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 dinosaur enthusiasts and LEGO fans alike. At a 1:12 scale, this model replicates the awe-inspiring size of a real T-Rex, making it an impressive centerpiece for any collection.
LEGO Jurassic World Dinosaur Fossils: Tyrannosaurus rex
$249.99 at LEGO Store
Upon closer inspection, the set's attention to detail is remarkable. The ribs are constructed at varying lengths to form a realistic rib "cage," while the use of dark-colored bricks enhances the shadow effect, highlighting the light-colored "bone" bricks. Despite its intricate appearance, the set is surprisingly easy to assemble, which only adds to its allure.
We Build LEGO Dinosaur Fossils: Tyrannosaurus Rex
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For those who grew up fascinated by dinosaurs, the T-Rex skeleton at the American Museum of Natural History is a memorable sight. This fascination is echoed in Ray Bradbury's "A Sound of Thunder," where he vividly describes 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, the T-Rex was often depicted standing upright with its tail dragging on the ground, as seen in many older illustrations:
However, recent scientific findings have corrected this view. The T-Rex actually stood with its spine parallel to the ground, using its tail as a counterbalance, as shown in the updated depiction of "Sue," the most complete T-Rex skeleton discovered:
Sue's discovery in 1990 by paleontologist Sue Hendrickson provided new insights into the T-Rex's anatomy, including the presence of *gastralia*—small bones that supported the dinosaur's breathing and contributed to its bulkier appearance:
The 1993 film *Jurassic Park* depicted a leaner T-Rex, reflecting the outdated understanding of the time. However, with the discovery of the gastralia, we now know that the T-Rex was much heavier, weighing between nine to ten tons:
The LEGO Dinosaur Fossils: Tyrannosaurus Rex set reflects these updated scientific insights, maintaining the T-Rex's horizontal posture. While it does not include the gastralia, the rib positioning suggests a "barrel-chested" build, more in line with current understanding. The set's arms are positioned forward, mirroring 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 T-Rex's backbone, which attaches to vertical supports. The rest of the model, including the neck, legs, hips, ribs, arms, tail, and head, is then assembled and attached. The legs and torso are fixed, but the arms, head, and tail are adjustable and posable.
Measuring nearly three-and-a-half feet from tip to tail, this model requires ample space. It's best displayed on a wide, flat surface like a dresser or coffee table, where it can truly dominate the space it occupies.
Although technically part of LEGO's 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, the set's name and the option to remove the minifigure display suggest a disconnect from the movie tie-in, emphasizing the model's standalone appeal.
This T-Rex set, like the LEGO Titanic, stands on its own merit, not relying on movie memorabilia for its allure. Its size, scope, and price point ($269.99) make it a statement piece that sells itself, composed of 3011 pieces and available exclusively at the LEGO Store.
More Sets From LEGO Jurassic Park Collection:
LEGO T. rex Skull
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LEGO Jurassic Park Visitor Center
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LEGO Triceratops Skull
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LEGO Little Eatie T Rex
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LEGO Creator 3 in 1 T. Rex
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