LegoKeno Posted March 3, 2015 Posted March 3, 2015 (edited) Hello Lego fans!! My name is Kenneth and I am a part of the Caithness Broch Project. We have some big plans for Caithness, but at the moment we'd like to start smaller.... I would like to build a miniature Lego version of an ancient Scottish structure, known as a broch. Hopefully we could have this displayed in a local museum or taken around various schools for learning purposes....brochs are basically a tall, cylindrical drystone towers which could house a family, and some were up to 50 ft high! The structure would open in half (like a cross section) so that you could see the different levels and construction techniques, and what was inside! I was wondering if anyone had any thoughts on how to create this "cooling tower" shape? I've looked at a few methods for 'curving' bricks but thought some bright sparks out there would have some ideas... Here's a pic of the exterior and what the interior to a broch may have looked like. This is how I would like the broch to be displayed (after removing the part which hides this) I've also thought about different ways of showing what's inside - perhaps cut horizontally into sections would be better? Anyway, if anyone has ideas on how to create this beast....it would be most appreciated! Many thanks! Ken Edited March 3, 2015 by LegoKeno Quote
gedren_y Posted March 4, 2015 Posted March 4, 2015 This is something I'd like to help with. I am a fan of Scottish history myself. That shape would be difficult. Round towers are generally pretty easy; just parts intensive. This gourd shape, though, is more tricky. I have some ideas that I'd like to test, and get back to you. BTW, your surname isn't MacAlpin, is it? Quote
LegoKeno Posted March 4, 2015 Author Posted March 4, 2015 Hello Gedren!! If you were able to lend a hand in any way that would be great. I will probably try a few things myself but I thought I'd ask 'those in the know' first of all, so thanks for this. And no unfortunately not...I like to think I'm royalty sometimes though! Quote
nine09nueve Posted March 4, 2015 Posted March 4, 2015 You may/may not be aware that there are a few virtual Lego building applications that you can download - so that you can build it first (or at least try some stuff) from the comfort of your own PC/Mac/*insert hardware of choice here* Ultimately I don't think there's any substitute to getting your hands dirty (plasticky?) but the computer versions allow you to test to your heart's content without it being an expensive process buying elements that you don't end up using because you got your calculations wrong! And once you're happy with it you can print out a parts list so you know exactly what you need to order... Bricklink.com is a good site to start with. Have fun and would love to see pictures of the build. Much love D p.s. Welcome to Eurobricks! Quote
LegoKeno Posted March 4, 2015 Author Posted March 4, 2015 I have actually downloaded this and played about with it D! But I think you're right, no substitute for the real thing. Which is fine, I love a wee mess around with Lego. Will give it a go! Quote
Gary The Procrastinator Posted March 5, 2015 Posted March 5, 2015 I love Scottish history too and strongly encourage you to take this on! I don't have much for you other than what I've done here on the left rear of the build, without the arrow slit: The problem of course is that it doesn't angle inward, but the round shape is going to give you fits on that requirement. All I can suggest is to taper it inward by moving in one brick row at a time, using the cheese wedges to smooth the transition. There are probably better techniques, but I don't know of any. Also, have you thought about building it on a round table so that you can spin it around, on one side the view of the fortification from the outside then spinning around to show the interior on the other side? Quote
LegoKeno Posted March 6, 2015 Author Posted March 6, 2015 Hello Gary - first of all cracking castle there. Love the water effect. I think this is the technique I would attempt. I didn't know there was a 'cheese slice' brick, I'll have to order a few of them now, it looks like it might come in use! And yes, the idea would be to show what was inside and how the families lived, as well as the exterior. I've ordered a few bricks and looking forward to trying to take this challenge on! Point of interest - this guy has seemingly made a decent "broch" like structure... Quote
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