Science & Nature new for 2024

[bmathison1972]

I hadn't looked at it closely, but the original email I got from MiniZoo said Australian Magpie modified, so I assumed the original was altered. Either way, I don't care, as I am happy with the original and don't need this new one

[Sim]

It's good to know the magpie is indeed a new version, I've added it to the first post of this thread.  I too have the original magpie, which I plan to keep.  But this gives me hope Science & Nature will remake the black swan, a species which is not on their website and I guess is retired.

[EpicRaptorMan]

This is a completely new model. As someone said, just. look at it

That's an invalid argument as that just comes down to subjection. We've had debates on this forum in history's past where "just look at it" doesn't cover it.
As stated, the company stated it was a modified version.

This isn't really an argument of semantics. If you look closely, the original magpie has a far more upright posture than the newly released model who is more balanced laterally. The body depth of the more recent model is deeper looking from mid dorsal point to ventral point. The texture of feathers is different. The beak of the old model is slimmer and longer. The recent release has thicker legs. The way the heads are set on each model are different also; they are both slight tilted to the right, but the older model has its head raised up higher giving the entire neck-head area a slimmer look, while the recent figure has it placed in a more rested position, making it more robust looking/thicker diameter. IMO, those are all (in combination at least) difficult to "retool".

Regardless, I have the old one and the recent release is on its way. I can present comparisons and we will see if it is indeed different or not.

All sounds like modifications to me. They took the original and made adjustments. As I said; modified.
If I install an entire bodykit onto my car and paint it to make it look different does that make it an entirely new car? No, because the VIN remains the same. Regardless, S&N is advertising it as modified and it's all semantics. No need to get worked up so much

[Saarlooswolfhound]

I'm not worked up at all, just explaining the differences that I see. You would have to heavily modify the original figure to gain the posture of the recent release. I'm not arguing that it hasn't replaced the old model, it has the same product # etc. I just feel that the model is a "fresh" sculpt rather than a "modified" one, hence my comment on my argument not being about semantics. But like I said before, we will know what it is soon enough so there's no need hashing things out further.

Perhaps Sim said it best, its a new "version".

[EpicRaptorMan]

I just feel that the model is a "fresh" sculpt rather than a "modified" one, hence my comment on my argument not being about semantics.

[Saarlooswolfhound]

Here is the debated magpie. IMO, this is clearly a new sculpt and not reworked. But here are photos so you can decide for yourself.

My new figures (this, the thylacine, and galah) have all arrived and you can see them in my new additions topic.

[BlueKrono]

I agree with you. Same animal but entirely different sculpts.

[sbell]

I agree with you. Same animal but entirely different sculpts.

I'd have to agree. More than just the pose, the feathering and details are distinctly different.

S&N has always been one of those quiet, small companies that does consistent work. Maybe MiniZoo should have sold their models to them

[SerAndrew]

Hey @Saarlooswolfhound
May you have the Papo magpie and thus be able to provide comparison?

Thanks!

[sbell]

Hey @Saarlooswolfhound
May you have the Papo magpie and thus be able to provide comparison?

Thanks!

They'd be different (unrelated) species! The Papo is a European magpie (corvid); the Australian is an artamid (butcherbirds, etc). If you collect birds you need both!

[SerAndrew]

Hey @Saarlooswolfhound
May you have the Papo magpie and thus be able to provide comparison?

Thanks!

They'd be different (unrelated) species! The Papo is a European magpie (corvid); the Australian is an artamid (butcherbirds, etc). If you collect birds you need both!

Precisely because I need both I need to know their relative sizes! haha
I suspect the australian will be too big compared to the Papo's

[sbell]

Hey @Saarlooswolfhound
May you have the Papo magpie and thus be able to provide comparison?

Thanks!

They'd be different (unrelated) species! The Papo is a European magpie (corvid); the Australian is an artamid (butcherbirds, etc). If you collect birds you need both!

Precisely because I need both I need to know their relative sizes! haha
I suspect the australian will be too big compared to the Papo's

 

Hopefully not. I used to have several S&N birds and they weren't that large, but it's been a while

[Sim]

I have the Papo Eurasian magpie and the original Science & Nature Australian magpie and they are about the same size.  They scale well together in my opinion.


I received a reply from Science & Nature and they told me two things:

1. Their black swan figure hasn't sold well enough to make a black swan figure without a base worthwhile to make.

2. They gave me permission to say they have two figures planned for release in early 2025: Australia bush turkey and blue tongue lizard!

[Saarlooswolfhound]

That is very exciting! Thanks for sharing this Sim!

I am happy to share a comparison of the magpie a bit later today. Stand by...

[Saarlooswolfhound]

I sincerely apologize for the delay on this. It has been busy getting my new place in order and getting things crossed off my to-do list; but at long last, herr are both of the S&N magpies alongside Papo's!

[SerAndrew]

I sincerely apologize for the delay on this. It has been busy getting my new place in order and getting things crossed off my to-do list; but at long last, herr are both of the S&N magpies alongside Papo's!

Thank you very much!
As expected, the australian is too big for me, sadly...