LEGO Dinosaur Fossils: Building the Impressive T-Rex Skeleton Model

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. This impressive model is crafted at a 1:12 scale, which means you're looking at a life-sized replica of the mighty T-Rex that's sure to leave you in awe.

LEGO Jurassic World Dinosaur Fossils: Tyrannosaurus rex

$249.99 at LEGO Store

Upon closer inspection, the level of detail becomes even more apparent. The ribs are meticulously constructed at varying lengths, creating a realistic rib "cage." The use of dark-colored bricks adds depth and shadow, accentuating the light-colored "bone" bricks and enhancing the overall skeletal appearance. Despite its complex look, the set is surprisingly user-friendly to assemble, making the achievement of building this intricate model even more rewarding.

We Build LEGO Dinosaur Fossils: Tyrannosaurus Rex

As a child, my fascination with dinosaurs was sparked by visits to the American Museum of Natural History, where the towering skeleton of a T-Rex always captivated me. This interest was further fueled by Ray Bradbury's "A Sound of Thunder," a sci-fi short story that vividly described 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 believed the T-Rex stood upright with its tail dragging on the ground:

However, scientific research has since shown that the T-Rex actually stood with its spine parallel to the ground, using its tail as a counterbalance:

The photo above is of "Sue," the most complete T-Rex skeleton ever found, at 90% completion. When Sue Hendrickson discovered it in 1990, it changed our understanding of the T-Rex's anatomy. The tiny bones near the belly, known as *gastralia*, were initially omitted from public displays but are now recognized as crucial for supporting the dinosaur's breathing.

This image from the 1993 film *Jurassic Park* reflects outdated views on dinosaur anatomy. While the T-Rex's horizontal posture is more accurate, the lean body does not match the now-known heavier build of nine to ten tons, supported by the discovery of the gastralia.

The most updated and accurate depiction of a T-Rex, based on Sue's bones, shows a chubbier and more realistic dinosaur:

The LEGO Dinosaur Fossils: Tyrannosaurus Rex set reflects this scientific accuracy with its horizontal positioning. While it does not include the gastralia, the rib placement suggests a "barrel-chested" build rather than the lean predator of popular fiction. The set's arms are positioned forward, in line with the updated display of Sue at the Field Museum in Chicago.

The set comes in 25 sealed plastic bags. Assembly begins with 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, are then added. The legs and torso are locked in place, while the arms, head, and tail remain adjustable and posable.

Measuring nearly three-and-a-half feet from tip to tail, this model is a substantial piece that 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 with its magnificence.

Although 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 logo placard. However, this franchise tie-in feels somewhat forced, especially since the set's name, 'Dinosaur Fossils: Tyrannosaurus Rex,' lacks any movie reference. The instructions even offer an option to remove the minifigure and placard display, allowing the skeleton to stand alone. This feature highlights the set's standalone appeal, much like the LEGO Titanic build, which doesn't rely on movie tie-ins for its allure.

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

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