Keymonus Posted March 19, 2018 Entering the port of the Royal Arsenal of Astrapi, it's hard to believe that only few months ago it was only a secluded bay, a safe place to shelter fishing boats from storms but not deep enough to host anything bigger than a corvette: the new military port, in fact, was built by the hard work of Oleander diggers and engeneers. The first challenge was the laying of a double palisade across the entrance of the bay, about 400 metres wide; the barrier was strengthened with earth, sand and rocks coming from the foundation works of the Arsenal itself. The poles forming the dam were deeply plunged into the sea bottom using a pile driver mounted on a boat: an heavy block of rock is lifted using a crane and then violently dropped on the pole, hammering it in the sand; a ballast of stones, on the back, prevents the boat from capsizing. Meanwile, a group of "volounteers" is digging along the coastline in order to expose the solid rock below: soon a little fort will be built there that, with his twin on the other side of the bay, will welcome any unexpecte visitor with 36-pounder greetings. The "volounteers" are actually former pirates nicely host by Astrapi jail, who were given a chance to shorten their conviction or avoid the gallows; their work is hard, but they receive decent food, fresh water and can see the sunlight. A group of Astrapi inhabitants is removing some bush: a temporary road will be cut across the thicket in order to allow an easy arrival from Astrapi for the hundred of men that will be employed soon and for the building materials. Spoiler There is not a particular reason why they wear red clothes, I swear it! An overall view The pile driver again A coplue of volounteers Some other pics of the building site This is the first of a series of three builds. I tried to depict the same area at the beginning (here), at about an half and at the end of the works. No pirate was badly hurt during the process. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bodi Posted March 21, 2018 Excellent build Keymonus. This is a convincing portrayal of the harbour works, I like the barrier and the pile driver mounted on boat. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Captain Genaro Posted March 21, 2018 Great build, Keymonus. Your build and story really captures the construction process, and leaves me eagerly waiting to see the next build. The pile driver is really well done, and you did a great job with the terrain. The water next to the rocks is nice, but the rest of the water seems lacking. Perhaps you could use some more trans-clear pieces to show gentle waves in the open part of the water. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Keymonus Posted March 21, 2018 (edited) Thank you @Bodi and @Captain Genaro! I posted the secon part right now, and the third will soon follow. 33 minutes ago, Captain Genaro said: The water next to the rocks is nice, but the rest of the water seems lacking. Perhaps you could use some more trans-clear pieces to show gentle waves in the open part of the water. Thank you for your piece of advice, but I realised that I do not own enough trans-clear pieces to add any other detail... since they are absolutely unexpensive I've planned to buy some more 2x1 trans-clear plate as soon as possible! Edited March 21, 2018 by Keymonus Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mesabi Posted March 22, 2018 I read the Second part first, and let me say, this is a fantastic build even without all the cranes and in progress stuff. You are an excellent builder, and the idea is very creative! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Keymonus Posted March 30, 2018 Thank you @Mesabi! Even if it is a quite simple build (basically minifig posing, landscape and a crane) I liked the idea of portraying the area at the very beginning of the works and show the changes Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
