Review and images by Kikimalou; edited by bmathison1972
What about the new Alpine ibex proposed by Schleich for 2024?
The real Alpine ibex (Capra ibex) is a stocky animal with sturdy legs and a short, broad muzzle. The coat is dull and brownish over most of the body, lighter on the belly, with darker markings on the chin and throat. The hair on the chest is almost black.
What about our newcomer? This is the 6th Ibex produced by Schleich, and the fourth of ‘classic’ size. He replaces Schleich 41459, discontinued in 2019. The style is very different from its predecessors; it is bigger, not really cute, the proportions are rather good, size of the head is not exaggerated, and the smile is discreet. Our friend’s scale varies from 1:13.6-1:15.2.
Unfortunately, he also has a few faults in my eyes. The quality of the product is inferior to what was done before, the material is more cheap, and my specimen doesn’t stand on its four legs and even tends to lean to the left.
Even if the animal is rather dull, the paintwork on the figurine could have been less so. Previous models were much more glamorous in this respect. Even the quality of the paintwork leaves something to be desired, and I have the unpleasant feeling that it won’t last over time.
In keeping with real life, the large horns are curved towards the rear, with transverse ridges at the front and are smooth at the rear.
To sum up, I would say that the new Schleich is fairly realistic, but that the paintwork and the quality of the material could be improved.
And finally, two family portraits:
With 1:15 scale European fauna:
With other goats at 1:15 scale:
The real Alpine ibex… is Capra ibex. Capra pyrenaica is the Spanish ibex.