We’ve got four figures today, which can best be regarded as…united by being ‘herpetiles’, a broad informal word usually meant to refer to ‘reptiles’ and ‘amphibians’. Which are themselves kind of informal but anyway…there’s a whole bunch of animals that really aren’t connected by much. Other than they’re all really nice figures in different ways.
CollectA Green Anaconda
First we have a figure from CollectA, number 88688, their Green Anaconda, part of the Wildlife Collection. In short, it is a really cool figure, with a very dynamic, literally striking pose. It does come across a little too ‘skinny’ given the length, but of course that can vary. There is a lot of detail in the paint and sculpt as well. The look of this figure is very reflective of some of the most interesting and creative poses among their figures (their leaping crocodile is another great example). The neat thing about the figure is that the size and overall bearing could allow this figure to stand in for the giant prehistoric snake Titanoboa in some cases (which has been made once…but honestly, it’s all about the scale with a really big snake). The figure is widely available, which is great.
Safari Ltd Tennessee Aquarium Red Salamander
Next we have another figure from the Safari Ltd Tennessee Aquarium Salamanders series, a Red Salamander. Like the Yonahlossee Salamander I discussed a while ago. Like the rest of the series, these models are wonderful, realistic depictions of these species. The short-lived, small line of figures was a great series featuring some animals that don’t get nearly enough attention as figures (although there are a number as seen here), especially relatively to the variety that exists out there. The red salamander is number 210272 in the series of 7, which was released in 1995. And I don’t think any figures were later added to the series (I could be wrong) until the line was discontinued in the early 2000s. The whole set is incredibly sought after even now, and yet can be very hard to find. I lucked out and found the whole series in a small online shop but they ran out quickly (and aren’t actually around anymore of course). I recommend the search though!
Acheson Creations ‘Primaeval Designs’ Eryops x 2
Next up, first of two metal game figures this week! Here we have a couple of Eryops figures. They are depicted in two poses which…kind of looks like the temnospondyl version of a hippo…on land and partially submerged. There is a lot of detail in these little figures, which is interesting because they are very small models. They are listed as PD0012 from Acheson Creations, part of the 28mm Dinosaurs line. They are listed at 1:56, although my measuring puts them closer to 1:65. Maybe it depends on the species or the exact proportions. Either way, their size would be great for early Permian scenes. Plus, you actually get 3 of each style. They are still available from the Acheson Creations website, along with a whole bunch of other prehistoric figures.
QRF Survive-A-Saurus Stagonolepis
Now we have another metal gaming figure, this time from a company called QRF (Quick Reaction Force). This is a game called Try-to-Survive-asaurus (pithy) that is based on survival in a Triassic setting, which in and of itself makes it quite unusual–of all prehistoric eras, most games don’t locate there. In fact, this is the only prehistoric series from the QRF company (although they have a lot of other series). I believe that the figures are even more or less to scale with each other. This Stagonolepis, item number TR09, is an inspired choice, and of the species in the game, this is easily the one that nobody would guess. Aetosaurs overall are not made very often, and I’m pretty sure we’ll never see another Stagonolepis (if only because it isn’t as spiky as Desmatosuchus). Like the Eryops above, the figures are sold in a multiple lot, so you actually get four when you purchase them. Which are still available (but I don’t know anything about the game). If you need small Triassic croc relatives, these are an unusual one to add.
