Tower of the Elements Printer Friendly Version   By ABAROTH - Dec. 31, 1969 Background: I’ve been wanting to make an “unruined” tower using this mould for a while now, and HADD made me sit down and work out all those little problems. Anyone who owns the mould will know what I mean: o The large arches will not form a complete circle alone o There will be a 3” hole in the centre (which could be filled using the turret mould except for the HADD regs.) o You need to design a circular roof which is in keeping with the blocks Measurements: Height 11¾ inches Length 12 inches Width 12 inches Total 35¾ inches Mould used: # 65 Ruined Tower x 56 casts Materials used: o Prestia Basic Alpha plaster o PVA (white glue) o ¼” plywood = base o Gedeo Resin Crystal = water effects o Paints - Emulsion, Acrylics & Inks o Bass wood = roof o Cereal box = roof o Insulated wire = apex of roof o Dead twig = log pile o Bic biro tube = clear column o Piano wire = 3 force beams o Nylon guitar string = clear force beam o Styrofoam = terrain o Woodland Scenics scatter and foliage o GW Female Elven Mage figure Tools & Equipment: o Sandpaper o Kebab skewers to mix the resin o Washing powder scoop to mix resin in o Electronic scales to weigh resin (thanks mum) o Craft knife o Wire cutters o Wood saw o Hacksaw o Clamps The building is designed to separate into 3 parts for storage purposes. Tricky Sections: Rather than describe the infinite tedium of gluing every block together, I’ll just talk you through some of the more awkward areas of the model, and the solutions I found to the problems. Obstacle: The large arches will not form a complete circle alone. Solution: I had wanted to use these on the upper levels, but was forced into using them on the bottom level. I hope the building still looks as though it could stand up (although, since it is the domain of a powerful MU, it could be supported by magic). Obstacle: There will be a 3” hole in the centre. Solution: Since I couldn’t pave this area, I decided on some kind of water feature. This was originally going to be a ritual fountain in some kind of temple, until I spotted the Elven figure and worked out that it had to be a wizard’s tower. So the design changed organically to become the latter. Obstacle: You need to design a circular roof which is in keeping with the blocks. Solution: I wondered about a domed roof, but this would be four inches tall plus the pinnacle on top, which was too much of my 12 inch height allowance. I also tried a flat roof, but this didn’t look appropriate to the blocks in my opinion. So I decided on a circular lead roof, with a hole in the centre. I cut the lead sheeting from a cereal packet, fitted bass wood strips and capped the apex with a length of plastic insulated wire (about 3mm or 1/8” outer diameter). Obstacle: Maths. Solution: Brainache. This is not actually compulsory, but working out the right shapes to cut out of the cereal packet took some doing (and several spare batteries for my calculator). Seriously though, if anyone wants to know the formulae for a circular roof, be it a conical spire or a doughnut shape like this, then please contact me and I’ll post the info. Obstacle: Deadlines. Solution: Doh! I started painting the MU figure today, and finished fitting it about an hour ago, leaving very little daylight to take photos. I hope these look OK, as flash photography on most models looks XXXX (sorry, less good). Its been dull and overcast here all day, and I’ve been sat outside painting because it was too dark inside. Real Solution: Always leave enough time to finish your model plus 20% extra for changing your mind halfway though. Current Solution: Very strong lager.   15 Ratings     12345      Public Comments Please log in to post a comment    Created  Comment  Aug. 28, 2006, 10:20PM  By: DUKEDREAL The roof on this is what makes this so great and adds so much! Also it has a beautiful paint job and is well built. Overall a great build!  Aug. 22, 2006, 12:33AM  By: YRM One of the best building designs with a single mold that I've ever seen. I really like it.  Aug. 21, 2006, 04:22PM  By: MALARKEY Good build, nice paint job, and wonderful you worked out a roof that suits it :)  Aug. 20, 2006, 07:47AM  By: PYROLICH refreshingly unruined construction - impressed that you actually calculated the roof, I would have done it by trial and error Nice clean reflection in your water.  Aug. 19, 2006, 11:28AM  By: DNDOPMAN Apparently I had an old email addy listed. You can email me at DNDOPMAN at HOTMAIL.COM.  Aug. 18, 2006, 10:48AM  By: ABAROTH DNDOPMAN, Instructions for simple conical roofs have been posted in image gallery. I tried to send you an e-mail through Voidgamers, but it came back undelivered. Have your details changed?  Aug. 17, 2006, 01:59PM  By: DNDOPMAN THis is a GREAT looking model. I really like the roof. I would like for you to post your math calculations on the roof specs soon if you wouldn't mind. The only thing I can see that would be an improvement , IMO of course, would be to "sink" the building down into the base so it looks like it is part of the base an not sitting on top of it. Great overall build!  Aug. 17, 2006, 11:51AM  By: SNITCHYTHEDOG Wonderful build. You have inspired me to actually use my copy of this mold. Again great execution on the build, and realistic job on the paint. Snitchy sends.  Aug. 17, 2006, 11:11AM  By: CHAVALAH Wonderful job on this entry - I've cast the ruined tower mold and know how hard it is to keep the tower round and totally in place. You did an excellent job! I have one of the large round towers on my entry (Faryth Castle), but you're turned out a lot better than mine! Keep up the good work!

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