Exquisite model making by simulation animal model manufacturer for museum exhibitions

Case study of making a simulated snow chicken model

1、 Model design and prototype reference

Based on the Tibetan snow chicken as a prototype, combined with field observation data and specimen data, the model posture is determined to be "alert standing", with a slightly lateral head and slightly open beak, restoring its natural state of inhabiting the rocks on the plateau. The feathers of the Tibetan snow chicken are gray brown and white striped, with fluffy belly feathers and thick, scaly legs. The model design focuses on reproducing these details.

2、 Material selection and characteristics

Main structure: hand carved with high-density polyurethane foam, light in texture and strong in plasticity, convenient for fine shaping.

Feather layer: The main feathers are made of hand cut ultra-fine nylon thread, simulating the stiff texture of the gray brown main feathers; The fluffy feathers on the abdomen are made of wool blend material, which presents a soft and layered feeling through layered combing.

Beak and Claws: The beak is made of weather resistant resin and hand polished before coloring; The claws are made of hard PVC material, carved with thick scale texture to enhance the three-dimensional sense.

3、 Production process flow

Prototype carving: PU foam carves the overall outline of Tibetan snow chicken in layers, including the proportion of head, trunk, wings, tail and legs, to ensure that the bone structure is consistent with the real birds.

Detail shaping: Hand sculpt the curvature of the beak, eye indentation, and paw scale texture, and use fine sandpaper to polish layer by layer until the surface is smooth.

Feather installation: The main feathers are arranged in the direction of growth and fixed with environmentally friendly glue; Layered combing of abdominal feathers, gently shaping with a hot air gun to simulate a natural fluffy state.

Detail reinforcement: Use glass beads to simulate the pupils around the eyes, and outline the circles with black paint around them; Fill the gaps between the feet with fine sand particles to restore the natural wear and tear of the high-altitude habitat environment.

4、 Post processing and coloring

Base color: Using matte acrylic pigment, first apply light gray brown as the main base color, then use dark gray and black pigments to spot dye the back stripes, simulating the gradient effect of natural feathers.

Detail coloring: Use orange red pigment to layer and blend the beak, gradually deepening the color from the base to the tip; Paint the paws in earthy yellow and use dark brown at the joints to emphasize the sense of three dimensionality.

Gloss treatment: Spray a thin matte varnish as a whole to avoid reflection and restore the natural texture of bird feathers.

5、 Restoration degree and process highlights

Shape restoration: The model has a natural posture, distinct layers of feathers, and a contrast between the fluffy belly and the stiff back feathers, which is in line with the physiological characteristics of Tibetan snow chickens.

Detail accuracy: Small structures such as paw scales and beak texture are clearly visible, feather colors transition naturally, and there are no obvious artificial traces.

Material adaptation: The lightness of PU foam and the softness of wool combine to ensure the stability of the model and restore the dynamic texture of birds.

6、 Application scenarios and value

This model can be widely applied in natural museums, science education bases, wildlife themed exhibitions, and other scenarios. It conveys biodiversity knowledge through high fidelity details, combining ornamental and popular science aspects. During the production process, attention is paid to the environmental friendliness of materials and the precision of craftsmanship, ensuring that the model is not easily faded or deformed during long-term storage, and presenting customers with a "realistic and touchable" simulation experience.