2015 Quick Start Guide

A lot has happened since I published my first quick start guide 2 years ago.  Its definitely about time for an update.  Here's a short review of each major brand that we've tried:

Battat: The Battat "Terra" series is absolutely my favorite line of dinosaur toys right now.  All of these figures have been meticulously researched and incorporate the latest scientific data into their design.  The entire line is at 1/40th scale.  They are sold exclusively at Target at a bargain basement price of $8 each.  The paint job isn't the best.  But given the accuracy and the price, you can't go wrong.  These figures really blur the lines between a toy and an educational tool.  I can't recommend them enough.

Bullyland: I bought my son 2 Bullyland figures (Ankylosaurus and Elasmosaurus) and both of them had problems with the paint scratching off.  It seems like Bullyland went the cheap route and only applied very thin coats of paint to their figures.  After a short time, the figures started to look beat up and worn.  Recently, I bought a Bullyland Lambeosaurus and that one is holding up better.  It's possible the the newer figures have improved in quality.

Carnegie: These figures tend to be one of the more scientifically accurate models on the market.  The biggest drawback is that many of their figures are not 1:40 scale.  The other concern I have is that the detailing and artistry in their sculpts is often hit or miss.  Durability is very good, though.

Collecta/Procon:  Collecta produces a "Deluxe" line of 1:40 scale models which are fairly nice, durable, and scientifically sound.  They also have a large "not-to-scale" line of figures containing some less common dinosaurs.  A few of these "not-to-scale" figures can fit into a 1:40 scale collection as well.  Collecta has done a great job of expanding their line to include some of the more obscure dinosaurs.

Papo: This company produces the nicest dinosaur toys on the market ... period.  In terms of artistry, detailing, and durability, I would rate Papo a 10.  The drawback with Papo is that they don't always pay close attention to scientific detail.  A few of their figures are downright wrong!  Others are simply great!

Safari: This company has really stepped up their game in recent years.  They've been doing more research on their dinosaur figures and improving their paint detailing as well.  Unfortunately, they don't seem to be committed to the 1/40th scale so most of their figures won't work for my son's collection.  However, the ones that do fit into the collection are very good.

Schleich:  Overall, I'd rate this company last.  Schleich just doesn't stand out in terms of scientific accuracy, artistry, or build quality.  They have produced a few decent figures but they don't seem to have any intention of improving their toys.

With that bit of background information under your belt, you're now ready to start choosing dinosaurs for your kid's collection.  If your kid has some favorites, then it's easy.  If you're in the dark about which dinosaurs to buy, this next section is for you.

Here's 25 dinosaurs to kick off your kid's collection:

1) Papo Tyrannosaurus Rex

No dinosaur collection would be complete without the most popular dinosaur of all time.  My son really loves his Papo Tyrannosaurus (seen above).  All of the Papo carnivore figures have articulated jaws, which is a brilliant way to up the fun factor.  Chomp!  Chomp!  Papo now offers 2 additional versions of T-Rex, seen here:

2) Papo Triceratops

Triceratops is probably the most popular herbivore.  Tyrannosaurus may want to steer clear of this bad boy.  Every brand makes a Triceratops.  We bought the Papo version (shown above).


3) Schleich Brachiosaurus (Giraffatitan)

If you're going to get a long neck, Brachiosaurus (Giraffatitan) is probably the one you want to start with.  There's nothing quite as majestic as a gigantic Brachiosaurus towering over all the other dinosaurs.  My son has the Schleich version and loves it.  Papo also came out with a Brachiosaurus in 2012 so that's another option.  Collecta has Brachiosaurus as well, but I didn't like their sculpt too much.


4) Collecta Stegosaurus

Stegosaurus is another "must" for any dinosaur collection.  Kids love to imagine him swinging his spiked tail to ward off meat eaters.  The Collecta Deluxe Stegosaurus is the most accurate version I could find:  He has 17 plates.  He has a neck pouch.  His tail spikes are facing outward instead of upward.  His tail is lifted off the ground, rather than dragging.  Nice job!

5) Carnegie Ankylosaurus

Ankylosaurs is a classic dinosaur.  The figure pictured above is from Carnegie.  If I could do it all over again, I'd buy this one. Unfortunately, I bought the Bullyland Ankylosaurus for my son. The paint on the Bullyland model began to scratch off immediately.  Avoid Bullyland.  Buy Carnegie instead.


6) Battat Cryolophosaurus

This "Frozen Crested Lizard" was the first carnivorous dinosaur found in Antarctica.  He was also one of the top predators of the early Jurassic period.  Battat is the only company to produce a cryolophosaurus at 1/40th scale.  Luckily, they did a fantastic job!

