Big Time Dinosaur

In general, sauropods rarely appear in dinosaur model collections due to their size and scale but not due to a lack of interest. In 1/20 or 1/15 scale, the average sauropod measures between 45 and 60 inches and is priced like a mid-range laptop.

- Sean Kotz

However, this 1/35th scale Diplodocus sculpted by the talented Sean Cooper and produced by MO Models in Italy (available through dansdinosaurs.com) for just under $200. Even in the smaller scale, the completed titan measures over two feet long (60 cm), providing great shelf drama.

PREP: The kit comes in 11 solid resin parts plus a base (not used here). The high-quality features block molding requiring removal. A razor saw or small hacksaw blade is best. (One unpredictable snap using clippers took some toe nails, so trust me here.) After test fitting and trimming with a hobby knife and sanding to get good fits, I cleared off seam lines with the blade and carved some details in where this process flattened the texture. Finally, the parts were cleaned with soap and water and allowed to dry.