The Carnegie Collection Diplodocus (1989)
Original paint master prototype.
1st Mold
410-01 Diplodocus
Species: Diplodocus carnegii
First release: 1989
Retired: 1996
Model number: 410-01 / 4010-01
Size: 72 cm long
Advertised scale: 1:40
Actual scale: 1:40
Sculptor: Forest Rogers
Species: Diplodocus carnegii
First release: 1989
Retired: 1996
Model number: 410-01 / 4010-01
Size: 72 cm long
Advertised scale: 1:40
Actual scale: 1:40
Sculptor: Forest Rogers
The original Diplodocus, like most other 1988-89 Carnegie figurines, was produced in a number of slight paint and material variations. However, unlike most other models, the differences can be relatively subtle, down to differences in color tones and amount of glossiness in the paint. The nature of the light base color with a translucent brown wash also makes the appearance of the models vary wildly when photographed under different lighting. For these reasons, the chronological order presented here is a "best guess" and should be taken as preliminary.
Above: Minor color variations of the first Diplodocus mold. Differences are clear when photographed together under the same lighting but can be hard to distinguish otherwise. All three of these models have complete info text including "Miami, FL" so were produced between 1989-1991, but the order in which they were produced is not clear. The middle figure was purchased in Germany and came with a Schleich tag, the top model was purchased in California and came with a 1990 era brown paper tag.
Version: 1
Release: 1989
Status: Original
Variant type: Primary/gloss wash
Material: Hard black PVC
Paint: 7 colors. Pale yellow (base coat); glossy golden brown (wash); glossy dark brown (markings); off-white (underside); light gray (claws); yellow (eyes); black (mouth, pupils).
Paint: 7 colors. Pale yellow (base coat); glossy golden brown (wash); glossy dark brown (markings); off-white (underside); light gray (claws); yellow (eyes); black (mouth, pupils).
Stamp text: Left-aligned. DIPLODOCUS / 88.5 FT (27 METERS) / C 1988 THE CARNEGIE / SAFARI LTD MIAMI, FL
CE mark: None.
The earliest samples of Carnegie's Diplodocus model had a more subtly applied paint job than later versions, with a more irregular and complex stripe and spot pattern with darker brown paint. The stripes here are thick on top and narrow on bottom, and are interspersed with more irregular blobs of brown paint, especially on the neck, mimicking the mottled appearance of the prototype. There is a light brown wash across the back, with the mustard yellow base color much lighter in comparison to the dark brown stripes than in later variants. Adding to this contrasted appearance is a wash of white paint across the belly and underside of the neck. The belly stamp lists "Miami, FL" after "Safari Ltd.". The light color and more asymmetrical pattern of stripes and spots on this model put it closest of all the retail versions to Forest Rogers; original prototype featured in the 1988 catalog (above).
CE mark: None.
The earliest samples of Carnegie's Diplodocus model had a more subtly applied paint job than later versions, with a more irregular and complex stripe and spot pattern with darker brown paint. The stripes here are thick on top and narrow on bottom, and are interspersed with more irregular blobs of brown paint, especially on the neck, mimicking the mottled appearance of the prototype. There is a light brown wash across the back, with the mustard yellow base color much lighter in comparison to the dark brown stripes than in later variants. Adding to this contrasted appearance is a wash of white paint across the belly and underside of the neck. The belly stamp lists "Miami, FL" after "Safari Ltd.". The light color and more asymmetrical pattern of stripes and spots on this model put it closest of all the retail versions to Forest Rogers; original prototype featured in the 1988 catalog (above).
Some samples (above) seem to have only the lighter, golden brown markings, but the differences could be due to lighting.
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| As shown in a 1992 promo image. |
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| As shown in a 1993 catalog. |
Mold: 1
Version: 2
Release: 1989
Version: 2
Release: 1989
Status: Repaint
Variant type: Twilight version
Material: Black vinyl
Paint: Light gray (base color); dark gray (stripes); black (eyes, mouth).
Stamp text: ?
CE mark: ?
