The LEGO Dinosaur Fossils: Tyrannosaurus Rex set, available exclusively at the LEGO Store, is a visually stunning and ambitious build that captures the imagination of both dinosaur enthusiasts and LEGO fans alike. Upon first glance, you're struck by its impressive size; this model is a 1:12 scale replica of a real T-Rex, making it a significant addition to any collection.
LEGO Jurassic World Dinosaur Fossils: Tyrannosaurus Rex
Priced at $249.99, this set offers an unparalleled level of detail that is immediately apparent upon closer inspection. The ribs, constructed at varying lengths, form a realistic rib "cage," while the strategic use of dark-colored bricks enhances the shadow effect, making the light-colored "bone" bricks stand out strikingly. Despite its intricate appearance, the set is surprisingly straightforward to assemble, which only adds to its appeal.
We Build LEGO Dinosaur Fossils: Tyrannosaurus Rex
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For many, the fascination with dinosaurs begins in childhood. I remember being captivated by the towering skeleton of a T-Rex at the American Museum of Natural History. This fascination was further fueled by Ray Bradbury's "A Sound of Thunder," a sci-fi short story that vividly describes the awe-inspiring presence of the T-Rex:
"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."
Growing up, many of us were taught that the T-Rex stood upright with its tail dragging behind. However, scientific research has since revealed that the T-Rex actually had a more horizontal posture, with its spine parallel to the ground and its tail acting as a counterbalance to its head:
The above photo is of "Sue," the most complete Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton ever discovered, at 90% completeness. When paleontologist Sue Hendrickson unearthed this specimen in 1990, it transformed our understanding of the T-Rex's appearance and lifestyle. Notably, the tiny bones found near the T-Rex's belly, known as *gastralia*, were initially omitted from displays due to their unknown function. Now, we understand these bones supported the T-Rex's breathing and contributed to its substantial belly:
The T-Rex depicted in the 1993 film *Jurassic Park* reflects the outdated view of dinosaurs from 30 years ago. Its horizontal posture is more accurate than the earlier upright depictions, but it still lacks the bulkier physique that the gastralia suggest, indicating that the T-Rex weighed between nine to ten tons, rather than the previously estimated five to seven tons:
This life-sized model, based on Sue's bones, provides the most accurate depiction of a T-Rex to date:
It's fascinating to see how our understanding of these creatures has evolved to reveal a chubbier and perhaps even cuter T-Rex than we once imagined.
The LEGO Dinosaur Fossils: Tyrannosaurus Rex set reflects this updated scientific understanding by maintaining the T-Rex's horizontal posture. While it doesn't include the gastralia, the rib positioning suggests a "barrel-chested" appearance, deviating from the lean, fearsome image often portrayed in popular media. The set's arms are positioned forward, consistent with the updated display of Sue at the Field Museum in Chicago.
The set comes in 25 sealed plastic bags, guiding you through the assembly process. You start by building the black stand, followed by the backbone, which attaches to the vertical supports. The rest of the model, including the neck, legs, hips, ribs, arms, tail, and head, is then meticulously connected. The legs and torso are fixed in place, while the arms, head, and tail are adjustable, allowing for a personalized display.
At nearly three-and-a-half feet long, this model demands a significant display space. It's best suited for a wide, flat surface like a dresser or coffee table, where it can truly dominate and showcase its magnificence.
Although this set is part of LEGO's Jurassic Park franchise, the inclusion of minifigures of Alan Grant and Ellie Sattler from the original film, along with a Jurassic Park-branded placard, feels somewhat disconnected. The set's name, 'Dinosaur Fossils: Tyrannosaurus Rex,' lacks any direct movie tie-in, and the instructions even offer an option to remove the minifigure and placard display, allowing the skeleton to stand alone. This option highlights the set's inherent value beyond its franchise connection.
In reality, this massive T-Rex set, with its impressive size, scope, and price, doesn't need the added movie tie-ins to sell. It stands on its own as a sophisticated piece, much like the LEGO Titanic set, which also does not rely on minifigures of its characters to enhance its appeal. This set is not just movie memorabilia; it's a significant and elegant addition to any collection.
The LEGO Dinosaur Fossils: Tyrannosaurus Rex, Set #10335, is priced at $269.99 and consists of 3011 pieces. It is available exclusively at the LEGO Store.
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