My first castle creation Crownie Castle (updated: 05/14/09)

[sntmods]

This is still a work in progress, a slow one at that. I have been inching along since December in my very slim free time away from work and my wife/life. I have only been working on the front gatehouse and curtain walls thus far and as you can see I have a ways to go until this section is complete. I am trying to invent a working plate built portcullis and front of house section so I dont have any pictures of that just yet.

I am leaving out a lot of little details until I get a solid structure that I am pleased with. (updated: 04/12/09)

http://snt-systems.com/Misc/Lego%20Cast ... ground.jpg


http://snt-systems.com/Misc/Lego%20Cast ... nt_mid.jpg


http://snt-systems.com/Misc/Lego%20Cast ... ground.jpg


The whole design of this castle is based on fully designed interiors that will allow a lot of playability while still being somewhat authentic. Even though I dont have pictures of it yet, the gatehouse explodes into a left, center, and right wing so everything can be reached and played with. Everything is designed to slip apart after a few "locking" pieces are pulled away. The towers are completely free standing and are equipped with a full spiral staircase.

http://snt-systems.com/Misc/Lego%20Cast ... allway.jpg


The Wall Walk is based on the design of mortar with a wooden roof. I dont have all the right parts/colors right now so I just wanted to throw something into place so I could get an idea of what I need to work on. The Wall has two hallways, one built within the wall itself and one that is above the wall (open air) that will transport troops from the corner towers I am yet to design and the gatehouse.

The arrow slits you see below are built at the correct height to allow those archers a wide range of fire.

http://snt-systems.com/Misc/Lego%20Cast ... _close.jpg


http://snt-systems.com/Misc/Lego%20Cast ... ar_far.jpg


http://snt-systems.com/Misc/Lego%20Cast ... _close.jpg


Exploded views added

http://snt-systems.com/Misc/Lego%20Cast ... _front.jpg


http://snt-systems.com/Misc/Lego%20Cast ... d_rear.jpg


http://snt-systems.com/Misc/Lego%20Cast ... ar_sky.jpg


Updated Curtain Wall and Walk

http://snt-systems.com/Misc/Lego%20Cast ... update.jpg


http://snt-systems.com/Misc/Lego%20Cast ... date_1.jpg


http://snt-systems.com/Misc/Lego%20Cast ... date_2.jpg


http://snt-systems.com/Misc/Lego%20Cast ... date_3.jpg


I hope you folks enjoy, I am welcomed to any criticism too as this is my first attempt at anything custom built.

-Dan

[Knight of Honor]

Whoa! This is great! The colors work together well, and the size is impressive. The only con is the quality of the pictures. Maybe close the curtains while taking it? Otherwise, it's really good.

[sntmods]

Yeah, I hate camera phone quality. I'll get my "good" digital camera and snap some good ones real soon.

[Lewa Rocks]

Wow this is awesome! I love the size! The colors are great!

[DraconisTerrena]

That's great! I really like the interior. It feels very authentic.

[Brik Masta]

So far it's great, I can't wait to see the finished result.

[Username]

Nice! Can't wait to see the entire thing!

[puddleglum]

Wow, starting small is for weenies, eh?

[Attli35]

Very Cool. I really like all the arches. Very Nice.

[sntmods]

I snapped some better pictures this morning that should be more enjoyable than the original ones.

See above.

-Dan

[Shadowviking]

Oh man. This is really well done. Very unique, too, to my knowledge- the dark bley/light bley styling is something I haven't seen much. The turned towers are nice too, not to mention the interior... great work! What an entrance!

[sntmods]

Thanks for the comments folks. As I move forward Im trying to incorporate small details into the walls and arch supports.

Walls: For the dark bluish grey walls I've been wanting to work in some of the old dark grey bricks to give it more of an aged look and some discolorization. I want to do the same with the light bluish grey wall supports by using the old light grey and new tan colored bricks.

Gatehouse: I've changed the light bluish grey tiles used for the arrow "crosses" to darker bluish grey so they dont stand out as much. It felt out of place to me compared to the darker version of the curtain walls.

I know that most castle foundations slope out as the walls near the ground to add support to the weight above. Should I consider working that into my design? Im going for realism.

I've been entertaining the idea of building a base plate but Im not sure what direction to go with. Options are rocky crag, grassy knoll and perhaps a seaport so I can incorporate a dock type side entrance.

Ideas?

-Dan

[Foamrider]

For your first castle MOC, this is very good. You've incorporated the generally unused prefab parts very nicely.
I am a big supporter of landscaping, so that is a good next step. Personally, I think your idea of it being on some rocks is the best one. This castle seems to fit the role of a mountain fortress rather well.

Good job.

[greenglo]

Nice rounded design on the battlements.

[wunztwice]

More than excellent, especially for a 'first'!!! I'll refrain from commenting on details until it's done, for full effect!