Eventually as a Taxidermist, you'll have to make some alterations to forms. Quite often a client likes a particular pose but the specimen he or she has is either larger or smaller than the available form.

The method to increase size, making a minimal structural change is demonstrated in this series of photos. We alter the Cougar 905 to fit a larger animal.

After the cuts are made and the form is reassembled using the required spacers, the gaps are covered with plastic and then wrapped with duct tape to secure it in place. Carding held in place with screws will be needed in depressions etc. to secure those points.

Foam is then mixed and poured into a fill spout (i.e. using an empty toilet paper cylinder), the spout is removed, then the opening is taped over securely.

When the foam has set, the tape, plastic and screws are removed and the form is reshaped using a knife and a Stoutt Ruffer or rasp. Extra clay may be added to bulk up some muscling.

The length can be increased by adding a piece of foam between the front and back sections of the form. and possibly a small amount to the neck length. A larger change-out head may also be required to complete the process.

Since we have only widened the form to this point it is now necessary to add some clay or do a free rise pour of foam(which is then carved to shape) to the chest and belly areas to restore the natural aspect of the body.

Reducing the size of a form is a similar process, except that material is removed. A small amount may be also be taken out of the length of midsection and neck. Unlike in the enlargement process however, where extra is added to the outside radius of the neck, there needs to be a portion taken out of the inside radius.

When all of the cuts are done the pieces can be reassembled using either bondo or foam as adhesive. Any voids can be filled with mixed foam after using plastic and duct tape in the same manner as was used in the enlargement. Once the tape, plastic and screws have been removed the form can be reshaped with a knife and a Stoutt Ruffer or rasp. You may find that the lower legs may need a slight reduction in size. A test fit will reveal the answer. A smaller change-out head may also be required.

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