Review of Procon-Collecta Sarcosuchus Model (Model of a Giant Prehistoric Crocodile) By Mike Walley

One of the great pleasures of collecting dinosaur and prehistoric animal models is being able to pick up models that represent the more unusual and spectacular creatures from the known fossil record. As a fan of crocodilians it is always exciting to hear of a new model of a prehistoric crocodile being introduced. Crocodiles are quite under represented in the world of prehistoric animal model collecting. Certainly, given the fact that the basic crocodile body plan has been in existence for at least 200 million years, only a few manufacturers have produced models of prehistoric crocodiles. Schleich introduced a Deinosuchus (means Terrible Crocodile) model a few years ago, but this was officially retired after just 24 months and so has become quite rare. Safari Carnegie introduced a model of Deinosuchus in 1996 and it is pleasing to say that this 22 cm model is still in production.

However, as far as we can recall, no manufacturer has introduced a model of Sarcosuchus (Flesh Crocodile), until now with the introduction of the Sarcosuchus model from Procon/Collecta. The Sarcosuchus represents a trend from the company to depart from the classical dinosaur models and introduce models of other prehistoric animals. We hope that this trends continues as the Superorder Dinosauria only represents part of the mega fauna of the Mesozoic.

The Sarcosuchus model is brown and mottled in appearance. Care has been taken to show the heavy armour plate on the animal's back (scutes) and the triangular armour that ran down the tail. Sarcosuchus is posed in a typical crocodilian semi-erect stance, the tail is slightly bent and the jaws open revealing nice mouth details and well-painted conical teeth. As with all Procon/Collecta models, the Sarcosuchus has been created by referring to real experts. Team members at Everything Dinosaur have provided advice on a number of models and we appreciate the trouble taken by the manufacturer to get the detailing as accurate as possible. For example, it is nice to see the correct number of digits displayed on the hind and front feet.

The snout even has a reasonable interpretation of the strange depression at the tip (the bulla). Sarcosuchus is one of the very few large fossil crocodile genera with almost complete skull material known. Scientists are unsure as to the function of the bulla. It could have helped the animal's sense of smell or perhaps to vocalise calls.

Fossils of this prehistoric crocodile have been found in Niger (Africa), they date from approximately 112-110 million years ago (Cretaceous). Although it is difficult to accurately assess the maximum size of this animal, palaeontologists have estimated that it could have reached lengths of 12 metres or more and weighed as much as 8,000 kilogrammes.

Although this model is not to scale, it does measure more than 20 cm long and is nicely detailed and a fair representation of the latest thinking regarding this ancient, prehistoric animal. The Sarcosuchus model makes a great addition to a model fan's collection and is priced very reasonably making it very affordable and suitable for school and home projects.

In order to protect the jaws, the model is supplied by Everything Dinosaur with padding wrapped around the mouth, it looks like Sarcosuchus is chomping on a giant marshmallow. Add him to your collection and depict him attacking Iguanodontids as they come down to the river to drink.

Everything Dinosaur is a company run by parents, teachers and real dinosaur experts. It specialises in developing educational dinosaur toys, models, clothing and games and strives to help young people learn more about science through their fascination with prehistoric animals. Many of the items featured on the Everything Dinosaur website http://everythingdinosaur.com/ have been designed and tested by the teachers and real dinosaur experts in the company.

To learn more about the products and services we offer at Everything Dinosaur click on our website links.

Our aim is to help young people learn more about Earth sciences through their fascination with dinosaurs and other prehistoric animals. Team members are happy to provide advice and support supplying free quizzes, drawing materials, puzzles, games even recipes for dinosaur themed biscuits and birthday cakes. With something like 600 products on line including dinosaur party supplies, Everything Dinosaur http://everythingdinosaur.com/ has built up a strong reputation assisting parents, guardians and fellow teachers, helping young people to learn more about science through creative play.