We Build LEGO Dinosaur Fossils: Tyrannosaurus Rex, The Most Impressive Skeleton Model in 68 Million Years

The LEGO Dinosaur Fossils: Tyrannosaurus Rex set, a LEGO Store exclusive, is a breathtakingly ambitious build. Its sheer size is immediately striking; this is a meticulously detailed 1:12 scale model of a real T-Rex. Upon closer inspection, the level of detail is astonishing. Notice how the ribs are constructed with varying lengths to create a realistic rib cage, and how the dark bricks cleverly create shadows that highlight the light-colored "bone" bricks. Despite its intricate appearance, the build is surprisingly manageable, making its impressive complexity even more remarkable.

LEGO Jurassic World Dinosaur Fossils: Tyrannosaurus rex

$249.99 at LEGO Store

Building the LEGO Dinosaur Fossils: Tyrannosaurus Rex

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My childhood fascination with dinosaurs, particularly the towering T-Rex skeleton at the American Museum of Natural History, was reignited by Ray Bradbury's "A Sound of Thunder." The passage describing the T-Rex as "a great evil god, folding its delicate watchmaker's claws close to its oily reptilian chest" perfectly captures the awe-inspiring scale of these creatures. For years, the common depiction of the T-Rex was upright, tail dragging (see image below).

Source: American Museum of Natural History

However, scientific understanding has evolved. The T-Rex, contrary to popular imagination, didn't walk upright. The discovery of "Sue," the most complete T-Rex skeleton ever found (90%), revolutionized our understanding. The image below shows a more accurate representation, with its spine parallel to the ground and tail acting as a counterbalance.

Source: Field Museum

The discovery of *gastralia* (small bones lining the belly) revealed the T-Rex was much heavier than previously thought – nine to ten tons. Compare this to the leaner depiction in the 1993 film *Jurassic Park* (see image below).

Source: Universal Pictures

This modern depiction, based on Sue's skeleton (see image below), shows a more robust, "chubbier" T-Rex.

Source: Blue Rhino Studio

The LEGO T-Rex accurately reflects this updated understanding, showcasing the horizontal posture. While it omits the gastralia, the ribcage suggests a more barrel-chested creature. The forward-facing arms align with the current Sue display at the Field Museum. The set, comprised of 25 sealed bags, is built in stages: stand, backbone, neck, legs/hips, ribs, arms, tail, and finally the head. The arms, head, and tail are posable. At nearly three-and-a-half feet long, this model demands a prominent display location.

The set includes minifigures of Alan Grant and Ellie Sattler from the original *Jurassic Park*, a somewhat incongruous addition given the set's overall scientific accuracy. The inclusion of these figures and the Jurassic Park branding feels somewhat forced, especially given the option to remove them and display the skeleton independently. However, the sheer size, scope, and price point of this magnificent model transcends the need for such tie-ins. Its inherent appeal rests solely on its impressive scale and detail, similar to the LEGO Titanic set.

This is not mere movie memorabilia; it's a stunning, scientifically-informed masterpiece. LEGO Dinosaur Fossils: Tyrannosaurus Rex (Set #10335), retailing at $269.99 and containing 3011 pieces, is a LEGO Store exclusive.