmed. Until more Spinosaurus fossils are found, I think it's far more likely to see Baryonyx or Ichthyovenator or Irritator in 2018.

Then again, perhaps this new mystery sculptor does not have the same compunctions.

[PaleoMatt]

Given Doug Watson's strong preference for sculpting dinosaurs that are known from ample fossil remains, I'd be very surprised if he did a Spinosaurus. Personally, I really like the Ibrahim/Sereno reconstruction, but the fact of the matter is that it's still not confirmed. Until more Spinosaurus fossils are found, I think it's far more likely to see Baryonyx or Ichthyovenator or Irritator in 2018.

Then again, perhaps this new mystery sculptor does not have the same compunctions.

BionicleSaurus did a video and he thinks Forest Rogers sculpted the Giga. Considering it has wrinkles instead of scales and needs a base to stand up, I wouldn't be surprised.

[Flaffy]

I take back my comment , the CollectA deinocherius is still a great model .
Is it possible for dinosaurs to drastically change colours to better suit the seasons?
CollectA deinocherius - Summer     Safari deinocherius - Winter   

It's not like you have to retract your comment because someone didn't like your opinion, you didn't offend anyone with your previous post. We should all be entitled of our own opinions, I think.

And this is my final opinion. I thought of it myself and felt the need to do so. Still feel that CollectA should improve their paint jobs though.