This is probably the most unusual version of Diplodocus by the Carnegie Collection. The photos here are from Fred Snyder's collection, which he published in issue #132 of Prehistoric Times. (Note the additional photos from eBay are the same sample with identical paint wear.) Fred reckons that this gray version is what I term on this site a "Dull wash" variant, which may very well be true. But I can't help but notice it seems to have a lot more in common with the 1990 photo shoot Twilight versions, especially it's black vinyl substrate and stark, high-contrast color schemes. The color scheme is very similar to the 1990 catalog T. rex, which is painted up in black, white, and gray. While this might be an earlier or even the earliest model, I believe there is enough evidence to class it as a Twilight version, especially as the earliest Carnegie catalog shows a gold/yellow Diplodocus.
NOTE: I have only ever seen one example of this version, and it is entirely possible this is more of a prototype made specifically for the 1990 catalog shoot or even a collector-made custom rather than an actual mass-produced model. If you have evidence of additional samples existing, please let me know in the comments!
Paint: Light gray (base color); dark gray (stripes); black (eyes, mouth).
Stamp text: ?
CE mark: ?
This is probably the most unusual version of Diplodocus by the Carnegie Collection. The photos here are from Fred Snyder's collection, which he published in issue #132 of Prehistoric Times. (Note the additional photos from eBay are the same sample with identical paint wear.) Fred reckons that this gray version is what I term on this site a "Dull wash" variant, which may very well be true. But I can't help but notice it seems to have a lot more in common with the 1990 photo shoot Twilight versions, especially it's black vinyl substrate and stark, high-contrast color schemes. The color scheme is very similar to the 1990 catalog T. rex, which is painted up in black, white, and gray. While this might be an earlier or even the earliest model, I believe there is enough evidence to class it as a Twilight version, especially as the earliest Carnegie catalog shows a gold/yellow Diplodocus.
NOTE: I have only ever seen one example of this version, and it is entirely possible this is more of a prototype made specifically for the 1990 catalog shoot or even a collector-made custom rather than an actual mass-produced model. If you have evidence of additional samples existing, please let me know in the comments!
These additional photos found on Worthpoint appear to show the same exact model as the one in Snyder's collection, based on identical points of damage and paint details.
Mold: 1
Version: 3
Release: 1989
Version: 3
Release: 1989
Status: Minor repaint
Variant type: Twilight version
Material: Hard black PVC
Paint: 6 colors. Pale yellow-green (base color); brown (stripes and spots), light brown (wash); yellow (eyes), black (mouth, pupils), light gray (claws).
Stamp text: Left-aligned. DIPLODOCUS / 88.5 FT (27 METERS) / C 1988 THE CARNEGIE / SAFARI LTD MIAMI, FL
CE mark: None.
This version has a very desaturated and slightly simplified paint application, similar to the Twilight "set". The previously varied pattern of light and dark splotches on the neck are simplified in this release to more circular spots of a consistent airbrushed style, though they are much more sharply defined than in later releases. The base coat is a pale green-tones yellow and the markings and wash are a dull grayish brown. I also purchased this one in a lot that included several of what appear to be Twilight and gloss wash variants so it is likely this model was produced in 1989.
Paint: 6 colors. Pale yellow-green (base color); brown (stripes and spots), light brown (wash); yellow (eyes), black (mouth, pupils), light gray (claws).
Stamp text: Left-aligned. DIPLODOCUS / 88.5 FT (27 METERS) / C 1988 THE CARNEGIE / SAFARI LTD MIAMI, FL
CE mark: None.
This version has a very desaturated and slightly simplified paint application, similar to the Twilight "set". The previously varied pattern of light and dark splotches on the neck are simplified in this release to more circular spots of a consistent airbrushed style, though they are much more sharply defined than in later releases. The base coat is a pale green-tones yellow and the markings and wash are a dull grayish brown. I also purchased this one in a lot that included several of what appear to be Twilight and gloss wash variants so it is likely this model was produced in 1989.
Mold: 1
Version: 4
Release: c. 1990
Version: 4
Release: c. 1990
Status: Repaint
Variant type: Classic color
Material: Black vinyl
Paint: Pale beige (base coat); matte light brown (markings), matte golden brown (wash); yellow (eyes); black (mouth, pupils); light gray (claws).
