Vol.1
Tyrannosaurus
" Master Craft Edition "

The Dinosaur Vinyl Model series has become synonymous with Favorite and is beloved by many. With designs that capture the essence of dinosaurs while being slightly stylized, and large-scale figures made from soft materials, we hope these models will encourage children to play and develop an even greater love for dinosaurs.

Among these, the Tyrannosaurus is a long-selling model that has been part of the vinyl model series since its inception. Favorite began to envision what a Tyrannosaurus, cherished for many years, would look like if it were evolved with "new concepts and current technology." Exploring new elements that were not present in previous vinyl models, development began with the aim of achieving "more realistic expression" and "the ability to stand on two legs."

This new Tyrannosaurus, incorporating authentic elements within the world of vinyl models, was named the Master Craft Edition and will be added to the lineup, following the standard vinyl model, baby edition, and premium edition.
Favorite's aspirations were entrusted to dinosaur sculptor Kazunari Araki, who translated them into his current vision of the Tyrannosaurus. The Master Craft Edition began its development based on Araki's initial sketches. This article will be updated bi-weekly, so please enjoy following its journey to completion.

Vol.2
Bringing the Tyrannosaurus to Life

Based on Mr. Araki's sketches, the Tyrannosaurus began to take shape. From here, the transition from two-dimensional to three-dimensional expression truly began, making the Tyrannosaurus more tangible. Let's take a look at how it was crafted by Mr. Araki's hands.

First, based on the sketches, gypsum clay is used to create the core part of the Tyrannosaurus's rough pose and balance.

Flesh is gradually added, and the overall balance is adjusted. The expression of the head also begins to emerge.

Muscle expression and skin details are meticulously crafted, bringing the model to life.

Finally, fine details such as the fingertips and claws are refined, and the prototype is completed. The concepts of "more realistic expression" and "the ability to stand on two legs" are brilliantly reflected in the sculpture, resulting in a truly "cool" Tyrannosaurus worthy of the Master Craft Edition.

Vol.3
From Prototype to 1/1 Model

The sculpting of this prototype incorporates recent Tyrannosaurus reconstruction images, resulting in a Tyrannosaurus with rich highlights, including the scale details on the head, the thick neck, and the expression around the mouth.

The completed prototype is 3D scanned and converted into data. On the 3D data, fine adjustments are made to parts that couldn't be fully sculpted by hand, aiming to express Mr. Araki's vision with higher precision.

Using the adjusted 3D data, a resin sample is created with a 3D printer. The mold creation process progresses while checking the mold's parting lines, and the balance and stability required for it to stand on only its hind legs.

This is the sample created after the mold was completed. You can clearly see the volume and overall details. In addition, its stable posture allows it to stand on two legs without using its tail, which is a key feature of this model.

Next, based on Mr. Araki's color patterns, the coloring image will be finalized. What kind of image will the painted product sample present?

Vol.4
The Completed Tyrannosaurus

After painting the product sample, the finished form of the Tyrannosaurus Vinyl Model Master Craft Edition was revealed. From several color concepts, a coloring that evokes the essence of Tyrannosaurus was adopted, based on an active yellow while still showing significant depth. A realistic and cool Tyrannosaurus is born.

The structure that allows it to stand on two legs without using its tail has created a sophisticated and authentic style that sets it apart from previous vinyl models. Furthermore, the fusion of meticulous detail and sculpting that incorporates recent reconstruction images has broadened the range of expression in dinosaur vinyl models.

The Tyrannosaurus vinyl model has evolved with this Master Craft Edition. We hope that this model will stimulate children's curiosity and inquisitiveness through play, and make their time with dinosaurs even more special.

Release Date: July 17, 2025

Vol.5
Master Craft Edition Interview

We asked Kazunari Araki, the overall supervisor who collaborated on the development, about the Tyrannosaurus Vinyl Model Master Craft Edition.

――The Dinosaur Vinyl Model Master Craft Edition adopted a new production method that involved more detailed adjustments on 3D data, in addition to conventional techniques for enhancing the reproducibility of prototypes created by Mr. Araki. We aimed to achieve higher precision and more faithfully express Mr. Araki's vision throughout the development process. Please share your impressions upon seeing the completed product.

This model was able to be reproduced significantly larger, almost exactly as my original prototype, by digitally scanning it and adjusting the data. Distorted areas in the prototype were corrected, resulting in a more precise sculpture. Furthermore, due to the material limitations of previous vinyl models, they could only stand on three points (including the tail) in a "Godzilla pose." However, with this model, new technology has been incorporated, such as increasing the strength of the hind leg material, allowing it to stand on two legs with its tail lifted, creating a more active Tyrannosaurus. Various other accumulated techniques have been adopted, making this a groundbreaking model that combines cool proportions and poses with playability.


――The Tyrannosaurus was part of the very first lineup of vinyl models. For this Master Craft Edition, were there any particular aspects you focused on to differentiate its sculpting from the existing Tyrannosaurus Vinyl Model and Premium Edition?

The Tyrannosaurus is the most popular dinosaur, so it's often the first to be included in any series. This means it's often produced before we fully understand the sculptural usability and characteristics of that particular series. For instance, I sometimes realized later that I needed to pay attention to things like how far apart the hind legs should be spread or the need for larger feet for stability when creating the prototype. This model incorporates designs refined through such experiences, while also reflecting the latest Tyrannosaurus reconstructions—for example, the scales on the face, the lips when the mouth is closed, the thick neck, and the abdomen where the pubic bone is less prominent. I believe these features have been directly translated into the final product.


――For the coloring, a yellow-based color, also used in the Tyrannosaurus Vinyl Model and Mini Model, was adopted. Were there any aspects you were particularly conscious of regarding the coloring?

The coloring uses colors and patterns that have been used in previous Favorite Tyrannosaurus models, and I believe it's the most "Tyranno-like" coloring, which will be widely accepted without feeling out of place. However, it's also true that it's not very adventurous, so it would be interesting to see a special version with a different coloring or a version with a coloring chosen by a contest vote. After all, we don't know the true colors of dinosaurs.


――Finally, please share a few words about the Tyrannosaurus Vinyl Model Master Craft Edition.

With the Master Craft Edition, we've used the latest technology to enlarge the prototype almost exactly, and by changing materials in specific areas, we've been able to incorporate poses and details that weren't possible with previous vinyl models. I believe this has led to the birth of a more realistic and larger "playable dinosaur figure." I hope that more friends will join the series, so please welcome a Tyrannosaurus Master Craft Edition into your home!

Vol.6
Two Tyrannosaurus Figures

Big scale with soft material. While maintaining its essence, the Tyrannosaurus Vinyl Model has evolved into the "Master Craft Edition." Let's compare its new, more authentic form with previous models.

The sculpting incorporates recent reconstruction images, expressing meticulous details such as the recreation of lips covering the teeth, the shape of the scales on the maxilla, the thick neck, and the abdominal silhouette, in addition to the traditional Tyrannosaurus image. Within the world of vinyl models, it has come closer to the true form of the creature.

For the coloring, yellow is adopted as the base color. Inheriting the legacy of previous Tyrannosaurus Vinyl Models, it features a paint job that adds depth and presence while retaining a familiar appeal.

Furthermore, by achieving a posture that allows it to stand on two legs, the Tyrannosaurus-likeness is enhanced, resulting in a more authentic model. Whether for playing, displaying, or simply admiring, we hope this enriches the world of dinosaurs in your mind.

Kazunari Araki

(Araki Kazunari)

Japan's leading dinosaur sculptor, known for producing dinosaur restoration models for natural history museums and prototypes for dinosaur encyclopedias.