The LEGO Dinosaur Fossils: Tyrannosaurus Rex set, available exclusively at the LEGO Store, is a visually stunning and ambitious build that captures the essence of this prehistoric giant. At a 1:12 scale, the model's size is immediately striking, replicating a real T-Rex's grandeur in a manageable form.
LEGO Jurassic World Dinosaur Fossils: Tyrannosaurus rex
$249.99 at LEGO Store
Upon closer inspection, the set's detail is impressive. The ribs are crafted at varying lengths to create a realistic rib "cage," and the use of dark-colored bricks to cast shadows accentuates the light-colored "bone" bricks, enhancing the fossilized effect. Despite its complex appearance, the model is surprisingly straightforward to assemble, which adds to its appeal.
We Build LEGO Dinosaur Fossils: Tyrannosaurus Rex
168 Images
For those who grew up fascinated by dinosaurs, the T-Rex's skeleton at the American Museum of Natural History is a vivid memory. This fascination was further fueled by literary depictions, such as in Ray Bradbury's "A Sound of Thunder," which 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."
Historically, popular culture often portrayed the T-Rex standing upright with its tail dragging on the ground:
However, scientific understanding has evolved. The T-Rex is now known to have stood with its spine parallel to the ground, using its tail as a counterbalance:
The photo above features "Sue," the most complete T-Rex skeleton found (90%). Discovered by paleontologist Sue Hendrickson, it revealed the presence of gastralia—bones that supported the T-Rex's breathing and lined its belly.
The depiction of the T-Rex in the 1993 film Jurassic Park reflects older, less accurate views. Now, with the discovery of gastralia, we understand that the T-Rex was heavier and had a more substantial belly:
The LEGO Dinosaur Fossils: Tyrannosaurus Rex set reflects this updated understanding, maintaining a horizontal posture without depicting the gastralia. The model's ribs suggest a "barrel-chested" appearance, and the arms are positioned forward, aligning with the latest scientific insights from the Field Museum's "Sue" display.
The set includes 25 sealed plastic bags for assembly. You start by building the black stand, followed by the T-Rex's backbone, which is attached to vertical supports. The rest of the model, including the neck, legs, hips, ribs, arms, tail, and head, follows. The legs and torso are fixed, while the arms, head, and tail are adjustable.
At nearly three-and-a-half feet long from tip to tail, this model requires a spacious display area. A wide, flat surface like a dresser or coffee table is ideal.
The set is technically part of LEGO's Jurassic Park franchise, evidenced by the inclusion of minifigures of Alan Grant and Ellie Sattler from the original film. However, the connection feels somewhat forced, as the set's name and instructions allow for the display of the T-Rex without these elements. The set's true appeal lies in its impressive size and detailed design, not its movie tie-in.
This T-Rex model stands on its own merit, much like the iconic LEGO Titanic build. It is a significant and classy piece that transcends its franchise association.
LEGO Dinosaur Fossils: Tyrannosaurus Rex, Set #10335, retails for $269.99 and comprises 3011 pieces. It is available exclusively at the LEGO Store.
More Sets From LEGO Jurassic Park Collection:
LEGO T. rex Skull
See it at Amazon
LEGO Jurassic Park Visitor Center
See it at Amazon
LEGO Triceratops Skull
See it at Amazon
LEGO Little Eatie T Rex
See it at Amazon
LEGO Creator 3 in 1 T. Rex
See it at Amazon