Stamp text: Left-aligned. DIPLODOCUS / 88.5 FT (27 METERS) / C 1988 THE CARNEGIE / SAFARI LTD MIAMI, FL
CE mark: None.
This version is very similar to the original, but with a lighter color scheme, with the markings less visible due to lighter color and more extensive glossy wash over the back. It is made of dark black vinyl, probably the kind of hard vinyl typical of the 1989 production runs, though this version appeared in promotional images published in 1991.
Paint: Pale beige (base coat); matte light brown (markings), matte golden brown (wash); yellow (eyes); black (mouth, pupils); light gray (claws).
Stamp text: Left-aligned. DIPLODOCUS / 88.5 FT (27 METERS) / C 1988 THE CARNEGIE / SAFARI LTD MIAMI, FL
CE mark: None.
This version is very similar to the original, but with a lighter color scheme, with the markings less visible due to lighter color and more extensive glossy wash over the back. It is made of dark black vinyl, probably the kind of hard vinyl typical of the 1989 production runs, though this version appeared in promotional images published in 1991.
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| As shown in a 1991 promotional image. |
Mold: 1
Version: 5
Release: c. 1990
Version: 5
Release: c. 1990
Status: Material variant
Variant type: Classic color
Material: Medium weight gray vinyl
Paint: Pale beige (base coat); matte light brown (markings), matte golden brown (wash); yellow (eyes); black (mouth, pupils); light gray (claws).
Stamp text: Left-aligned. DIPLODOCUS / 88.5 FT (27 METERS) / C 1988 THE CARNEGIE / SAFARI LTD MIAMI, FL
CE mark: None.
This version is very similar to the previous one, but with a matte rather than glossy brown wash on the back, and it is made of flexible light gray vinyl rather than the 1989 style hard black PVC. It has the standard golden brown stripes, but there is a more beige base coat and more extensive golden brown wash that covers much of the back, giving the stripes a highly blended appearance compared with previous versions. Note that it retains the more curled, C-shaped tail. It is made of more rubbery, light gray vinyl compared to earlier versions which all used hard black PVC.
Paint: Pale beige (base coat); matte light brown (markings), matte golden brown (wash); yellow (eyes); black (mouth, pupils); light gray (claws).
Stamp text: Left-aligned. DIPLODOCUS / 88.5 FT (27 METERS) / C 1988 THE CARNEGIE / SAFARI LTD MIAMI, FL
CE mark: None.
This version is very similar to the previous one, but with a matte rather than glossy brown wash on the back, and it is made of flexible light gray vinyl rather than the 1989 style hard black PVC. It has the standard golden brown stripes, but there is a more beige base coat and more extensive golden brown wash that covers much of the back, giving the stripes a highly blended appearance compared with previous versions. Note that it retains the more curled, C-shaped tail. It is made of more rubbery, light gray vinyl compared to earlier versions which all used hard black PVC.
Note: Anecdotal reports suggest this version was available in US stores around 1990-1991.
Mold: 1
Version: 6
Release: 1990
Version: 6
Release: 1990
Status: Material variant, minor repaint
Variant type: Classic color
Material: Blue vinyl
Paint: Mustard yellow (base coat); glossy light brown (markings), glossy golden brown (wash); yellow (eyes); black (mouth, pupils); dark gray (claws).
Stamp text: Left-aligned. DIPLODOCUS / 88.5 FT (27 METERS) / C 1988 THE CARNEGIE / SAFARI LTD MIAMI, FL
CE mark: None.
This version has a very simplified paint application with little wash. It is made of bright blue vinyl, an odd and short-lived material type that seems to have been used for the earliest "classic color" variants in 1990. It has a more mustard yellow base coat and dark gray claws, as opposed the the paler yellow and light claws of almost all previous variants.
Paint: Mustard yellow (base coat); glossy light brown (markings), glossy golden brown (wash); yellow (eyes); black (mouth, pupils); dark gray (claws).
Stamp text: Left-aligned. DIPLODOCUS / 88.5 FT (27 METERS) / C 1988 THE CARNEGIE / SAFARI LTD MIAMI, FL
CE mark: None.
