Here is an interesting rendition of the popular, plate covered, thagomizer wielding stegosaurus. HG toys made some interesting looking dinosaurs during the 80’s. For inspiration on this stegosaur they must have looked at turn of the century paleoart. They certainly didn’t reference any dinosaur renaissance ideas into this stegosaurus, as this toy looks squat and sluggish. This guy could have leapt from the canvas of Heinrich Harder. The last time someone would have considered this toy scientific accurate, it would have been the 1920’s. Despite being outdated lets take a closer look at it and see what redeeming features it might have.
About the Toy: It is a decent size toy at 11.50 in (29.21cm) long and 4.6 in (11.68 cm) high over the hips. It is made of hollow plastic and despite being relatively light, it is a rather sturdy fellow. The pose is straight and low. The suspension on the guy is low with a clearance of just 0.25 in (3.9 cm). A true low rider. The legs are short with big feet, with three toes per foot. Along the back there are twenty two plates arranged in parallel lines of eleven. The body is rotund and well fed. The tail is rather short and is slung low to the ground ending with four spikes. There is some texturing with the skin folds rippling along the body and etched lines on the plates The main paint job is sweet potato orange with a secondary color of dark brown along the back, plates, the underside, and brushed along the legs.
This toy does have some articulation. The front legs do not move backward, but when pushed forward to the front they can move to about 100 degrees. The back legs are the opposite as they do not move forward, but they do move backwards to about 95 degrees. Due to the low body, the fact the legs move is sort of pointless unless you want it to slide on its belly like Frosty the Snowman. There is also an action feature, push the button on the head and the mouth opens. The mouth does not open very wide though. The head can twist all the way around exorcist style. The tail by the spikes can also turn all the way around so you can get those pesky predators.
Overall: It is a “Classic” sand box toy. Yes it does have some retro styling which might give it some curb appeal but this toy is not heading to most peoples shelves. In fact, most people would find it a rather unattractive fellow. Obviously it has very little use as an educational tool. Unless you love Stegosaurus (which I do), into retro styling, or have a sandbox and in need of a toy for a family member, I would pass on this toy. If you are interested in this toy, it has been out of circulation since the 80’s, but does show up occasionally in neighborhood garage sales, thrift stores, and on E-Bay.
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I love it
I have shelves of scientifically accurate, shelves of gnarly, and shelves of dopey outdated. I would totally get this guy
An interesting review of an odd Stegosaur! These are the figures which are of interest for quirky style collectors like me!
Wow! This is one of those toys that’s so weird, it’s charming! Well done!
A very nice review!
I think this figure is actually quite charming. I want to believe it’s stylised, as to appeal to its younger demographic more. That being said, they probably should have made the legs a lot longer, this Stego looks akin to a Munchkin Cat, haha.