This model of a Japanese Castle was probably built in the early 90's, as an exercise in curing boredom over an Easter week-end and was one of the very few models I've built that featured a lot of balsa.
The base was ply-wood, but most of the walls and roof are cardboard.
It's footprint is about 18" x 24" (35 x 60 cm), excluding the rather long ramp (it's detachable).The height of the castle is about 18" from the tabletop.
Like the Mosque featured in last week's post this too was copied from an issue of "Wargames Illustrated" (or the other one).
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| View of the ;other; side of the model |
This model has featured in my blog in the past too, in one of my posts at the start of my blogging (Link:
Zabadak's Zombie World) and again, in passing a mere 7 years later in a post three weeks or so ago (Link :
Zabadak's Zombie World). It took a long time to remove most of the accunulated dust of 7 years from the position it was left in all those years ago,
All the roofs lift off and the main keep (or Donjon if you prefer) has lift off segments, enabling figures to 'fight' inside.
As is drew a bit of interest here's the photos:
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| Dust in the gatehouse ! (bit boring really) |
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| Rear view of the model (bit obvious) |
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| Gatehouse with "28mm" figure for scale |
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| Entrance with opening doors! |
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| Walkway with roof removed |
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| Corner building (the room below is inaccessible) |
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| Back-wall walkway and door to corner (building |
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| Dust ! (obligatory boring picture) |
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| Top floor of the keep |
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| Next floor down |
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| Third floor down from the top (bored yet ?) |
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| Bottom two floors, with 'walkway' for troops , enabling access to the ground floor) |
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| Ground floor entrance (with added dust !) |
Yet another model that has never seen action, but one I learnt a lot from building.
If I was to build another (I doubt I will) I would make it more realistic and without those anachronistic re-roofs !
A have quite a few samurai figures, and some did see action about three years ago on the table in a game of Saga, organised by my #1 son for me and a visiting fellow blogger (ex blogger now) - though using less than half my forces it seemed more of a skirmish than a battle.
That's it then for yet another week, one in which this blog has been the only hobby-related activity I've managed.
I hope there was something to interest you in this self-indulgent trip down memory lane and if you inclined to comment, it will be truly welcome and much appreciated.
You are very talented, Zab. Very nice scratchbuilding.
ReplyDeleteThanks Jay, I doubt it's nothing that many others couldn't do easily.
DeleteNow that is a pretty cool building!
ReplyDeleteThanks Ray, I doubt though the Lord of the Castle would like it described as 'cool'.
DeleteThat's really awesome!
ReplyDeleteThanks Mchal, it does need a bit of work to bring it up to a better standard though.
DeleteGreat bit of scratch building! I'm really enjoying your back catalogue of buildings!
ReplyDeleteBest Iain
Thanks Iain, If I ever get my stepladder back (from my daughter) I may be able to get to my wild weets building !
DeleteAnother wonderful bit of work Joe, seen all of this stuff is a real treat so thanks for taking the time to show us :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Frank, it's comments like this that make it totally worth the three to four hours I spent putting this blog together ! (seriously)
DeleteYour most welcome Joe :)
Delete:-)
DeleteExcellent. I do like a Japanese castle. Yes there are historical and Architectural issues but over-all it really is good. I am almost tempted to have a do my self! (Then I have a dose of realit and stop that line of thought straight away!)
ReplyDeleteThanks Clint, I think that with your building skills it wouldn't be that much of a challange; having the need for one though is a completely different matter....
DeleteA thing of beauty!
ReplyDeleteThanks Al, but how is your eyesight these days ?
DeleteFrom my viewpoint all I see is all the ways I could have made it better !
That is fabulous mate. A testament to your workmanship that it's stood the test of time bar a bit of dust.
ReplyDeleteThanks Brummie, it maybe an old model, but not the oldest I have made and still own.
DeleteWow! I have always dreamt of making one of these japanese castles my own and this is great inspiration. Love your work.Very nice indeed Joe.
ReplyDeleteThanks Ptr, with your kills it should be an easy task for you.
Delete"Papermau" has many small Japanese castles that you could use as plans too.
What a brill model. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThanks Irqan, not as good as it could be maybe, but it served its purpose at the time.
DeleteWow Joe, what a treat! :-)
ReplyDeleteI loved this model as soon as I saw it among your collection, and now you've featured it in this post it's even more impressive - THEN you reveal that you built it with a playable interior!! :-)
My hat is off to you sir.
Thanks TWA, I imagined when building it the scene from Shogun when ninja attack the castle, alas my imagination always outdoes reality and it's never been used !
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