Work in Progress

Krak des Chevaliers

Posted by Michael Robert on 11 May 2018, 19:25

Good evening,

for some time I'm working on a new subject - crusades and Middle East. Since I have learned making trees and buildings in a rather efficient way - thanks to our Master Classes at last FIGZ meeting, I've chosen a - well an ambitious center piece : the Krak des Chevaliers. My idea is that figures will follow - many already done.
Unfortunately, this year I won't be able to come to FIGZ. So at least I try to compensate with a bigger contribution. Let's wait and see.

So here are the readily avaiable pictures of the Krak, a major defensive work erected by Templars as far as I remember. Defendable by approx 500 people but with space to lodge up to 5000.
The style is of early Middle Ages - purely military style, massive, little or no ornamentation, with successive defensive rings and located on a dominating landspot.

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From here I made my initial drawing - not a joke, the main info is already in the pictures. This drawing was just to get my proportions right.

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Now some first cuts into the pink foam and off we go...
The model is greatly simplified. It is in modular form so that I can use and reuse the elements. I start with the inner bourg. Also, there is a tower like a dungeon, but as the complete castle was built in one shot, very unlike all castles in old Europe, it is not central in m model (artist's choice :-D )

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More in a next posting.
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Michael Robert  France

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Posted by MABO on 11 May 2018, 23:46

Looking very good. I will follow your project with interest!
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MABO  Europe
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Posted by Beano Boy on 12 May 2018, 00:38

Very good to see the work of a former student of Mr Cryns.
Who I suppose looks in on this Forum from time to time?
Practice gained over a long period often opens up many possibilities
in developing ones own unique style of skills. i see it nicely presented here.
Well done Michael,on both the outline sketch, and your work so far. :thumbup:
I look forward to the next update. BB
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Posted by stenfalk on 13 May 2018, 21:24

I will follow this report with interest; Krak for me has always been one of the most impressive castles of the Crusade era. I had even thought about making myself a replica, but somehow i never really could motivate myself to start.
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Posted by Susofrick on 14 May 2018, 11:13

Wow! Will also follow this with interest!
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Posted by Emperor on 14 May 2018, 18:06

I remember this castle from documentary on History channel, back in 2005. They say it was impossible to capture it. Reason it is because of its wall desighn...
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Posted by Michael Robert on 19 May 2018, 18:18

Thank you all for your encouragements.
Here are some new pictures. The walls are now with more relief. I used a ballpen mainly and a small screwdriver. I am quite happy with my modular approach. It will allow me modifications or other uses of single pièces. One modification will surely be a "broken" piece of wall.

Pictures taken in the garden

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Now I will start painting this inner central part of the castle.
It is a long weekend. There is a chance to do Something more time-consuming

Cheers
Michael
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Michael Robert  France

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Posted by Kekso on 22 May 2018, 16:03

That castle looks awesome already and is very inspirational.
Now I can't wait to see painting progress.
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Posted by santifernandez on 22 May 2018, 20:22

Although at first I did not see the ratio well, it is really a good job, I hope to see more progress.
Gooooo!!!
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Posted by Dad's Army on 22 May 2018, 20:49

WOW, seems the FIGZ workshop gave you inspiration....
A shame you can't come, but in our thought you are wit us again next week.
I must say, I am impressed about your WIP Castle, looking good.
Hardly can't wait for the result when it is finished.
Keep up the good work (an you could add a tree as well :mrgreen: )
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Posted by Bluefalchion on 22 May 2018, 21:41

The castle is coming along, and so is your garden.
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Posted by Beano Boy on 22 May 2018, 22:34

It really does look Great ! :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:
Another Bank Holiday in Britain gives more time for such fun.
I being ignorant upon the subject, i do not know what they do in France. BB
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Posted by Michael Robert on 22 May 2018, 23:14

Thank you for all your nice and encouraging comments
My progression will be stepwise because I can only work on it on weekends when I’m home. I’ve started painting already :-)
During the week I make a little progress on my little men. My biggest frustration is still in photography. I have not yet a satisfying way to shoot pictures which I like . More time needed and there is not much.
Anyhow, this will go on.... and there will be trees

Cheers
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Michael Robert  France

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Posted by C M Dodson on 23 May 2018, 07:30

Brilliant work.

Looking forward to see the finished result.

Chris
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Posted by Peter on 21 Jun 2018, 21:32

Excellent work so far! looking forward to the next steps! :thumbup:
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Posted by Michael Robert on 23 Jun 2018, 19:36

Hello!!
At last I am home and can load some more pictures. Yes, while you are feasting in Arnhem I was progressing with the little people. Here some more pictures. All critic welcome.
By the way, yesterday I was in Brummen - for work. Place very close to Arnhem. Very green and relaxed.

At some places you can see the green ink which seeps through even after 3 layers of paint. Just keeps reapearing. I think I have to make it part of the object.

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Next steps: détails and better "ageing" of the inner fortresse

Michael
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Michael Robert  France

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Posted by Paul on 23 Jun 2018, 19:57

I have had the same Problem with pen ink seeping from the scored polystyrene (or even Card) through into the finished paint. I "cured" it by painting the effected area black, then Grey, letting each layer dry completely, then adding the last colour(s)
It might be worth testing on one area to see if it works..it would be a shame to let the ink seepage effect a great Project.
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Posted by huib on 24 Jun 2018, 20:05

Very nice castle!
I would suggest to cover the area with a gloss acrylic varnish, effectively blocking the green ink. And then repaint.
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huib  Netherlands
 
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Posted by Peter on 29 Jun 2018, 20:19

Not sure, but would white glue with water, put a film over the green zone. :eh:
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Posted by Michael Robert on 24 Aug 2018, 14:50

Hello

after a much too long pause of this topic I would like to continue. Most of my work is linked to the population and siege troops - and I won't show 'em until they are finished. Meanwhile, I have my small helpers cleaning off the inner castle, albeit with the kind help of a whip swinging templar. Hopefully, I manage to finish the inner castle this weekend.
Enough words, some pictures

Michael

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Michael Robert  France

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