This version has a very simplified paint application with little wash. It is made of bright blue vinyl, an odd and short-lived material type that seems to have been used for the earliest "classic color" variants in 1990. It has a more mustard yellow base coat and dark gray claws, as opposed the the paler yellow and light claws of almost all previous variants.
Mold: 1
Version: 7
Release: 1990
Version: 7
Release: 1990
Status: Material variant
Variant type: Classic color
Material: Hard black PVC
Paint: Mustard yellow (base coat); glossy light brown (markings), glossy golden brown (wash); yellow (eyes); black (mouth, pupils); dark gray (claws).
Stamp text: Left-aligned. DIPLODOCUS / 88.5 FT (27 METERS) / C 1988 THE CARNEGIE / SAFARI LTD MIAMI, FL
CE mark: None.
This version is similar to other early classic color Diplodocus, including a bright mustard yellow base color and dark gray claws. It is made of hard black vinyl. It's tag style, in addition to the other models it was sold with when purchased as a lot, suggest it dates to 1990.
Paint: Mustard yellow (base coat); glossy light brown (markings), glossy golden brown (wash); yellow (eyes); black (mouth, pupils); dark gray (claws).
Stamp text: Left-aligned. DIPLODOCUS / 88.5 FT (27 METERS) / C 1988 THE CARNEGIE / SAFARI LTD MIAMI, FL
CE mark: None.
This version is similar to other early classic color Diplodocus, including a bright mustard yellow base color and dark gray claws. It is made of hard black vinyl. It's tag style, in addition to the other models it was sold with when purchased as a lot, suggest it dates to 1990.
Version: 8
Release: c. 1992
Release: c. 1992
Variant type: Classic color version
Material: Very dark hard gray vinyl
Paint: Brown stripes and spots, light brown highlights, mustard yellow body, yellow and black eyes, black mouth.
Stamp text: Left-aligned. DIPLODOCUS / 88.5 FT (27 METERS) / C 1988 THE CARNEGIE / SAFARI LTD / CE
CE mark: Small.
This version of Diplodocus appears almost identical to the previous one, but with a modified info text that includes the addition of a CE mark and removal of "Miami" and "China". That places this right around 1991/92.
Material: Very dark hard gray vinyl
Paint: Brown stripes and spots, light brown highlights, mustard yellow body, yellow and black eyes, black mouth.
Stamp text: Left-aligned. DIPLODOCUS / 88.5 FT (27 METERS) / C 1988 THE CARNEGIE / SAFARI LTD / CE
CE mark: Small.
This version of Diplodocus appears almost identical to the previous one, but with a modified info text that includes the addition of a CE mark and removal of "Miami" and "China". That places this right around 1991/92.
Above: Photo from a 1993 catalog.
Version: 7
Release: 1994
Variant type: Classic color version
Material: White rubber
Paint: Brown stripes and spots, light brown highlights, mustard yellow body, yellow and black eyes, black mouth.
Stamp text: Left-aligned. DIPLODOCUS / 88.5 FT (27 METERS) / C 1988 THE CARNEGIE / SAFARI LTD / CE
CE mark: Small.
This version is noticeably blockier and less defined, especially around the feet, compared to the versions that came before and after it. This is mostly due to mold fatigue, most obvious in the belly stamp, which is borderline illegible, and the strong creases on the two halves of the mold. There are visible pry marks along some of the belly seams where the rubber was removed from the mold with some kind of scraping tool. The paint applications are also "fuzzier" and less precise, and the belly stamp lacks the words "Miami, FL". It is made of white rubbery vinyl, which seems to be characteristic of a mid-90s production run, shortly before the 1996 line refresh.
Above: Boxed example from a 1994 catalog.
Close-up of the different texture detailing characteristic of mold 2.
Mold: 2
Version: 1
Release: 1992
Resin master used to create the tooling for the revised mold.
Mold: 3
Version: 1
Release: c. 1996
Material: White rubber
Paint: Brown stripes and spots, light brown highlights, mustard yellow body, yellow and black eyes, black mouth.
Stamp text: Left-aligned. DIPLODOCUS / 88.5 FT (27 METERS) / C 1988 THE CARNEGIE / SAFARI LTD / CE
CE mark: Small.
