Avalonia Task 4: Watchtower in Gloomville

[Pyf]

This is an example of the many watchtowers surrounding the hamlet of Gloomville, one of the larger hamlets of the Gloomy Isles. These watchtowers are used for several purposes. Their main purposes being the ability to see enemies approaching from all sides, however they are also used as lookouts from which to hunt deer and other animals inhabiting the isles lands. Most of the bigger watchtowers also possess facilities to home prisoners for short periods of time. This is particularly useful, as the network of watchtowers on the Isles can be used during prisoner transports across the land. It is surprising how many prisoners need to be transported each year. This is due to the high number of ships ending up stranded around the Gloomy Isles due to the heavy fog and difficult sea passages surrounding the islands.

Everyone who ends up shipwrecked on the Isles is considered hostile, until his or her innocence is decided by the law council in Gloomville or the Black Tower Fortress.

[Zerobricks]

Awesome tree house tower! Nice jail too.

[TheRedViper]

Very nice.

[Alfadas]

Awesome tower, but I don't understand the crown on the banner? Anyway, great work!

[cablefoxley]

Very unusual tower there. Quite like it, cant wait to se further builds from you.

[Lord Vladivus]

Different tower! Nice! I like the angled bit of the tree!

[Scaevola]

Nice job. The building and trees look a little too much like the lotr sets

[robuko]

Nice build and very interesting story. I am looking forward to seeing how this develops.

[mccoyed]

I think it should be pointed out that this looks like a Mod of the Warg Ambush set from The Hobbit. Correct me if I'm wrong.

Not sure if Mods should count for MOCs as we don't see them very often. I do personally feel like MOCs are what GoH should be about.

That said, it's a nice looking Mod. My C&C would be to develop your photography methods and that the base is a bit out of whack with the girth of the build as it gains height.

Edited September 23, 2014 by mccoyed

[Pyf]

Hey, most parts used do actually come from the lotr warg set. This is mainly due to me not having more than a couple of sets with me. The rest is in a different country. Plus it gave me a first idea on how to build a tree. It will sadly take a little while to build up a decent collection of pieces, until then I am working from a small selection. I will however try and improve the individualism and look over time as well.

Concerning its size compared to the base I have to admit that it became much chunkier as I built along than I had originally intended for it to be, so something else I will be working on for the future.

Edited September 23, 2014 by Pyf

[Yzalirk]

Basic start but I do agree with mccoyed. It doesn't really give off a fully custom build vibe.

Hey, most parts used do actually come from the lotr warg set. This is mainly due to me not having more than a couple of sets with me. The rest is in a different country...

I take it you're on vacation? Nonetheless, MOC's shouldn't be rushed. From experience, take it from me, it seems like I always improvise as well. Mix different parts around and I can tell you have potential because the rock there looks pretty cool but the watchtower just doesn't look proportionate.

Edited September 23, 2014 by Behemoth

[Pyf]

Nope actually here due to university. So at the moment bricks, space and money is rather scarce ;)

Means that a lot of my ideas are just not realisable currently, or just as very basic versions, which still is fun, as these are the first builds I've made in quiet some years...

So I am very grateful for any constructive criticism and suggestions that will help me improve.

Edited September 24, 2014 by Pyf

[Yzalirk]

Nope actually here due to university. So at the moment bricks, space and money is rather scarce ;)

Ah, okay! I feel your pain about having a budget for parts and sets. Have fun at your university and it's definitely more important than LEGO's but whenever you can, pick up a few things like sets or bricks from BrickLink if need be, they have stores that sell bricks and stuff pretty cheap but don't forget to pay, they tell you through email and I almost forgot to pay.

[mccoyed]

Best advice I can give you, Pyf, is to spend some time looking at the history of Historica, skimming through threads and paying attention to the builds (it's all about the builds!). Try to ignore that nagging feeling of "dang, I wish I could..." when looking at the huge and parts-intensive stuff. Focus on the smaller details and techniques, especially things you can approximate with your Lego and that would fit well with smaller scale builds. There's a wealth of stuff out there. Personally, while I have a lot of Lego (not nearly as much as some members here), I tend toward medium and smaller scale builds. There's a lot you can do with a little if you get the basic techniques down.

[soccerkid6]

I like the house section and it looks like you have a fold down ladder/ramp?

Feel free to make small vignettes, even something as small as 8x8 can be really neat