The ECW Manor house project thread - Updated

[paulsmodellingworkshop]

.....and how were you planning to do the brickwork/stonework?

[Ubique matt]

Fascinating challenge. Looking forward to seeing the results. Those vents are available from B&Q in the shower/bathroom section (I just bought some). I had thoughts of doing something similar (but using Moreton Cobet castle as a source and using lazer cut components) so I hope to get some top tips.

Regards,
Matt

[mikeland]

@cromojaro.
Good suggestions, styrene strips was my first thought, but to be honest I didn't fancy making the 40-50 odd windows I will need in this way, more out of laziness, but I may well end up down this route. I had not thought of 3D printing, but I have had very little experience with computer 3D modeling so I'm not sure how well I'd get on there.

@Paulsmodellingworkshop.

also you can buy plastic window frames in various sizes and shapes - try antenocitis workshop for starters.

He has some lovely leaded windows, would up the cost of the build significantly... but I may go for some of them if I get really stuck.

I am still considering several options on the brick work/finish, in the past I have used the foamboard marking method (stripping the paper off 1 side and scoring the foam to create the bricks. However I am probably not giving the building the redbrick finish that Aston Hall has. If you note my sketch I have indicated lighter stone walls. Ideally I want them to be a plastered finish, but I am not sure that this was very common in early 17c England (I am still researching this and other aspects) so I may go for a smoother, light stone, with raised corner stones made from cut out card.

The other brick finish method I have been trialing is using the wonderful liquid greenstuff. Simply paint the wall with a thin neat layer of liquid greenstuff, a small pallet knife is ideal. Then give it about 5-10 minis to begin to setand using a pencil or other pointed tool draw the brick work into the LGS. I used this method a bit on some of these buildings: viewtopic.php?f=12&t=4560 (First page WW2 buildings).
Do you have any other brick work suggestions, without giving away trade secrets?

[cromojaro]

You can do a window of each type and then cast the rest making a silicone mold. Or make a mold of of the Antenociti's windows.

[Lucius Vorenus]

Not sure how exactly it would work out, but if you want cost effectiveness for the frames you could try simple lollipop sticks/matchsticks etc, painted to look like lead rather than wood.

I agree to keep it simple at first, the decorations can come later!!

Foamboard and a decent base, preferably mdf, to keep it all together.

Looking forward to seeing it come together!

[Cubster]

If you can get some sort of wire mesh with a 5mm or less gauge that might make for some nice leading.

[clivethecelt]

@mikeland: Following this thread with a mixture of interest, admiration and jealousy!Actually, mainly jealousy!
Many early C17 buildings used lime render on their facade; most castles were rendered and painted, as lime was an abundant material. I've not got access to any reference books at work, but any books on vernacular architecture will probably help out here - notably the various Brunskill and Denyer books.
One noteable example of this is Balsam House, in Wincanton, Somerset:
http://www.wincantonwindow.co.uk/balsam ... he-bbc.htm
There are some pics here which might give you a good idea of what you're aiming for, perhaps.

[mikeland]

@clive that is spot on for what I was looking for, exactly what I had in mind! Brilliant. Imhave been scouring the Library for examples but this is perfect.

@cubster, great idea... I have some mesh that is supposed to be for 28mm size chain link fencing, but I think it would be ideal for leading?

Thanks for all the continued ideas and support folk... That's why I love this forum.

[clivethecelt]

@mikeland: You're welcome. Rendered buildings sometimes had additional decoration in the form of combed, moulded or incised designs known as parging, pargetting or pargeting - a type of bas-relief - which you might have seen on some old buildings (though this was more common in the eastern counties and Kent). Most would be limewashed white, but earth pigments mixed with the limewash would produce almost any colour the owners wanted, so you can get very fancy if you so desire and still be historically accurate. Just Google pargeting ...

[mikeland]

Print outs of plans spray mounted lightly to foam board and the the basic shape cut out.