1/40 Apatosaurus

[dinonikes]

Thanks Himmapaan, glad you like it so far-

[dinonikes]

I have a question regarding nostrils on sauropods. What is the evidence the the nostril openings are not up on the top of the head where the nasal openings on the skulls are? I have read posts here in various threads criticising sculpts for having the nostrils up on the top of the head. Is it just Witmer saying so, and everyone takes it as fact now? What evidence was there to make the change. I came across a paleo blog that made a pretty good case for the nostril openings being up on the top of the head- best argument was the fact that no animal except animals with trunks have nostrils openings NOT where the nasal openings are on their skulls, and that no animals have interior tubes leading down the face from the nasal openings in the skull to nostril openings- like the explanation for the lower on the snout nostril openings. Once it was determined that these sauropods didnt submerge themselves fully underwater, the nostrils on the top didnt make sense as they were always assumed to be up there to act as snorkels sort of-but if they were shoving their faces into branches full of pine needles to eat, it might be advantageous to have the nostrils up on the top so sharp stiff pine needles weren't getting jammed into sensitive nostrils as they ate-Any thoughts? I couldnt find the actual paper by Witmer providing evidence on the lower snout, interior tube fed nostrils.

[Blade-of-the-Moon]

I'm not sure..I just know they moved them in the past few years as you mentioned. I found this article : blog.everythingdinosaur.co.uk/blog/_archives/2007/8/19/3166796.html




Looks like it was Witmer, but he had a lot of research involved..details of which I can't seem to locate..yet. But others do see to agree his findings made sense I guess..at least he hasn't been really challenged. :?

The pine needle idea does sound sensible..but if it were smelling of it's food it makes sense to have on the forward area of the face doesn't it ?

[dinonikes]

Here are some photos taken of this one,basically a finished sculpt, but before I cleaned it up with thinner to remove burrs and such- this one is in the molding stage now-

[weaver]

Oh wow! This looks great! I am in love with the rolls of skin on the feet and the wrinkles all over. This is a particularly lovely sculpt of an Apatosaurus. I can't wait to see this molded soon. <3 *thoroughly impressed*

[Radman]

The sculpt itself looks great, Mac, but I dunno about the spines - somehow reminds me of Rodrick from the "wimpy kid" books. I'd be happier if there were more spines, sharper, smaller in size and closer together

[Blade-of-the-Moon]

I don't know ..I like em' this way as well..reminds of a dragon a bit or sea serpent. Makes you think if a dinosaur or two did survive at least to the medieval ages or so.. ;D

That head with those teeth in that scale must have been a real pain..congrats on pulling it off !

One small thing..it's cool, but could the tail flex like that so close to the hips ? Most reconstructions have the tail very stiff with the very end section whipping around.

[simon]

OMG Malcolm that is absolutely gorgeous! Starting to save some ca$h as we speak.

[totoro]

Bravo Malcolm, another triumph! I am adding it to my list of scientifically accurate diplodocids as soon as it becomes ready for purchase. I'm also buying one! ;D

BTW, I'd love to see you do the rearing version someday too.

[DinoLord]

Wonderful! How far will this one set me back?

[Himmapaan]

Gauuurgeous.

[bokisaurus]

Wow! I love this new guy! It's a new take on Apato, love the spikes It would make a great companion to your Siesmo... spwaking of, would it be possible to take a picture of them together? I'm curios to see how they comapre size wise You know, gotta start clearing up a space in my shelf