1st Build -- The Krak Des Chevaliers

[Szdfan]

Today my first build came in the mail, the classic Dover model of the Krak des Chevaliers in Syria. I was really excited until I opened the book and (gulp) that's a lot of cutting to do (but I wanted a challenge, so suck it up )

Glancing at the model, it appears that some of the wall detail (no idea what it's called, but probably some kind of defensive feature) are flat. It's a silly thing, but I know me -- it's the kind of detail that would bug me.

Any suggestions on how to give it some dimension? I do have access to a black and white laser/photocopier. Would it make sense to scan and make copies of these parts and then paste on top, using color pencils for color?

Or should I cut out the original piece and then using card stock to build it up and then clue it back on?

Or is it not worth it?

 

[Szdfan]

Here's a contemporary picture of the fortress wall. Those "things" jut out of the wall significantly.

 

[lehcyfer]

You can cut them out, laminate on thicker card, laminate the wall with the holes in it on a card (or just glue a strip on the back, covering the holes) and then glue the extrusions on top - their lamination will make them jut out.

 

[Szdfan]

So I went ahead and started putting together the first couple of walls. I think I'm making all the newbie mistakes. But as my wife says, it takes time to develop the "eye" and skills to do something new. So onward! It's just card and glue.

 

[Szdfan]

I've started to slowly put together the different walls and towers of the outside wall.

Couple of questions --

• To make the walls, you fold and glue the flat drawing into these boxes. I'm having trouble keeping them completely square when gluing together. They are small and fiddly. Any tips?
• How do you curve a wall? I was able to curve a wall for one of the towers, but it ain't pretty.
• I've been using white glue. Is there some way to control the flow better than from one of those school glue bottles? Would liquid cement with a brush be a better option?

 

[lehcyfer]

To curve a card, put it on some soft material - like underside of some mousepads - and press it down with a round rod, moving it as if you vere flattening a dough with a rolling pin - except rolling

Spreading white glue with a brush should do the trick. You can wash the brush afterward.

 

[Zathros]

Not having seen this structure, but having been to Europe and seen a few, the bricks may not be curved. If the ends are angled, it looks curved from a distance, till you get right up on it. I could be totally wrong about this structure though, and probably am.

 

[Szdfan]

Greetings,

A couple of update photos --

Progress going a bit slower than anticipated, but I have a good excuse since my wife and I welcomed baby daughter #2 on March 2nd. :mrgreen:

The build consists of an outer wall and an inner citadel. The outer wall consists of a series of boxes that make up each wall and tower that will later get glued together. I've been focused on the walls, generally skipping the towers for later.

I've had some issues folding and gluing. I've been using white glue, which doesn't always "stick" fast enough. Applying it with a paint brush has been given me more control, but when I have to apply the glue more than once, because the bond didn't take and I'm finding that the card begins to dissolve due to over-saturation and I also end up with that patina of dried white glue. Also am having problems with fuzz on edges from too much handling.

At the same time, I do think my technique is gradually getting better as I keep going.

 

[Zathros]

Congratulations on the 2nd baby daughter! The sleep deprivation must be killing you! The walls look fantastic.

 

[Szdfan]

Congratulations on the 2nd baby daughter! The sleep deprivation must be killing you! The walls look fantastic.

I found myself up at 2 in the morning working on this model last night, So it's not just the baby that's depriving my sleep; it's also a paper castle.

 

[Rigobert]

Hello Szdfan,

your work looks great, I'm waiting for finishing this building.

Regards
Rigo

 

[Szdfan]

Hello Szdfan,

your work looks great, I'm waiting for finishing this building.

Regards
Rigo

Thank you!

 

[Szdfan]

Progress has been slow, but it's coming along.

I spent part of today recovering from Holy Week by finishing up a segment of wall that I had been working on and off on for the past couple of weeks -- Wall "F" with Tower 7.

I am no longer using white glue, but switched to using Turbo Tacky Glue with super glue for the fiddly parts. I prefer the super glue over the Tacky Glue, but am discovering slight discoloration with printed black lines and the super glue. I haven't glued my fingers together yet :mrgreen:, but have discovered small bits of card stuck to my fingers.

It seems to me that one of the key things is handling the model as little as possible while gluing. I've discovered that if I have to reglue a joint more than once, I begin to have problems with "fraying" card. Has anybody experienced something similar?

I had this moment of deep satisfaction late one night when I saw that I created something with dimension out of flat paper. It was a great feeling -- one that I can get used to!

 

[anthony344]

Excellent build :thumb:, nice & neat. How much did this kit set you back in price , the details is like wow.:mrgreen:

 

[Zathros]

Your "enhancement" of this model really has paid off. It's excellent looking, and would make a great enter piece of a diorama. I look forward to seeing where this goes. Great job!

 

[Szdfan]

Excellent build :thumb:, nice & neat. How much did this kit set you back in price , the details is like wow.:mrgreen:

Less that $10. The old Dover "cut & assemble" models were rather cheap and marketed towards kids (However, I think it's not the easiest kit in the world -- instructions are vague and there are some fold & glues I found challenging). Dover published a whole series of these models (Caernarvon Castle, the Robie House, A Victorian Town, a 1920's Main Street, a New England Harbor, etc.) The kits are no longer in print, but it's easy to find them online at used book stores.

 

[Johnny Cheung]

It look impressive indeed, and hope to see the finished model