Quick Start Guide

Note: An updated version of the Quick Start Guide is located here: 2015 Quick Start Guide

So you're ready to make a shopping list but you don't know where to start.  There are so many brands to choose from ... which ones do you pick?  Hopefully, this blog can help you out.  Here's a short review of each major brand that we've tried:

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.  I would never buy a Bullyland dinosaur again.

Carnegie: These figures tend to be the most 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.  Overall, I would rank them second, behind Papo.

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 figures can fit into a 1:40 scale collection as well.  I'd rate them third, after Papo and Carnegie.

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 and the next closest competitor a 7.  The drawback with Papo is that they don't always pay close attention to scientific detail.  A few of their figures are downright wrong!  But we can always avoid those.  All things considered, Papo is still my favorite company.

Safari: Although the Safari line of dinosaurs don't claim to be scale models, some of their figures are very good and do happen to be the right size to fit into a 1:40 scale collection.  Their Ceratosaurus, Dilophosaurus, and Kentrosaurus were all nice additions to my son's collection.

Schleich:  Overall, I'd rate this company 4th, behind Papo, Carnegie, and Collecta.  Schleich just doesn't stand out in terms of scientific accuracy, artistry, or build quality.  They do produce decent figures, though, so don't feel like you have to avoid them.

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 a solid top 12 dinosaurs to kick off your kid's collection:

1) 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) 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) 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) Stegosaurus

Stegosaurus is another "must" for any dinosaur collection.  Kids love to imagine him swinging his spiked tail to ward off meat eaters.  We got the Papo figure pictured above.  The detailing is great but there are a few problems with this figure. A Stegosaurus had 17 plates.  This version has 22 plates.  Also, the tail is a little short and the spikes point upwards instead of outwards.  Stegosaurus is believed to have a pouch under his neck, but Papo's version doesn't show it (most figures don't).  Recently, I found the Collecta Deluxe Stegosaurus, which seems to be much more accurate.  If I had a chance for a do-over, I'd probably pick the Collecta Deluxe Stegosaurus instead:

5) 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) Utahraptor (Papo Velociraptor)

Papo's Velociraptor (pictured above) was clearly inspired by the movie Jurassic Park.  However, the Jurassic Park Velociraptor looked nothing like the real animal.  In reality, the Velociraptor was a feathered dino and was much smaller than a human.  But in a strange case of life imitating art, extensive remains of the giant Utahraptor were found in the same year that Jurassic Park came out.  Utahraptor looked like a larger version of the Jurassic Park Velociraptor.  Long story short: I bought the Papo Velociraptor and told my son it was a Utahraptor.  Like all the other Papo carnivores, this figure also has an articulated jaw.


7) 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!


8) 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.


9) Spinosaurus

Jurassic Park 2 launched this dinosaur to super stardom.  He may have been the biggest therapod ever (even bigger than T-Rex).  I bought the Papo version (pictured above).  The articulated jaw is great!


10) 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) 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) 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.