Assessment and pictures by Frey, edited by Suspsy
Haolonggood’s 2025 Tyrannosaurus rex is available in two variants: mannequin #HLG‑159‑T (be aware that additionally they use #HLG‑159 for his or her Restricted Version Blue Brachiosaurus, differentiated as #HLG‑159‑B, though the packing containers in my expertise don’t present the “B” or “T,” so I needed to make clear this for fellow collectors who discover such issues) and #HLG‑160. These will also be recognized by their official names: Chao Gai for HLG‑159 and Lu Jun Yi for HLG‑160.
These names are usually not random. Haolonggood attracts them from one of many 4 Nice Classical Novels of Chinese language literature: Water Margin (often known as Outlaws of the Marsh). Chao Gai is called “The Heavenly King,” signifying knowledge, respect, and management. Lu Jun Yi, “The Jade Qilin,” symbolizes the Aristocracy, magnificence, and energy. Each are becoming decisions for a pair of grownup Tyrannosaurus rex, and I fairly just like the thematic character they lend to every variant.
One other factor value noting as we talk about the “tyrant lizard king”—and one thing usually missed outdoors of scientific writing—is that the species identify Tyrannosaurus rex is accurately written with a capitalized genus (Tyrannosaurus) and a lowercase species epithet (rex). In common media and on product packaging it’s virtually at all times written as “Tyrannosaurus Rex,” however scientifically the species identify isn’t capitalized. That’s sufficient scientific‑literacy instructing for right now—let’s take a more in-depth have a look at these figures.
Coloration and Paintwork
Haolonggood did a wonderful job not solely with the paint software, but additionally with the 2 shade choices obtainable. Chao Gai gives an earthy brown/tan palette, whereas Lu Jun Yi gives a flashier choice with vivid blues and greens that also keep a naturalistic look. Patches and striping run alongside the again, neck, head, tail, and legs, utilized gracefully and generously on each variants. A vivid orange spotlight on the attention ridges provides character to a species most of us have seen represented numerous instances.
Beneath the knees, a darker charcoal grey blends easily down into the toes and scutes. It’s a implausible look. Everybody could have their desire (I personally lean towards Lu Jun Yi, as its palette is each distinctive for the species and intensely real looking), however between the 2, there’s something for everybody. We nonetheless haven’t any scientific proof for coloration on this species, however every little thing right here is naturalistic and believable.
There’s zero sloppiness or underneath‑software on both of my figures. A lightweight wash—seemingly a burnt umber—covers the enamel. Gloss is utilized to the mouth and eyes to offer them a moist look. All claws are painted with precision.
Sculpt and Proportions
Haolonggood clearly referenced fashionable analysis (Carr 2020, Individuals et al., Witmer Lab reconstructions, and so forth.). Their sculpt displays a submit‑2010 consensus T. rex quite than outdated shrink‑wrapped or JP‑model interpretations. They’ve given these animals correct facial smooth tissues, a thick neck, and sturdy hips and thighs.
The cranium and head anatomy are among the many most correct T. rex renditions in the marketplace:
- Deep, sturdy skulls with right proportions
- Thickened nasal ridges
- Ahead‑going through eyes with correct binocular overlap
The torso is accurately barrel‑chested. Musculature is thick and highly effective. The tail is lengthy and counterbalancing. The arms are appropriately quick and muscular, with accurately oriented wrists (no pronation). The toes are realistically sized, and each figures stability completely and not using a stand. Every part matches fashionable reconstructions extraordinarily effectively.
As for believable hypothesis, Haolonggood makes use of pebbly scales and bigger osteoderm‑like scales alongside the physique. No feathers are current. The scaly integument is in keeping with present proof, and given the shortage of confirmed feather impressions for grownup T. rex, I feel they made the fitting alternative.
One other presently debated matter is the inclusion or exclusion of lips. The “lipped” interpretation is now supported by many paleontologists. Haolonggood selected a minimalist, midway method—refined however current. In a world the place no alternative pleases everybody, this was a wise transfer. Lips are scientifically defensible and arguably the extra fashionable interpretation, so this works for me.
Articulation
As these are static scientific fashions, articulation is minimal. The jaws articulate and open and shut easily on each of mine.
Measurement
At 1:35 scale, these figures are precisely the place one would count on them to be: 13″ in size and 4 3/4″ tall on the head (3.5″ on the hips). Dwarfing virtually all different theropods on the identical scale, they’re giant sufficient to command consideration with out overwhelming your show. They scale completely with different Haolonggood and PNSO figures, guaranteeing no oddities in relative measurement for these of us who care deeply about scale consistency.
Conclusion
In case you’ve made it this far, you’ve most likely seen a constant theme: I’ve nothing destructive to say. These figures are each scientifically correct and artistically spectacular. They’re sized and proportioned accurately, superbly painted, and provided in two distinct variants to go well with totally different tastes. They stand and stability with out concern, function glorious element, and present no indicators of price‑chopping. They’re additionally priced very competitively—sometimes about half the price of PNSO’s static T. rex figures—whereas nonetheless going toe‑to‑toe with them in each comparable class.
There isn’t any scarcity of 1:35 scale Tyrannosaurus rex figures in the marketplace (CollectA, Papo, Safari Ltd., Rebor, Recur, Nanmu Studio, Artistic Beast Studio, Mojo Enjoyable, Schleich, and so forth.), so these is probably not everybody’s favourite. That mentioned, so far as static scientific fashions go, these are presently mine. They strike a close to‑good stability of accuracy, artistry, and presence. In case you don’t have one but, you’re lacking out—seeing them in particular person is spectacular.
As with most Haolonggood releases, retirements are inclined to occur quietly, and as soon as a determine disappears from manufacturing the secondary market costs can climb shortly—one thing collectors might want to bear in mind.
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