1/72 Norman Motte and Bailey Castle

[Stuart]

Hi all,

So my daughter came home from school the other day and said that she had to make a model Motte and Bailey Castle for her history homework - to be handed in next week!!!! (They're doing the Normans and William the Conqueror)

Wow! What a challenge - modelling and history combined!

For those that don't know - this is what a Motte and Bailey Castle looks like...



The Bailey is the enclosed Settlement, and the Motte is the raised earthwork with the tower on. A lot of people think that castles are defensive structures - which they are to some extent - but they are really offensive in nature. Think of them as an aircraft carrier, with the Cavalry acting as the aircraft controlling the surrounding area.

The Model will be roughly 1/72 (I've ordered some figures) and made from clay, wood and any other bits and bobs I can find.

Cheers

Stuart

[Stuart]

Working on the Motte...



the plastic bowl will form a base for a clay layer - the plastic lid will form the top and a flat surface to mount the wooden tower.

Mocking up the walls...



Just working on an idea to make the palisades - clay base/earthworks with kebab skewers as logs.

Regards

Stuart

[Stikpusher]

Oh defensive works speak to the young grunt I once was...

[lawman56]

Have you considered building a large, wooden rabbit?

This is really pretty neat. One of my (many) goals, is to build replicas of Ft. William-Henry and Ft. Ticonderoga. The kebab skewer idea is pretty brilliant.

[Stuart]

Thanks Gents!

Have you considered building a large, wooden rabbit?

This is really pretty neat. One of my (many) goals, is to build replicas of Ft. William-Henry and Ft. Ticonderoga. The kebab skewer idea is pretty brilliant.

lol - I love the rabbit idea! (Great film that)

Are those Cavalry forts - I remember them from many a Western. That would look cool.

It's certainly an interesting project - and not something I'd normally consider building. I might have to have a another go in the future when I have more time.

[KSaarni]

This is just so great Stuart!

Must be the most unique WIP/build on these pages so far!
Great initiative all in all!

- Kari

[Stuart]

This is just so great Stuart!

Must be the most unique WIP/build on these pages so far!
Great initiative all in all!

- Kari

Thanks Kari - they'll be more progress this evening!

[BorgR3mc0]

Cool build! are going ti scratch the whole thing?



But why are you doing your daugthers homework?

[Stuart]

Cool build! are going ti scratch the whole thing?

But why are you doing your daugthers homework?

Pretty much the whole thing - I might get some figures.

Lol - It's ok, I'm just helping - I'm just coming up with the ideas on how to make it for her approval. I'll get her building all the buildings and ground work etc.

[tigrazor]

Oh yeah, good oldschool clay'n'toothpick modeling. Is the clay air drying? Pity that you dont live around the corner, Id have had suitable figures here.

Good luck!