Short Description
Animals that reach the limits for zoological taxidermy, end up in the departments unit for model construction. This includes those that lack firm skin, those that are so small they need to be enlarged, or those that simply cannot be preserved.
Many animals, such as amphibians, which are stored in alcohol in collections, can be cast very effectively. This means the animals are removed from alcohol, positioned, and covered with silicone. After the silicone has hardened, the original is removed, and the resulting cavity is filled with a liquid resin/plastic. This creates a replica that is completely identical to the original. This replica is then finished and colored.
Some animals, such as snails or jellyfish, shrivel or are so soft that casting is no longer possible; these animals are completely remodeled. The same applies to enlargements. The objects are meticulously traced using a binocular microscope and then modeled at the desired scale.
One technique that's bringing a breath of fresh air to model making is 3D printing. While the craft of modeling remains an important part of the work, 3D printing offers the opportunity to model something tiny—something too small for our hands—in a large format, scan it, and then reprint it in miniature, achieving a level of detail that no casting could ever match.
Another emerging field is environmentally friendly model making. Previously, polyurethane foam, fiberglass mats, and polyester were the standard materials. Today, with the support of eco-labels, it's possible to explore other materials. For example, an old material was reimagined and successfully used for an almost 4-meter-long model of a beluga whale. A modeling compound developed by Ter Meer—a famous taxidermist of the last century—was modified. The result is a completely environmentally friendly compound made from flour paste, paper scraps, and plaster, with excellent properties for model making.
In diorama building, all materials, specimens and models are used to recreate/represent a specific habitat in a small space as naturally/realistic as possible. The model maker from the 1st Zoological Department also creates showpieces for other departments or special exhibitions at the NHM Vienna.
Contact Person
Mag. Iris Rubin
Research Services
Scientific model making upon request, subject to available time resources.
Methods & Expertise for Research Infrastructure
Modeling, casting, 3D printing, hand coloring, airbrushing, diorama construction