The LEGO Dinosaur Fossils: Tyrannosaurus Rex set, available exclusively at the LEGO Store, is an awe-inspiring and ambitious project that captivates builders with its impressive scale and intricate detail. This 1:12 scale model of a real T-Rex is not just a build; it's a journey into the world of paleontology.
LEGO Jurassic World Dinosaur Fossils: Tyrannosaurus rex
Price: $249.99 at LEGO Store
Upon first glance, the sheer size of this model is striking. As you delve deeper, the meticulous details become apparent: the varied lengths of the ribs forming a realistic rib "cage," and the use of dark-colored bricks to cast shadows that accentuate the light-colored "bone" bricks, creating a striking contrast. Despite its complexity, the set is surprisingly user-friendly to assemble, enhancing the overall building experience.
We Build LEGO Dinosaur Fossils: Tyrannosaurus Rex
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For those with a childhood fascination for dinosaurs, the sight of a T-Rex skeleton at the American Museum of Natural History is unforgettable. This set evokes similar feelings of wonder, reminiscent of the thrill described in Ray Bradbury's "A Sound of Thunder," where the T-Rex is portrayed as a towering, awe-inspiring creature:
"It came on great oiled, resilient, striding legs. It towered thirty feet above half of the trees, a great evil god, folding its delicate watchmaker's claws close to its oily reptilian chest. Each lower leg was a piston, a thousand pounds of white bone, sunk in thick ropes of muscle, sheathed over in a gleam of pebbled skin like the mail of a terrible warrior."
Historically, the T-Rex was often depicted standing upright, as shown below:
However, scientific consensus has since evolved, revealing that the T-Rex actually stood with its spine parallel to the ground, using its tail as a counterbalance:
The above image showcases "Sue," the most complete Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton discovered to date (90% complete). The discovery of Sue by paleontologist Sue Hendrickson in 1990 reshaped our understanding of the T-Rex's anatomy, particularly highlighting the presence of *gastralia*—small bones supporting the belly and aiding respiration.
The T-Rex depicted in the 1993 film *Jurassic Park* reflects the then-current understanding, showing a more horizontal stance but still underestimating the dinosaur's bulk. Recent findings suggest the T-Rex weighed between nine to ten tons, much heavier than previously estimated, with a more substantial belly:
The LEGO Dinosaur Fossils: Tyrannosaurus Rex set reflects this updated scientific view, accurately portraying the dinosaur's horizontal posture. While it doesn't include the gastralia, its rib positioning suggests a "barrel-chested" build, contrasting with the leaner portrayals in popular media. The model's arms are positioned forward, consistent with the latest exhibits like the one at the Field Museum in Chicago.
The set is packaged in 25 sealed plastic bags. Assembly begins with constructing the black stand, followed by the backbone, which is attached to vertical supports. Subsequent steps involve building and attaching the neck, legs, hips, ribs, arms, tail, and finally, the head. The legs and torso are fixed, but the arms, head, and tail are adjustable, allowing for dynamic posing.
At nearly three-and-a-half feet long, this model demands a significant display space. It's best showcased on a wide, flat surface like a dresser or coffee table, ensuring it can truly dominate and command attention.
Although technically part of the LEGO Jurassic Park franchise, the set includes minifigures of Alan Grant and Ellie Sattler from the original film, along with a Jurassic Park-branded placard. However, this tie-in feels somewhat forced, as the set's name and instructions offer options to display the skeleton independently, highlighting its standalone appeal over any franchise connection.
The inclusion of the minifigures and placard may seem superfluous, given the model's inherent grandeur and appeal. Much like the LEGO Titanic set, this T-Rex model stands on its own merit and doesn't rely on movie tie-ins for its allure.
The LEGO Dinosaur Fossils: Tyrannosaurus Rex, Set #10335, is available for $269.99 and comprises 3011 pieces, exclusively at the LEGO Store.
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