The LEGO Dinosaur Fossils: Tyrannosaurus Rex set, available exclusively at the LEGO Store, is a visually stunning and ambitious build. The first thing that strikes you is its impressive size; this is a 1:12 scale model of a real T-Rex, designed to captivate and awe.

LEGO Jurassic World Dinosaur Fossils: Tyrannosaurus Rex

$249.99 at LEGO Store

Upon closer inspection, the level of detail is astonishing. The ribs are constructed at varying lengths to form a realistic rib "cage," and the use of dark-colored bricks to cast shadows accentuates the light-colored "bone" bricks, creating a striking contrast. 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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As someone who adored dinosaurs as a child, my visits to the American Museum of Natural History always left me marveling at the towering T-Rex skeleton. Later, Ray Bradbury's "A Sound of Thunder" further fueled my fascination, describing the T-Rex with vivid imagery:

"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."

For many years, the popular image of the T-Rex was depicted like this:

However, recent scientific findings have revealed that the T-Rex did not walk upright with its tail dragging on the ground. Instead, it stood with its spine parallel to the ground, using its tail as a counterbalance to its head, as shown here:

This image features "Sue," the most complete Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton ever discovered, at 90% completeness. Discovered by paleontologist Sue Hendrickson in 1990, it reshaped our understanding of the T-Rex's anatomy. The tiny bones visible near the belly are called *gastralia*, which were initially omitted from public displays due to their unknown function. We now know they supported the T-Rex's breathing and lined its belly.

The T-Rex depicted in the 1993 film *Jurassic Park* reflects outdated perceptions of dinosaurs. While its body position is more horizontal and thus more accurate, it still portrays a leaner physique. Thanks to the discovery of the gastralia, we now know the T-Rex weighed nine to ten tons, significantly heavier than the previously estimated five to seven tons, with a larger belly close to the ground.

This life-sized model, based on Sue's bones, provides our most accurate depiction of a T-Rex to date:

It's a chubbier and arguably cuter representation than what was once believed.

The LEGO Dinosaur Fossils: Tyrannosaurus Rex set reflects these scientific updates by maintaining the T-Rex's horizontal positioning. Although it does not include the gastralia, the rib positioning suggests a "barrel-chested" creature rather than the lean predator seen in popular fiction. The model's arms are positioned forward, consistent with the updated "Sue" display at the Field Museum in Chicago.

The set comes in 25 sealed plastic bags. You start by building the black stand, followed by the T-Rex's backbone, which attaches to vertical supports. The rest of the model is then connected to this backbone, starting with the neck, followed by the legs and hips, ribs, arms, tail, and finally, the head. The legs and torso are securely locked in place, while the arms, head, and tail are adjustable and posable.

From tip to tail, the model stretches nearly three-and-a-half feet long, which might pose some space considerations. It requires a wide, flat surface like a dresser or coffee table, as it will dominate its surroundings. A shelf between other shelves would not suffice. Choose a location that showcases its grandeur.

Although technically part of LEGO's Jurassic Park franchise, the set includes two minifigures of Alan Grant and Ellie Sattler from the first *Jurassic Park* film, along with a stand attachment and a placard branded with the Jurassic Park logo. However, this franchise tie-in feels somewhat forced. The set's name, 'Dinosaur Fossils: Tyrannosaurus Rex,' does not reference any movie, and the instruction booklet even offers an option to disconnect the minifigure and placard display, allowing the skeleton to stand alone. This feature underscores the disconnect, as the T-Rex's impressive size, scope, and price make it a standalone marvel, much like the iconic LEGO Titanic build, which does not rely on minifigure tie-ins for appeal. This set transcends mere movie memorabilia; it's a significant and elegant piece in its own right.

LEGO Dinosaur Fossils: Tyrannosaurus Rex, Set #10335, retails for $269.99 and comprises 3011 pieces. It is available exclusively at the LEGO Store.

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