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 1:12 scale model of a real T-Rex. Upon closer inspection, the detail is equally impressive: the ribs, built in varying lengths to create a realistic rib cage; the dark bricks subtly creating shadows that highlight the light-colored "bone" bricks. Despite its intricate appearance, the build is surprisingly manageable, making the final result all the more rewarding.

LEGO Jurassic World Dinosaur Fossils: Tyrannosaurus rex
$249.99 at LEGO Store

My childhood fascination with dinosaurs, particularly the towering T-Rex skeleton at the American Museum of Natural History, resurfaced while reading 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 captured the awe-inspiring scale of these creatures.

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For years, the popular image of a T-Rex was upright, tail dragging.

The LEGO set accurately reflects this updated understanding, showcasing the T-Rex's horizontal posture and forward-facing arms. While it doesn't include gastralia, the ribcage suggests a more robust build. The construction is sequential: stand, backbone, neck, legs, ribs, arms, tail, and finally, the head. The head, tail, and arms are posable. At nearly three-and-a-half feet long, this model demands a prominent display location.

The inclusion of Alan Grant and Ellie Sattler minifigures and a Jurassic Park-branded placard feels somewhat forced, especially considering the set's name and the option to remove the minifigure display. However, the set's inherent magnificence transcends the thematic tie-in. Its size, scope, and price point make it a stunning piece, comparable to the LEGO Titanic set, needing no movie-related embellishments to enhance its appeal.

LEGO Dinosaur Fossils: Tyrannosaurus Rex (Set #10335), retailing at $269.99 and comprising 3011 pieces, is exclusively available 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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