How feathered was T. rex?

I'm sure many of you have seen the recent articles, "OMFG THE T REK IS JUS LIEK IT WAZ IN JURASSIC PARK, SCINTIST FOUND 2 CENTIMETERS OF SCALES SO I KNOW IT." While a lot of these headlines are ridiculous and just trying to reel in viewers, we can't just do the easy path and say "eh I'll just ignore the new integument stuff." There are scales known from near the ilium now and a few other places, so we must change our views to accommodate for the evidence.

Unfortunately the current Saurian rex is actually affected. The hip should not be feathered much at all, only a bit of the dorsal side may be covered in floof.
I have proposed 4 possible integument patterns for Tyrannosaurus, but technically there is also a fifth (vulture without tail feathers. but imo, it looks hideous).

DISCLAIMER: I made this over a year ago, so it probably isn't much of a good guide anymore. I tried to update the descriptions I had of the four possibilities real quick to clear things up.

Possibility 1: Fully Feathered
This possibility no longer seems too plausible, both because it could cause some overheating issues and because it conflicts with areas we possibly know scales were present. Perhaps something will change though.

Possibility 2: Vulture rex
More in line with what we know than Fully feathered, this is a nice choice for someone who wants a feathered T. rex without going overboard.

Possibility 3: Conservative Feathering
This possibility is similar to what Saurian was using, but the feathers stop sooner. As far as feathered variants go this or a mix of this and the vulture choice are probably the most accurate.

Possibility 4: Fully Naked
This is very possible, T. rex may have not been feathered at all (or very lightly feathered). This doesn't mean it looked like the JP T. rex though, if you want an accurate naked T. rex make sure to follow the anatomy of the creature.


All credit for the Tyrannosaurus sils goes to for making a deliciously awesome Sue skeletal which I used. You should really check out his stuff, he's got some of the most accurate stuff out there.