Spinosaurus the Largest Carnivore?
I did some research on Wikipedia. There are a number of more recent studies that suggest calculations of Spinosaurus size were over estimates. There are only fragmentary remains of this Dinosaur. As more discoveries are made the gaps that have been estimated are revised. Current belief based on 2018 studies is that Spinosaurus may have reached 49 feet long still longer than T-Rex. However new weight estimates are 1 to 2 tons less than a T-Rex. So Largest by length, but Tyrannosaurus Rex wins by weight. Spinosaurus jaws and teeth were designed for catching and eating fish. They did not have the bone crushing strength of T-Rex, which is estimated at 3,000 lbs. A car crushing machine exerts 2,000 lbs. of pressure. Current knowledge is they did not live in the same areas. But if they somehow had ever met, I believe the results would have been very different than portrayed in “Jurassic Park III”. Sorry Spike, play nice with the T-Rexes.
We’ll learn more about the Spinosaurus as Spike’s makeover progresses. Spike was going through his transformation at the same time as the little Raptors. So, you may see them in the background changing too. First Step, gather the appropriate tools for Wire Brushing – gloves, eye wear, hat, dusting brush, blower and various sizes of wire brushes. The leather gloves are great for moving your Dinosaur around. However, I like the flexibility the blue nitrile gloves provide for the wire brushing. The different size brushes allow you to reach tight spots. They are easier for your little helper to use, if you are doing this as a family project. The dusting brush and blower are great for cleaning the dinosaur and work area for the acid washing. You may like this look and decide to clear coat here. If you do, make sure the clear coat you select can be used on unprepared metal. Some can’t. Asked Your Home Improvement Center Paint Specialist for suggestions.
I would not recommend letting your youngster help with acid washing. The material can burn with just a drop on your skin. Make sure to be completely protected with clothing and eyewear. The spray bottle is my favorite way to apply this material. However, Do Not spray the acid in windy conditions! Even a light breeze can blow the acid back at you. Laying Your Dinosaur on its side can help you reach tight spots and inside the legs. The brushes can help to work the material into those heavier rusted areas. After you finish let set over night.
The next morning you can scrub off the remaining acid material and let dry. Scrub brushes, towel and a couple of buckets of water were all I needed with Spike. Using the buckets can save water. I start with Spike on his side to get inside the legs which will drain out when I stand him upright. The towel is great for the final wipe down. Depending on the design of your Dinosaur there may be places water can settle inside. To make sure all the water drained out of Spike, I angled him on his tail. The design of your Dinosaur will determine how you can accomplish this if you need to at all. I noticed when I tilled Spike back more water ran out. Caution, do not do this in windy conditions or your Dinosaur could easily topple over. Let dry completely.
You may like the look after your Dinosaur has dried and wish to clear coat here. Again, make sure the clear coat you select in approved for bare metal. The Rust Reformer provides a flat black coat sealing the rust it covers. Another decision for finishing here or continuing to prepare for color. After a day to cure Rusty Brown Primer provides another layer of protection.
We had a Name the Raptors Contest at the Camarillo Library Reading Event. The attendees were required to draw a Raptor suggest a Name on the Drawing and submit it to the Library. Blake’s drawing is excellent and Jeffery is certainly cool name for a Raptor. One of the Raptors has eagerly adopted the name and poses with Blake’s Drawing. Blake and his Family will be receiving a Special Tour of the Park to Meet All the Prehistoric Pals. Library Staff and Families will be joining them too! Looking forward to sharing the Adventure with You!
Stayed Tuned to See What Cool Colors have been picked out for Spike!
“Encouraging the Appreciation of Art and Education through the Inspiration of Dinosaurs”
Don’t Forget “Antarctic Dinosaurs”
at the Natural History Museum Los Angeles
Special Exhibit opens April 3rd
Paul & Prehistoric Pals
Your feedback is appreciated, Thank you!