#159 DINO RIDERS – TOROSAURUS with GUNNUR and MAGNUS (1988)

This is the Only Dino Riders new and boxed that I currently own, the Torosaurus was one of the “big” dinosaurs in the first wave, one of the four with “walking” action, together with the T-Rex and the Triceratops (Rulons) and the Diplodocus (Valorian). Tyco reused some casts for different dinosaurs (for example: two Deinonychus; the Monoclonius, the Styracosaurus and the Chasmosaurus shared its body, and the same happened with the Pteranodon and both Quetzalcoatlus)

The Torosaurus is built with the same body of the Triceratops, but a different head. Curiously enough, the Torosaurus is of current interest because recent studies suggested, that the Torosaurus could actually be an adult Triceratops, although shortly afterwards, it was denied by other studies.

Anyway, the toy is by far the biggest dinosaur that I own, around 50% larger than the Stegosaurus, and also very well done. The (usual) details like the skin, the colours and the eyes are the same as commented in older entries.

Apart of the walking feature, this dinosaur has light effects, which, to my knowledge is something unique in this toy-line. Here’s a commercial of the toy, pay attention to the cannons in (or inside) the armour by the end of the video. (Video not available anymore)

This dinosaur came with two figures: Gunnur and Magnus. The figures have the usual cast for Valorians figures in the first wave.

The new "thing" in this article is that I can show you an unopened DR box. Although the box is identical to those of smaller dinosaurs (with a flap, featured actions, and so on), bigger dinosaurs came in an expanded polystyrene inlay, instead of a cardboard/plastic inlay.

On the upper level, the dinosaur, the figures and some interesting parts of the armour were placed, since items in this tray could be seen through the box window under the flap.

The rest of the armour, including instructions, comic book and figure’s accessories, was placed below that tray and closed with a paperboard. A sticker on the upper part indicates were to find the rest of the accessories. Note that “Accessories” is written in English, while the rest of the message is written in Spanish.

And talking about languages, this box is the Spanish edition, distributed by Comansi, and with all instructions and texts in Spanish.

FACTS AND FIGURES:

• Name: TOROSAURUS with GUNNUR and MAGNUS
• Toy Line: Dino Riders
• Year: 1988
• Company: Tyco (U.S.A.)
• Size of the figure: Around 30-35 cms.

As an annex, I’ll put here a list of the dinosaurs released on each wave:

WAVE 1

• Tyrannosaurus-Rex with Krulos, Bitor and Cobrus
• Diplodocus with Questar, Mind-Zei and Aries
• Triceratops with Hammerhead and Sidewinder
• Torosaurus with Magnus and Gunnur
• Deinonychus with Antor
• Deinonychus with Sky
• Pteranodon with Rasp
• Quetzalcoatlus with Yungstar
• Monoclonius with Mako
• Styracosaurus with Turret
• Ankylosaurus with Sting
• Pterodactyl with Llahd

WAVE 2

• Brontosaurus with Ion, Serena and Ayce
• Stegosaurus with Tark and Vega
• Kentrosaurus with Krok
• Pachycephalosaurus with Tagg
• Saurolophus with Lokus
• Dimetrodon with Shado
• Edmontonia with Axis
• Struthiomimus with Nimbus
• Protoceratops with Kanon
• Placerias with Skate

WAVE 3

• Pachyrhinosaurus with Atlas
• Chasmosaurus with Llava
• Quetzalcoatlus with Algar

WAVE 3 (ICE AGE)

• Wooly Mammoth with Grom
• Killer Wart Hog with Zar
• Sabre Tooth Tiger with Kub
• Giant Ground Sloth with Ulk