 |
| "Fauxban" bastion. |
The fort has received a suitably Classical name - "Kalypso" after the possessive Nymph of Greek mythology. Apt as many posted to this backwater feel stranded in the manner of the unfortunate Odysseus.
I made a trip to "Homebase" the poor British relative of the USA's "Home Depot" and (surprisingly) found what I was looking for - namely polystyrene ceiling coving. Very 1970s but just the job for the squat octagonal tower comprising the North-Western corner of the complex. At £1.79 for about 4' it is a steal. I simply hot-glued four sections together to form the octagon. All other parts were lying around the garage (much to the disgust of the lady wife) and thus cost me nothing!
 |
| Crusader Austrian for scale reference. |
At present the structure is a pretty crude skeleton and I am aware the angles on the glacis are somewhat steeper than historical prototypes. This inaccuracy is a deliberate compromise. Should I model them correctly the thing is going to be enormous. As it is I am going to have trouble finding it a place to live. The apertures have been made oversize as I am going to fine detail them with, my old friend, floral oasis.
 |
| Bird's eye view. |
Tomorrow I will tackle the buildings for the landward side. These should include troop quarters and some form of administrative structure. I am still unsure as to how the tower should be finished off. Originally, I thought an open fighting top with gun ports - now I am considering a roofed structure as seen in many contemporary prints - perhaps even a rather snazzy (and suitably Oriental) dome?
Impressive. I've been thinking about a similar project with 2 bastions and town gate; but complete with moat (dry or wet), demilunes or ravelins, covered way and glacis. So far, it hasn't gone beyond the thinking about it stage, and some scratchings on a plastic base... Like you I was planning on fairly steep slopes, but also quite low profiles, much of the height actually being wall and crenellations protecting the garrison. I thought that if the foundation were an inch high, then breastwork and crenellations together adding a further inch would give an acceptable height to the whole.
ReplyDeleteLooks like its going to be a big'un, look forward to see the end result. When I built my fort some time ago I opted to make it in sections from cardboard, with straight walls (rather than sloped - being lazy). Some piccies on
ReplyDeletehttp://tidders-kingdomofwittenberg.blogspot.com/2009/02/wittenberg-boldovian-army-corps-review.html
-- Allan
I like it Tidders - pretty effective even sans slopes!
ReplyDeleteI have had a moment of inspiration regarding my fort and it involves some junk I picked up for 50p from a D-I-Y store.
Major surgery is pending but then spackle/filler covers a multitude of sins!
Very nice fortifications, Allan - it very nearly changes my mind about the glacis and covered way...! But I suppose the idea I'd be we4ll advised to get something done, and the frills can be added later.
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Ion