Beeston Castle

[ge_rik]

For too long Beeston Castle station has been backgrounded by a half-hearted attempt at modelling the castle. That has now changed.

I pondered for quite a while how I would represent the ruined castle walls - but in the end opted for a technique demonstrated by my good friend Greg ( gregh of this parish). I bought a couple of Thermalite blocks from my local builders' merchant and attacked them with an old saw (past its best, missing a few teeth).

I then set-about the various off-cuts with a screwdriver blade and a pad saw blade.

Before too long, I had carved sufficient bits to make the walls, some small towers and the gatehouse.

The 'blocks' were coloured using cement dyes.

.

I'm glad I started with a ruin - I've learned a lot in the process so now feel ready to tackle something a bit less bashed about.

There's more info about Greg's Hebel (Thermalite) models which are a lot more accomplished than mine, on his website - Sandstone & Termite Garden Railway-Using Hebel

Thanks Greg for the idea and inspiration.

Rik
PS When the cement holding it in place has dried, I will weather it with a wash of mucky dyes and then seal it with masonry water proofer as I'm sure the frosts will enjoy undoing my handiwork.

 

[dunnyrail]

Wow what a great job Rik. I have 1.5 thermalite blocks kicking around and you have inspired me to use them when I get round to redoing the background to my Magdesprung Station. I feel a delapidated East German Factory comming on. I have used Thermalite or Celcon Blocks in the past for Viaducts on both my current line and on the Ruschbahn. There is also a small hut that I made using similar methods. But the ruined Castle is a Master stroke, even if it breaks up a little no worries as it is already a ruin!

 

[mike]

Like it rik. Suits the position and a effective use of materials

 

[ge_rik]

Now blogged the build. I reckon the total outlay was under £5 - ie £3 for two blocks plus a couple of quid for the cement and the dyes.
Peckforton Light Railway: How I constructed Beeston Castle using Thermalite blocks

Rik

 

[JimmyB]

Rik, what did you use as cement!

 

[ge_rik]

Rik, what did you use as cement!

My usual mix of one part cement to three parts sand.

Rik

 

[AustrianNG]

Fine work Rik.
Being a "local" I have seen and walked around said castle.
Suits the theme of your line, obviously.

 

[JimmyB]

My usual mix of one part cement to three parts sand.

Rik

Ta