7) Papo Utahraptor (Papo Velociraptor)

I bought the Papo Velociraptor (shown above) and told my son it was a Utahraptor.  Like all the other Papo carnivores, this figure also has an articulated jaw.  Note that at 1/40th scale, this figure would represent an extremely large Utahraptor, almost twice the size of the largest described specimen.  However, the figure does match the size of the largest undescribed specimen.  The undescribed specimen may or may not be valid so it's a little "risky" to add this figure to a 1/40th scale collection.  There are other issues as well.  The tail should be longer and the hands shouldn't be pronated.  It is still a very nice figure and my son loves it.  But if you're a stickler for scientific accuracy, this may not be the figure for you.  Note that Battat plans to re-release their 1/40th scale Utahraptor at some point in time.  So if you are willing to wait, there will be more options available.

8) Papo Carnotaurus

Carnotaurus gained a lot of popularity from the movie "Dinosaur".  Papo's Carnotaurus is one of the best sculpts they've ever done.  It has an articulated jaw to boot.  Definitely go with Papo on this one!


9) Schleich Parasaurolophus

Parasaurolophus is one of the most famous duck billed dinosaurs.  He used his big crest like a musical instrument to produce loud "honks" (which my son loves to imitate).   I chose the Schleich version and am happy with it.  The Carnegie figure could be another good option.  I wouldn't recommend the Papo version because it has some blatant inaccuracies.


10) Carnegie Diplodocus

At over 100 feet in length, Diplodocus is sometime referred to as a walking suspension bridge.  This 1:40 scale figure is almost 2 feet long (even with his tail curled up).  I think Diplodocus is Carnegie's best sculpt.  I would definitely recommend this toy.


11) Papo Styracosaurus

This Styracosaurus is another beautiful sculpt by Papo.  It's scientifically very accurate too.  There are other options to choose from but you really can't go wrong with this one.


12) Papo Pachycephalosaurus

Pachycephalosaurs had a head like a crash helmet.  You can imagine what he did with it ... if not, your kid will show you.  There are not a lot of options for Pachycephalosaurus figures.  I would go with this one from Papo.

13) Carnegie Amargasaurus

Amargasaurus was a strange looking dinosaur.  He was a small sauropod with a double row of spines along his back.  This figure is interesting contrast to the gigantic sauropods like Brachiosaurus and Diplodocus.


14) Safari Gryposaurus

This "Hook Nosed Lizard" was a huge duckbill!  If you're looking for another Hadrosaur to add to your child's collection, this is a very nice option.


15) Safari Elasmosaurus

Elasmosaurus was a marine reptile that lived during the time of the dinosaurs.  I have the Bullyland Elasmosaurus, which I regret buying.  I would recommend getting the Safari Elasmosaurus (pictured above) instead.


16) Carnegie Iguanadon

Iguanodon was one of the first dinosaurs ever named and has enjoyed his share of fame for almost 200 years.  This isn't the most detailed figure but for historical reasons, I thought Iguanodon was a worthwhile buy.


17) Carnegie Tylosaurus

Tylosaurus is a large, meat eating marine reptile.  Having a big Mosasaur is a nice way to round out your child's pre-historic world.


18) Battat Pachyrhinosaurus

The "Walking With Dinosaurs" movies has made Pachyrhinosaurus somewhat of a star.  Battat's version is the most accurate and is the one I would recommend.  However, Papo does have a nice version as well. 

19) Battat Nanshiungosaurus

This bizarre dinosaur looked like a cross between Edward Scissorhands and a giant turkey.  No, that's not a mistake!  The animal really did look that weird!  Battat did a great job with this figure.

20) Papo Allosaurus

Allosaurus is another beautiful sculpt by Papo.  Great pose.  Articulated jaw.  Pretty accurate too!  Papo definitely gets it right with this one!


21) Papo Ankylosaurus (It's really a Euoplocephalus)

Euoplocephalus was probably the 4th largest member of the Ankylosaur family.  He's quite a bit smaller than Ankylosaurus.  It's nice being able to compare them side by side.


22) Battat Dacentrurus

Dacentrurus was a large member of the Stegosaur family.  He had a combination of plates and spikes down his back, along with a pair of spikes on his shoulders.  Battat does a great job, as usual.

23) Collecta Carcharadontosaurus

Carcharodontosaurs was another contender for the biggest meat eater.  This version, by Collecta, is very accurate, has a dynamic pose, and has a great "war paint" scheme going on.


24) Schleich Quetzalcoatlus

If you're looking to round out your kid's collection with a flying reptile, this is the best one I've found.  Quetzalcoatlus was the largest flying animal ever.  I think this version by Schleich is they nicest available.


25) Collecta Kosmoceratops

This recently discovered dinosaur had the fanciest frill of any of the ceratopsians.  He has 10 horns on the top of his frill and 5 more horns on his face.  This is one of my son's favorite dinosaurs to play with.