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Vault tales #22 FameMaster 4D Grant’s Zebra

Who makes it? Another FameMaster 4D puzzle figure! The second one in a row chose at random! This is from one of the wildlife series (they call it animal series now), number 20124D A zebra! The model didn't specify, but the rump markings probably indicate a Grant's Zebra. Maybe a Plains of some kind. Again, it's hard to know exactly (except it is not a Burchell's or Grevy's...) When did it come out? This one, I would have gotten between…

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Vault tales #21 FameMaster 4D Parasaurolophus

Who makes it? Puzzle company FameMaster as one of their 4D puzzles. The 4th dimension is DETAIL! Clever. This one is item 20158B for the version that I have. The same models are often repainted and reissued. When did it come out? I've had it since 2010, but possibly earlier The figure is sort of to scale with the little man. I never really think of these hadrosaurs as huge, but apparently they are! Still available? In one form or…

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Vault tales #20 Epoch Oceanic Manta Ray

Who makes it? A figure from the Epoch 'Life Account of the Trip' lines, specifically the Shark & Ray Series. No item number that I'm aware of. When did it come out? I don't have any idea. I've had it since about 2003. So sometime before then. The figure on its base. The peg has a ball joint that allows the model to be rotated and tilted. Also, that peg is easily broken when the ball is being pushed into…

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Vault tales #19 Safari Daeodon

Who makes it? Safari Ltd from their Prehistoric World Series. Item number 100082 When did it come out? 2018 Still available? It better be. It came out just over a year ago! The hell pig, with a fitting, scary background!But look at that handsome face. Where can it be found in my displays? On the big cool prehistoric mammal shelf, Hemnes4Aγ. To be fair, that's just one of the prehistoric mammal shelves. How does it fit in the collection? Cool…

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Vault tales #18 Shapeways Odonotochelys

Who makes it? It is a 3D printed model from Shapeways, the creator goes by the name Prehistoric Creatures Shop. It's a very fitting name. When did it come out? I received it 2011. But I believe the file went up earlier than that. Here it is...stark white against a reef background. Still available? As long as the file is available, and there are 3D printers, yes Where can it be found in my displays? I have a shelf full…

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Vault tales 16 Wild Republic Sockeye Salmon

Who makes it? Wild Republic as part of their Canadian Wildlife tube, number unknown. It's a salmon! Whoo! When did it come out? From what I could find, 2007 Still available? And from the same research, the set is discontinued so...nope. Sorry. This is a bit of a shame for reasons I'll get into below! It' hard to scale this figure. It would be a little small for the guy, but close Where can it be found in my displays?…

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Vault tales 15 Agatsuma Tsuchinoko Snake

Who makes it? Agatsuma, a Japanese company. This is a secret chase figure from their Strange Predators series. The only mythological/cryptid figure in the set When did it come out? I really don't know. I've had them since about 2011, so probably then. There isn't a lot of information on them. It's a coiled up snake! Not the usual coiled up though. Still available? They show up in auctions, especially in Japan. I don't think they were ever terribly common…

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Vault Tales 14 – Clades – Porifera

What is this? Well, this is the first random pick of something beyond 'just' a figure; among other things I've also given the option of looking at various shelves or taxonomic groups. I have preferred to use the phrase 'clades' when talking about these although I may not always follow strictly to the monophyletic meaning that implies. Sometimes they are convenience, and their level of specificness (a real word, I checked) may depend on how they fit my collecting (fish…

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Vault Tales 13 RSM Archaeotherium

RSM Archaeotherium Who makes it? It's a cast of a museum diorama piece from the Royal Saskatchewan Museum. It's name is Archie! Based on fossil material from that province! The unpainted entelodont Archaeotherium, Archie When did it come out? It never really came out...but judging by the inscription on the base, 1988 Still available? It was never available, so I suppose the status has never really changed. An oblique view. Might as well share a few photos! Look at those…

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Vault Tales 12 CollectA Black-backed Jackal

Who makes it? CollectA, as part of their Woodlands (?) collection. Never really thought of these as woodlands animals, but that where they put it. Item number is 88655 When did it come out? In 2014, back when it was easier to get the CollectA figures! The black-backed jackal, skulking along. There's a bit of personality in this figure. He (?) is clearly thinking deep thoughts. Or is hungry. Still available? It is indeed Where can it be found in…

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