The Archosaur Asylum Vol. 27: Exploring the World of Dinosaur Model Kits

If you’ve ever found yourself staring at a dinosaur skeleton in a museum, wondering what it would be like to bring that beast back to life—you’re not alone. I’ve been there too, and let me tell you, one of the coolest ways to connect with these ancient creatures is through crafting dinosaur model kits. It’s like a hands-on time machine, letting you build, paint, and display your own slice of the Mesozoic era.

Why Crafting Dinosaur Model Kits Is So Addictive

There’s something magical about taking a pile of plastic or resin parts and building a life-like dinosaur. It’s not just about the final product (although that can be pretty awesome). It’s the process—the careful assembly, the painting, the tiny details that bring these creatures to life. It really is a fantastic way to geek out over paleontology without needing a Ph++D.

Here’s why I think crafting these kits is so addictive:

• It’s a creative outlet: You get to customize colors, designs, and even add your own details with artificial plants, leaves, etc.

• It’s educational: You can learn about anatomy, the idosyncracies of different species, and often get an idea of the latest scientific consensus (if sculpting modern kits) .

• It’s a stress buster: Focusing on tiny parts and painting details is oddly meditative.

• It’s collectible: Finished models make for stunning display pieces that spark conversations.

  
  

Our "Between Meals" Tyrannosaurus rex subadult. There is even a tiny lizard in this sculpt.

Getting Started with Crafting Dinosaur Model Kits

So, you’re ready to jump in but not sure where to start? No worries! Here’s a quick guide to get you rolling:

1. Choose your kit wisely

   Some kits are beginner-friendly with fewer parts and simpler assembly. Others are highly detailed and meant for experienced modelers. Brands like Ancient Era Artistry offer a range of scientifically accurate kits that are perfect for serious enthusiasts. We have a few kits that are either all one piece, or just a couple of pieces (like dnosaur and base) that don't require any skills with epoxy or fillers. We also have a few pretty complex kits, that you'll want to avoid if you are feeling gunshy.

   Some simple kits are: Acro-Tack, Drusus Solo, Tiberius Solo, Between Meals,

   
   

2. Gather your tools

   You’ll need some basics: hobby knives, tweezers, cyanoacrylate (Krazy Glue) and activator, fine sandpaper, two-part moldable epoxy, and paintbrushes. Don’t forget paints—acrylics are great for beginners.

   
   

3. Prepare your workspace

   This is important. A clean, well-lit area with a cutting mat will save you headaches. The better you are set up for the experience, the better experience you will have. A poorly establisehd work area can wrek havoc on your modeling adventure. Ask me how I know.

   
   

4. Take your time

   Rushing leads to mistakes. Enjoy the process, sip some coffee (or a glass of wine), and maybe put on some chill music, or a dinosaur documentary for ambiance.

   
   

A wider view of our "Between Meals" Tyrannosaurus rex subadult. You can see all of the embellishments added with artificial model plants.

Tips and Tricks for Painting Like a Paleoartist

Painting your dinosaur model is where the magic really happens. It’s your chance to bring personality and realism to your creation. Here are some tips I’ve picked up along the way:

• Start with a primer

This helps paint stick better and shows you where you might need to smooth out surfaces.

• Use thin layers

Thick paint can obscure details. Thin, multiple layers build up color gradually.

• Dry brushing for texture

Lightly dip your brush in paint, wipe most off, then brush over raised areas to highlight scales and muscles.

• Wash for depth

A wash is a thinned-down paint that settles into crevices, adding shadows and depth.

• Reference real animals

Look at birds, reptiles, and even fossils for color inspiration. In this day and age, science tells us that dinosaurs weren’t just green or brown blobs.

• Seal your work

A matte or satin clear coat protects your paint job and reduces shine.

Don’t be afraid to experiment. Some of the coolest models come from bold color choices or unique patterns. And hey, if you mess up, paint it black and try again!

Another view of our "Between Meals" Tyrannosaurus rex subadult.

Building a Community Around Your Craft

One of the best parts of diving into dinosaur model kits is connecting with others who share your passion. Whether you’re swapping tips, showing off your latest build, or geeking out over new scientific findings, the community is a huge part of the fun.

Here’s how to get involved:

• Join online forums and social media groups

Places like Reddit’s r/modelmakers or Facebook groups dedicated to paleoart are goldmines for advice and inspiration.

• Attend conventions and meetups

If you can, check out model shows or paleontology events. Meeting fellow enthusiasts face-to-face is priceless.

• Share your work

Post photos and progress shots. You’ll get feedback and encouragement, plus you might inspire someone else.

• Support creators and businesses

Companies like us (Ancient Era Artistry) are pushing the envelope with scientifically accurate models. Supporting them helps keep the hobby thriving.

Building a community around your craft not only makes it more enjoyable but also helps you grow as a modeler and paleoartist.

Why Scientific Accuracy Matters in Dinosaur Models

if you’re like me, you want your models to be as close to the real deal as possible. That’s where scientific accuracy comes in.

Why does it matter?

• It honors the science

Paleontology is constantly evolving. New discoveries change how we understand dinosaur anatomy, behavior, and appearance.

• It educates others

Your model can be a conversation starter that spreads accurate knowledge.

• It challenges you

Building a scientifically accurate model pushes your skills and attention to detail.

• It supports paleoart as a discipline

Paleoartists bridge the gap between science and art, and accurate models are a big part of that.

Ancient Era Artistry, for example, spends a lot of time on research, and get's help from people "in-the-know" to ensure their models reflect the latest research. That means when you build one of our kits, you’re not just crafting a model—you’re creating a mini time capsule.+

Ready to Start Your Dinosaur Model Adventure?

If you’ve made it this far, I’m guessing you’re pretty pumped to get your hands on some kits and start building. Whether you want to recreate a magnificnet T. rex, a graceful pachycephalosaurus, or a battle-hardened Torosaurus, there’s a kit out there waiting for you.

Remember, this hobby is all about having fun, learning, and connecting with a community that shares your passion. So grab your tools, pick a kit (maybe from Ancient Era Artistry), and let loose.

Happy modeling!