This version is noticeably blockier and less defined, especially around the feet, compared to the versions that came before and after it. This is mostly due to mold fatigue, most obvious in the belly stamp, which is borderline illegible, and the strong creases on the two halves of the mold. There are visible pry marks along some of the belly seams where the rubber was removed from the mold with some kind of scraping tool. The paint applications are also "fuzzier" and less precise, and the belly stamp lacks the words "Miami, FL". It is made of white rubbery vinyl, which seems to be characteristic of a mid-90s production run, shortly before the 1996 line refresh.
Above: Boxed example from a 1994 catalog.
2nd Mold
4010-01 Diplodocus
Species: Diplodocus carnegii
First release: 1992
Retired: 1996
Model number: 410-01 / 4010-01
Size: 72 cm long
Advertised scale: 1:40
Actual scale: 1:40
Sculptor: Pantographed from the original Forest Rogers sculpt.
Species: Diplodocus carnegii
First release: 1992
Retired: 1996
Model number: 410-01 / 4010-01
Size: 72 cm long
Advertised scale: 1:40
Actual scale: 1:40
Sculptor: Pantographed from the original Forest Rogers sculpt.
Like most other 1980s era Carnegie figures, the Diplodocus seems to have been retooled in the early 1990s, around 1992. Unlike the other retooled sauropods, the differences in the Diplodocus are easy to miss. It is not noticeably chunkier, like the Apatosaurus and Brachiosaurus, the head looks basically the same, and it lacks the ribbed or corrugated texture both other sauropods had added to their limbs and necks. However, the skin texture is indeed deeper in this mold which is a noticeable difference on close examination, and like the others, is probably due to a somewhat crude pantograph process used to copy the original molds. The most telltale sign that a Diplodocus model is the second mold is that the imprint stamp on the belly is flipped vertically in mold 2. In mold one, the top of the stamp faces the animal's left (towards the side with both feet close together). In mold 2, it is oriented toward the animal's right (toward the side with the feet spread father apart).
Close-up of the different texture detailing characteristic of mold 2.
Version: 1
Release: 1992
Variant type: Classic color version
Material: Dark gray vinyl
Paint: 5 colors. Glossy golden brown (base coat); brown (airbrushed stripes and spots); yellow (eyes); black (mouth, pupils); gray (claws).
Stamp text: Left-aligned. DIPLODOCUS / 88.5 FT (27 METERS) / (C) 1988 THE CARNEGIE / SAFARI LTD. / CE
CE mark: Small
Some of the 1980s era Carnegie models were retooled in the early-mid '90s to alleviate the effects of mold fatigue and to adjust or increase accuracy. Diplodocus seems to have been one of these. Note the thick, glossy base paint on this version and the flipped info text embossed upside down relative to the original mold.
Mold: 2
Version: 2
Release: c. 1995
Material: Dark gray vinyl
Paint: 5 colors. Glossy golden brown (base coat); brown (airbrushed stripes and spots); yellow (eyes); black (mouth, pupils); gray (claws).
Stamp text: Left-aligned. DIPLODOCUS / 88.5 FT (27 METERS) / (C) 1988 THE CARNEGIE / SAFARI LTD. / CE
CE mark: Small
Some of the 1980s era Carnegie models were retooled in the early-mid '90s to alleviate the effects of mold fatigue and to adjust or increase accuracy. Diplodocus seems to have been one of these. Note the thick, glossy base paint on this version and the flipped info text embossed upside down relative to the original mold.
Version: 2
Release: c. 1995
Variant type: Classic color version
Material: ?
Paint: 5 colors. Mustard yellow (base coat); brown (airbrushed stripes and spots); light brown (wash); yellow (eyes); black (mouth, pupils).
Stamp text: Left-aligned. DIPLODOCUS / 88.5 FT (27 METERS) / (C) 1988 THE CARNEGIE / SAFARI LTD. / CE
CE mark: Small
This version uses the retooled second mold as evidenced by the flipped imprint stamp. It's paint application (with pale mustard yellow base color and light brown wash on the back) is very similar to 1994/95 variants so probably was produced around that time. If so, the first and second mold may have been in production concurrently.
Material: ?
