Mile Fort, Pt.3

Although I am not above using pre-scribed or pre-embossed sheet (as you will soon see),  I am proud to say all of the block work was scribed by hand (to match the dimensions of the existing model). To do this, I used a scriber from Micro-Mark, which has a flat spot on the tip. This allows the tool to plow out a "U-bottomed" channel rather than the "V-shaped" line produced by a standard scriber. It is pictured below. Scribing the horizontal courses of blocks was fairly simple. Just mark the blocks' height up both sides of a squared-off sheet of styrene (I used a pair of dividers for precision), and connect the dots with the scriber. The alternating nature of the blocks vertically (called a running bond by masons) was a bit more challenging. I made this jig to speed up the production. The distance between the brass wire and the edge of the cut-out is the same size as the width of a block. Start by aligning the wire with the right-side edge of styrene, then scribe all the odd-numbered rows. Place the wire over the lines you just scribed, and scribe the odd-numbered rows again. Keep repeating this process to the left until all the odd-numbered rows are done. Now go back to the right and measure out  the width of half a block. Use a square and scribe all the even-numbered rows. Place the wire over those lines, and begin the process to the left again. It seems like drudgery, but completing a wall takes very little time.

To save time, and not over-power the shorter side walls, I only placed one column at each corner.

Note to self: The more holes you place in a wall, the more flippin' columns you have to make.

The stairs to the porch, and on up to the roof. These, and all subsequent stairs, will hold a figure on a 25mm base. As stated earlier, I have nothing against using pre-textured sheet. Here you can see the 'O'-scale Dressed Stone by Plastruct.

When I started working on the roof, I felt the walls weren't tall enough. So I raised the roof with these 1/8" x 1/2" strips.

The original builders had two large entry doors, but later inhabitants bricked-up one to increase the building's living space.

 Small side entrance.

The roof, which is removable, with the stairway opening. Something to keep in mind, there will be two large walls coming off both sides of this fort. The side and rear doors and windows will not be exposed to the enemy.

 Looking down on the stairway.

The garrison's living area. The troops will eat and sleep on this raised platform, made of Plastruct's Oak Plank sheet. The three windows provide light and ventilation. (Remember, there are horses in here sometimes.

 The floor is covered with Polished Stone sheet. That should stand up well to horses' hooves.

 While I hand-scribed the flagstones on the floor of the Porch and the stair treads, I needed something faster and easier for the roof. Plastruct's Random Tile to the rescue. "Why the odd shape?" you ask.

 To fit around the shooting platform and railings, of course.

Stay tuned!