Roman watch tower WIP

[clivethecelt]

Been experimenting with Mangers filler this weekend (got in trouble for not getting on with DIY); looks just like stucco/lime render, doesn't need painting white, and is easy to work; also v cheap (£3 for 1kg tub), great for scenery too. Will bring some over on Wed.

[Klingsor]

I find if you mix a little PVA into filler it can make it a bit softer and easier to apply and may improve it's grip and flexibility. Of course if you make it too wet you have a sticky mess which is what I usually end up with.

Texture gel is more expensive but can be easier to use as it comes already to use in a tub (as do many fillers of course) but can have more texture or take stippling quite well. I had been using Liquitex but now have a tub of Vallejo sand texture gel but I have not tried it yet.

[carvel2]

@Clive...should be finished by then : )

[clivethecelt]

@Carvel: Look forward to seeing it ... from a distance (your archers will get the better of us again if we try the full-on assault!)

@Klingsor: The Mangers is ready mixed, flows nicely if you just add water, but it takes texture well on its own. I've found a sponge scourer good to add texture, but you've got to wet it (the scourer, that is). Will have a go with adding PVA, sounds a good idea for when I've put too much water in! Also takes sand/grit/texture quite well without losing its shapeability (not sure if that's a word) - we've been using it at home alongside lime plaster and stonework, and it wipes back if you get it wrong!

[carvel2]

Thanks folks : )
A bit sad correction ...a lot sad.....and a bit cross
Put a bit of time into my base for the tower....put it in the oven to quicken the drying process... you guessed it.....
fekkin ruined the base. Polystyrene melted under the pva glue, board warped....Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tower intact
Thats another tube of polyfilla and a shed load of grass to re invest in!
OK....its an opportunity to improve.

I'm going for a low earth rampart
Recangular in shape.
Small veggie patch in the enclosure
Gateway about a man width.
ANY SUGGESTIONS WELCOME
You may now laugh....but no doubt feel my pain.

[carvel2]

LAte night photo of where its upto......

[clivethecelt]

Carvel, that looks terrific. Sorry to hear about the base - not a good idea though; polystyrene & ovens don't mix well, especially when that Certain Person is cooking tomorrow ... deep envy at the quality of the tower; love the stucco finish, pantiles, brickwork, Legio XX motif ...

[carvel2]

@Clive...done it plenty of times in the past. Just tired and botched it tonight
Thankyou!

[Biggus Dickus]

Carvel...I like that a lot, fantastic work....love the Logo on the wall, is that free hand?...............Sorry to hear about your Alfred the great moment, easily done. I have used something similar to PVA on polystyrene called tacky glue, it's available from craft shops like Hobby craft....it has a lot less water content and is far better suited to Polystyrene gluing and dries pretty quick....unlike PVA............I often use PVA with poster Paint and some Plaster of paris powder all mixed in and use that as render on the Poly.

I think when i get round to making scenery i will use your tower as inspiration.........i'm looking forward to seeing the the base finished.

[mikeland]

Wow carvel
Fantastic tower. Looking great. Shame about the base . In winter I often pop my stuff on the radiators to dry quicker. Which has lead to a few minIs falling inside the radiator, but never melted any yet!
Really like the logo on the side of this.