Paint: 5 colors. Mustard yellow (base coat); brown (airbrushed stripes and spots); light brown (wash); yellow (eyes); black (mouth, pupils).
Stamp text: Left-aligned. DIPLODOCUS / 88.5 FT (27 METERS) / (C) 1988 THE CARNEGIE / SAFARI LTD. / CE
CE mark: Small
This version uses the retooled second mold as evidenced by the flipped imprint stamp. It's paint application (with pale mustard yellow base color and light brown wash on the back) is very similar to 1994/95 variants so probably was produced around that time. If so, the first and second mold may have been in production concurrently.
3rd Mold
4010-01 Diplodocus
Species: Diplodocus carnegii
First release: 1996
Retired: 2007
Model number: 4010-01
Size: 72 cm long
Advertised scale: 1:40
Actual scale: 1:40
Species: Diplodocus carnegii
First release: 1996
Retired: 2007
Model number: 4010-01
Size: 72 cm long
Advertised scale: 1:40
Actual scale: 1:40
Sculptor: ?
The third mold was completely resculpted, seemingly from the ground up with no use of pantographing, as evidenced by the existence of a resin master (photograph below). The sculpt is overall slimmer, with a shorter, boxier head and better defined feet which are also flatter and have more prominent claws. An effort has been made to keep the tail clear of the ground despite having essentially the same pose as the original 1988 sculpt. It is unclear if these 1996 stealth resculpts were produced by Forest Rogers, an unknown Safari sculptor, or a factory employee.
Mold: 3
Version: 1
Release: c. 1996
Variant type: Classic color intermediate
Material: Dark gray vinyl
Paint: 6 colors. Mustard yellow (base coat); brown (airbrushed stripes and spots); light brown (wash); pale yellow (eyes); black (mouth, pupils); dark gray (claws).
Stamp text: Left-aligned: DIPLODOCUS / 27 METERS / (C) SAFARI LTD / MADE IN CHINA / CE
CE mark: Large
Some of the 1980s era Carnegie models were completely remade in 1996, and Diplodocus seems to have been one of these. The photos here show a model that has the hallmarks of a mid- late-90s model (retooling, slimmer and lighter construction, large CE mark) but is fully painted over gray plastic. The tail and ridge on the back are notably thinner, almost blade-like, compared to the more rotund original. The paint applications are also bolder, with higher contrast and less blending together of colors. The base color is more sandy tan and less yellow. The head sculpt has also been sharpened, with prominent ridges above the eyes.
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Mold: 3
Version: 2
Release: 1998.jpg)
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Material: Dark gray vinyl
Paint: 6 colors. Mustard yellow (base coat); brown (airbrushed stripes and spots); light brown (wash); pale yellow (eyes); black (mouth, pupils); dark gray (claws).
Stamp text: Left-aligned: DIPLODOCUS / 27 METERS / (C) SAFARI LTD / MADE IN CHINA / CE
CE mark: Large
Some of the 1980s era Carnegie models were completely remade in 1996, and Diplodocus seems to have been one of these. The photos here show a model that has the hallmarks of a mid- late-90s model (retooling, slimmer and lighter construction, large CE mark) but is fully painted over gray plastic. The tail and ridge on the back are notably thinner, almost blade-like, compared to the more rotund original. The paint applications are also bolder, with higher contrast and less blending together of colors. The base color is more sandy tan and less yellow. The head sculpt has also been sharpened, with prominent ridges above the eyes.
Above: Some versions have more or less bent tails. One of my samples has a significant bend to the left as well as a pronounced C-shape more like early mold 1 variants. It's possible this is an intentional differences, like the various orientations of the elasmosaur flippers, or just differences in how the figure was situated while it cooled after being removed from the mold.
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Version: 2
Release: 1998
Variant type: Color vinyl
Material: Mustard yellow vinyl
Paint: 5 colors. Brown (airbrushed stripes and spots); light brown (wash); pale yellow (eyes); black (mouth, pupils); dark gray (claws).
Stamp text: Left-aligned: DIPLODOCUS / 27 METERS / (C) SAFARI LTD / MADE IN CHINA / CE
CE mark: Large
This is the first color vinyl version of Diplodocus, made of yellow plastic, eliminating the yellow base coat of paint. This version appeared in the 1998 Safari catalog.
