Black Castle - WIP

[Stash2Sixx]

I've been working on a little something and wanted to get some input. This is what I managed to get done the other night. Of course, I guess I am my own worst critic! I already have a list of a few things I don't like, but I figured I would show this because I value the input some of you give on this site. This is also the first time I have messed around with images, so hopefully they all came out alright. If they didn't, I am working hard to fix them.

Front:

Gate:

Up on top:

From the courtyard:

Left view:

Thanks.

[Hinckley]

Finally! I thought you were just a commentator and here it turns out you actually build stuff!

So, look at you, building a castle. Nice start...I guess...*kicks tires* uh-huh...I see...it's all right...it's all right. *smug nod*

Okay, was that annoying enough? I really like this! It is a great start and I can't wait to find out where that staircase will lead. It has a great classic castle feel to it. I don't know technical castle terms so excuse my non-technical critique. I know the word "portcullis" but I don't know exactly what it is. That being said, I like the thingies on the top where the guy does that thing with his feet that moves him forward...woking I think it's called. Anyway, the shape of the railing on the thingy is what gives it that Black Falcon's Fortress classic LEGO castle feel. I really like the thickness of the archy thing that people walk through to get into the big building. There are a lot of sweet architectural details in there. I really like the way you've framed out the windows and the supports you built with the inverted slopes on the first level.

That being said I have a couple of pointers. For an orc castle it's kind of matchy-matchy and tame. I think you should think more organic and asymmetrical. I love the sand green flags but I can't see the orcs raising all of the every day. I think it needs more teeth and a lot of fire-maybe some burps and mountainy cliff-like outcroppings. But it could look a little more like a huge demonic head. Does that make sense? Now get to work.

I look forward to seeing the progress of this. It looks really great so far. It's a real solid build with a lot of cool techniques. Like I said, just monster it up a bit. Just my advice, you do what you want. Awesome work, so glad to see you sharing it with us. Thanks.

[Admiral Blockbeard]

Agreed on almost all points!

I like the over all build, however it does strike me more of a Human castle rather than an Ork strong hold. To add onto Hinckleys tips I would suggest blending some ork sets into the over all design. That said this is early days yet and I can see these qualities coming in the rest of the castle with little change to what you have done.

When I read the title I was excited about a cool castle project, I was not disappointed! Keep up the great work, I look forward to watching it develop!

Regards Cpt. PB

[I Scream Clone]

Very nice start you have there! Good to see you finally posted some work (and liberated your camera ) I really like the thickness on the entry archway. I agree that it is too formal for an Orc stronghold and maybe needs to be built onto the side of a mountain rock face etc. Unless they commandeered it from the royals and painted it black...

The shield and swords need to stay maybe with some flames around them.

Also think of making the tower modular so the roof comes off easily and you can look in.

I would like to see some sort of Hot Oil tipper on the castle wall too. A trapdoor too. Man im giving all my ideas away now.

Maybe an Orc hot tub too

Oh oh oh may I suggest a Red River

[Hinckley]

I would like to see some sort of Hot Oil tipper on the castle wall too. A trapdoor too.

and a great room, a nice open kitchen and a jacuzzi...

[I Scream Clone]

and a great room, a nice open kitchen and a jacuzzi...

there will be a hotdog oven as well in the open plan kitchen, right?

and a day spa.

Seriously those red window boxes are very striking and ominous

[Admiral Blockbeard]

there will be a hotdog oven as well in the open plan kitchen, right?

and a day spa.

Seriously those red window boxes are very striking and ominous

Maybe also a fridge and free Lego Ice Cube Trays for all royalist who surrender more than $20

Regards Cpt. PB

[Lt. Col. Thok]

Lenny: Black? That's the worst colour! No offense, Carl.

Carl: None taken, I get it all the time.

Great creation, stash2sixx! I do believe that it looks promising.

BTW, where are the large banners from?

[Stash2Sixx]

Thanks for the input so far!!!

As for right now, you are all right...this is a very tame castle. The spikes are one of the things that I added to my list for wall details. I plan on using the large ones and many of the smaller ones. The gatehouse (the top portion at the moment) I decided needs to me more balanced. I think if this was real, there is no way, even with support, that this part would stay balanced up on that wall. But, in order to balance out the gatehouse, I would need to move it out a few studs, which means my sword and shield would have to drop down. This would then be agreat place for my hot oil tipper!

The rock formation is planned, the only question is does it go on a rock or does the castle come out of the rock. I'm leaning towards the castle growing out of the rock at the moment.

The roof to the gatehouse does come off, and in order to do a detailed interior, the castle will be built on multiple baseplates so I can easily slide the entire structure open. The Great Hall will be in the rock, under the castle. I have a big surprise for all of you dragon lovers out there!!!!!

Ok, so not to give too many ideas away and so you all keep giving critique, I will fade away now.

The banners were a custom order from Lamanda, who just so happens to be a member here. Her bricklink store can be found at http://www.bricklink.com/store.asp?p=Lamanda. Again, these are really great accessories, but a bit to clean cut for my theme, so I will need to make them more rugged looking.

[Manta]

I would really work on the gray baseplate, make it like a lava river on a dark grey / black base, with lava, with yellow on the edges, orange next to yellow, and red in the middle. Theres a good lava baseplate design in Star Wars ( Triple Threat ).

[the_lego_dude]

Very nice, I have been waiting to see somebody do a troll castle for quite awhile, I am very interested to see what this will look like when it is done.

[SWMAN]

Do far I like it except that it is a little too boxy for me. I can use some more work, but good start.