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A Review of the Collecta Utahceratops

Collecta Utahceratops in Review

Horned dinosaur models are a bit like buses, you wait ages for one to come along and then several arrive altogether. This is certainly the way with Collecta and the new Collecta Utahceratops. Hot on the heels of the Kosmoceratops model release comes this new replica of a Ceratopsian. It is apt that these two dinosaurs should be reviewed in close proximity as both these dinosaurs were found in the same rock strata – Kaiparowits Formation in Utah (United States) and they co-existed all those years ago in the Late Cretaceous.

Utahceratops – Weighed as Much as an Elephant

Utahceratops, (yet another dinosaur named after the state of Utah), that’s at least two that we can recall, the other being Utahraptor, was bigger than Kosmoceratops. Scientists estimate that this horned dinosaur was around seven metres long when fully grown and it would have weighed as much as an Indian elephant. This dinosaur is known from at least six individual specimens, including two partial skulls which when combined provide palaeontologists with an almost complete skull to study. Like its contemporary, Kosmoceratops, this dinosaur was named and described in 2010.

Muted Colours on the Collecta Utahceratops

The model measures a fraction over twelve centimetres in length and the first impression is of the use of muted colours in the painting of the replica. It is noted that the actual model has a different finish than the original pre-release publicity photographs of the replica. In the earlier photographs the pattern on the extensive neck frill of Utahceratops was highlighted and brighter colours were used for the paint-work. The model has a more muted tone, and this makes it look more realistic.

The unusual facial horns are well depicted. The two larger horns, placed over the eyes point out sideways as revealed by the fossil evidence. A crest just below each horn and directly above the eye has been painted a contrasting red colour by the designers. The rest of the model is painted a light, sandy brown colour with a darker pigment used to mark out patterns on the large neck frill. Along the limbs and across the flanks the model makers have added one or two lighter stripes, a subtle use of colour on the replica dinosaur figure.

Exceptional Detail on the Dinosaur Model

As with all Collecta figures the detail is exceptional and we loved the finishing touch of the slight kink to the very end of the dinosaur’s tail, as if it was about to swish it. This makes this model look very realistic.

Utahceratops Proves Popular with War Game Enthusiasts

It is interesting to note that with the plethora of horned dinosaurs being added to the Collecta range, war gamers and other role game players have been keen to get hold of these replicas to add to their fantasy model collections. It seems that these beautiful, many horned dinosaurs are proving popular additions to the models used by fantasy war game hobbyists.

It is always a pleasure to see a new horned dinosaur figure and this new Collecta Utahceratops keeps the high standards of the Collecta dinosaur model range.

The Hornby Railroad Range

Family Fun with the Hornby Railroad Range. The first Hornby model train was made in 1920 by Frank Hornby. His tinplated train filled a gap that German toys had left behind. The original trains were run by clockwork, but by the 1930′s the switch to electric had occurred. As the way the trains were powered evolved, so did the details of the trains. The quality of the materials, the paint and finish received special attention in the manufacture of the trains.

The product line should appeal to most collectors. The current catalogue has a variety of accessories, track, buildings, rolling stock, and locomotives. The product range is affordable enough for beginning collectors to start to experience what it’s like being a model train collector. It may very well become a stepping stone to additional model train collections, while honoring one of the first toys created after World War II.

One particular product line that should be considered for the younger modeller is the Hornby Railroad Range. It is made for more wear and tear, so there is less detail than normal products made by the company. Others who might consider this line of locomotives are those who wish to add their own detail to their models. A train set in this model line would make an ideal gift for a child because it can provide educational value and enjoyment.

Whilst this range may not have the detail of the standard Hornby range, it must be pointed out that all the models have the same hook and bar type couplings that the rest of the hornby range enjoy, including the famous Thomas the Tank Engine.

Locomotives, like the Tornado, in the Railroad line are based off of actual trains. The Tornado first hit life-size tracks in 2008. The recently released Railroad model of the Tornado is a good value for younger modellers, while older modellers can look forward a high spec Tornado model in the future. The idea should be appealing to parents that they can own a highly detailed model of a train, while their child can play with a less detailed and more affordable model.

As well as the Tornado model, Hornby have introduced this year the A1 Class Flying Scotsman, a British Rail class 9f Cock O The North, a Great Western Railway County Class and a Southern Railways Schools Class. For diesel enthusiasts there is the Class 47 Northern Belle Pullman.

The Hornby Railroad Range has been extended this year (2012) by the addition of the following steam locos: A1 Class Flying Scotsman, a British Rail class 9f Cock O The North, a Great Western Railway County Class and a Southern Railways Schools Class. For diesel enthusiasts there is the Class 47 Northern Belle Pullman. A new wagon pack containing three mineral open wagons will be available from May 2012 onwards.

Leapster Leappad – The Personalized Learning Tablet Just For Kids


Children today have an amazing technological aptitude. This may be attributed to human evolution or to the fact that the latest innovations are purposely created to be user-friendly. They can easily learn how to navigate these electronic and computer gadgets with or without adult supervision. Parents find it hard to keep their children away from their own personal computers, laptops, notebooks or tablets. This is the reason why parents can appreciate the value of a Leapster Leappad. It is the answer to their children’s technological thirst or craving. Parents would no longer feel guilty for not providing age appropriate learning and creative tools for their children.

The Leapster Leappad is meant to inspire the child’s creativity and encourage learning through fun activities and colorful games with its 132 cartridges and applications. The variety of applications and games will definitely keep the attention of a four year old while the multi-level learning studies and skills will feed the interest and intelligence of a nine year old grade school child.

The learning skills that they can improve through it include basic reading and writing, simple mathematics, science and social studies, creativity and life skills. Children will have a fun time going through its game applications. There are digital book apps that are perfect for reading comprehension and storytelling. The flash card applications will enhance the child’s memory retention. Expansion, video and creativity apps are all programmed to challenge their skills and monitor their progress.

This personalized tablet comes with a built-in camera and video recorder and a memory size of 2 GB. Its 5 inch screen and compact size is perfect for the child’s small fingers. It has a motion-based play system with a sensor that makes interactive action games and activities more fun. And since it is highly likely that most parents will choose to provide their child with a Leapster, one can make his or her own Leappad unique by personalizing the home screen with a photo of their choosing.

The Leapster Leappad is reasonably priced at $99.99. Parents can rest assured that their child would not easily tire of this tablet since it is meant for ages 4 to 9 years old and have enough activities for them to enjoy. The tablet is made from highly durable plastic and electrical components that are designed to withstand heavy usage, finger pointing and rough playing. Parents will certainly find this tablet a practical and intelligent choice for their child.

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