Material: Mustard yellow vinyl
Paint: 5 colors. Brown (airbrushed stripes and spots); light brown (wash); pale yellow (eyes); black (mouth, pupils); dark gray (claws).
Stamp text: Left-aligned: DIPLODOCUS / 27 METERS / (C) SAFARI LTD / MADE IN CHINA / CE
CE mark: Large
This is the first color vinyl version of Diplodocus, made of yellow plastic, eliminating the yellow base coat of paint. This version appeared in the 1998 Safari catalog.
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Mold: 3
Version: 3
Release: c. 2000
Variant type: Color vinyl version
Material: Yellow-green vinyl
Paint: 5 colors. Brown (airbrushed stripes and spots); light brown (wash); yellow (eyes); black (mouth, pupils); gray (claws).
Stamp text: Left-aligned: DIPLODOCUS / 27 METERS / (C) SAFARI LTD / MADE IN CHINA / CE
CE mark: Large
By 1998, Diplodocus began to be cast in base-colored vinyl instead of fully painted plastic. This model used the previously fully painted retooled mold.
Material: Yellow-green vinyl
Paint: 5 colors. Brown (airbrushed stripes and spots); light brown (wash); yellow (eyes); black (mouth, pupils); gray (claws).
Stamp text: Left-aligned: DIPLODOCUS / 27 METERS / (C) SAFARI LTD / MADE IN CHINA / CE
CE mark: Large
By 1998, Diplodocus began to be cast in base-colored vinyl instead of fully painted plastic. This model used the previously fully painted retooled mold.
I got a model that seems to fit the versions 2, 3 type, with dark grey plastic. Mine has small CE as a last line under the SAFARI LTD. I'm guessing that this makes it a version 3.
ReplyDeleteAccording to the belly stamp on one of my dip's, it is a version 4, as the stamp is exactly the same as your v. 4. However, the underlying rubber is definitely grey, not beige white. What do you think?
ReplyDeleteInteresting! Is it lighter gray as opposed to dark gray/black as in my current version 3? If so, This is probably an intermediate version between either 3-4 or 4-5.
DeleteMy version 4 is a bit of a mystery, because based on the fatigued belly stamp it must be a relatively late version, but it uses the exact same plastic as my v.1 Pteranodon (which I purchased in 1989 so I know it's close to the original), and the really rubbery stuff is of course characteristic of Gen. 1 Carnegies.
The substrate definitely is a dark gray. I checked rubs and scrapes on several ventral locations and it' not a light gray.
ReplyDeleteHello, do you know when that grey Diplodocus was on Worthpoint? I know year & months that it was bought & that would establish if it is the same figure.
ReplyDeleteThanks-
F
Unfortunately I'm not sure when that piece was sold. Worthpoint seems to just catalog old eBay listings you're not able to see when the auction took place (might be a premium feature).
DeleteAt some point, I assume at the very end of the run, the head was changed. It was noticeably smaller- measured from the back of the orbit to end of snout, it went from 1.8 cm to 1.3 cm. The shape of the head is more triangular but with a blunt about. Also there are 2 prominent nostrils on a slight bump just in front of the eyes. The rest of the figure is about the same length but slimmer still. There was a general slimming/shrinking of the sauropods which MAY have reflected newer reconstructions but was more likely just a cost saving measure.
ReplyDeleteMakes sense, most of the older figures continued to receive tweaked molds in the 2000s. Will need to overhaul the later mold section of this page at some point. I have seen the one you're talking about with the bump on the nose.
DeleteHello! I recently bought a 2nd hand Carnegie Diplodocus model and I came to read this blog to find out what version it is, and I gues its the mold 2 version 2 from 1995. The figure came unpainted in various parts, I think it may help that the original mold is color gray, by the way its very rubbery
ReplyDeleteThanks for the report! Sounds similar to my original Diplo I bought in the 90s that had a very rubbery texture, though white rubber rather than gray. Gray rubbery base plastic is probably a clue you are correct, somewhere in the 94/95 era before the mold was replaced.
Delete