The Dino Riders Pachycephalosaurus with Tagg and Full Battle Accessories is a 1/24th scale action figure set with battle equipped dinosaur and human figurine, manufactured by Tyco Industries and released worldwide in 1989.
Part of the 2nd Series of Dino Riders released by Tyco, in 1989, the 'authentic museum quality replica' Pachycephalosaurus was one of several mid-range, more affordable, but still plenty cool Dino Riders that the average kid may have received on Christmas morning... just imagine! Tyco really knew how to package a toy to make it all that more enjoyable an experience.
It was this photo which reminded me that I actually owned the Pachy Dino Rider! The memory trigger being that broken off puncher, which is exactly what happened to mine.
Tyco Marketing
Authentic 1/24th scale Pachycephalosaurus is a prehistoric Battering Ram. Trigger activated Butting Rams and top-mounted laser guns get Dino Rider Tagg out of some close calls.
- 1990 Tyco Toys Catalog
Features
Pachy came with a fully articulated 'Tagg' figure, who rode atop his mighty Pachycephalosaurus. The saddle is a wide, chrome affair with two spring-loaded battering rams that could be pushed back into place and 'fired', though these were a weak point and prone to breaking off. Various other pieces such as a rope ladder, lasers, armor, and weapons were also included (see parts list below).
Watch out for fakes!
Keep in mind that Dinosaurs and Dino Riders was HUGE back in the late 80s and 90s, so copycat toys and 'fakes' were common. Several are listed on eBay at the time of writing either claiming to be Dino Riders when they're not, or which have titles which look like Dino Riders, such as "1989 Dino Pachycephalosaurus". So be careful!
Here's a few I found just now...
Availability and Collectability
Dino Riders Pachycephalosaurus are less common than other Dino Riders, however you will find a figure by itself (without accessories) for between $50 - $100 USD if you are persistent. Complete items are typically many times that, and mint boxed items go well into the thousands - territory I must leave to more dedicated and enriched collectors, sadly!
Did you own a Dino Riders Pachy, or other similar toy as a kid?
Comment below! I'd love to hear from others who had this one, or similar Dino Riders toys, and whether this article has jogged your memory of it.
