Castle diorama - an epic scratch build!

[@parazatico9030]

Absolutely brilliant. The night time pictures reminded me of the last bit of the film 'The Ninth Gate'. How you avoided major mental trauma while gluing on all those stones is beyond me. An amazing bit of work.

[@DartsideScenics]

Thank you 😊. It certainly pushed me to the limit!

[@RicktheRecorder]

Remarkable, as always. A comment if I may. Even by the 12th century, dressed stonework was pretty much square and accurate, so the rather sausage shaped lintels and so on are not wholly true to most originals. Arrow slits are always cruciform in shape to provide a wider arc of fire, and where the crenellated battlements have not disintegrated, the coping stones usually remain pretty much intact and crisp.

[@DartsideScenics]

Thanks Rick. It was pretty much taken from my imagination, images of fantasy castles and childhood memories of castles in Wales. I didn’t want to copy a particular castle for this as there will always be a missing detail someone will pick out. Overall, the time spent wasn’t really worth the end result so I will need to focus on smaller projects.

[@rrl4245]

Placing all those little stones, one-by-one. You sir, are a maniac! But they do look good. And it's a great video and narration - Thanks

[@DartsideScenics]

😂🤪 thank you!!

[@eBiCrafter]

Your work is amazing....love your work

[@DartsideScenics]

Thank you, that’s very kind 😊

[@eBiCrafter]

@@DartsideScenics Your welcome ☺️

[@davidbaber5445]

Bordering on brilliant 😊

[@DartsideScenics]

Thank you! 😁

[@OldZean]

Great work. Reminds me alot of the 9th gate

[@DartsideScenics]

Thank you 👍🏻

[@RandomMakingEncounters]

I applauded your patience gluing all of that stone. It looks amazing when it’s all weathered up!

[@DartsideScenics]

Thank you! 😁

[@brianstewart3594]

Incredible work it's already amazing well done big thumbs👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@DartsideScenics]

Thanks Brian!

[@danbrewer]

The master of time and patience 🫡

[@DartsideScenics]

Cheers Dan. I did lose patience with it at the end of the build!! 😂

[@andrewstevenson5449]

Excellent work. You must have the patience of a saint (not to mention the eyesight of a ... err.. something that has very good eyesight) to do all those stones on that.

[@DartsideScenics]

Thanks Andrew!

[@davepasley6620]

I'm exhausted just watching this. Incredible piece of work.

[@DartsideScenics]

Thanks Dave!

[@briankeys5259]

Wow this is amazing, awesome job

[@DartsideScenics]

Thanks very much Brian 😁

[@adamwee382]

31:23 wooo looks so good in natural lighting, might look a little better if your shot was zoomed out a bit. I'm not an expert but i'm pretty sure the smaller the model the further away you need to be for it to look convincing. If you go back and watch the making of the lotr films they built 3 different sized models or all the castles and fortresses, the ones they used for closeups were massive

[@DartsideScenics]

Thank you. Unfortunately, I couldn’t get the angle I needed to blend it in. If I had made the base a bit bigger, I think the photos could’ve been better.

[@paulgertsch7105]

Very realistic, Great job, I know it took meny hours to complete.

[@DartsideScenics]

Thank you Paul

[@wandacampbell337]

Really cool

[@DartsideScenics]

Thanks Wanda

[@ocalicreek]

The individual LEDs give you the opportunity to create a “moving” light. Perhaps it’s a caretaker watching over the old place, or one of the dearly departed who couldn’t bear to leave…

[@DartsideScenics]

That’s true and would give a very nice effect. Thanks

[@steverileyretired]

Very Good Diorama i would not have the patience to put the stones on, i would just put glue on the cover the whole lot with the stones then when dry i would shake them off, really good job

[@DartsideScenics]

Thanks Steve

[@Hjerte_Verke]

Tactically, this castle provides an edge for attackers on account of the standing bridge leading straight to the gatehouse (perfect for a battering ram) as well as ample land right in front of the walls and on three sides to place a siege bridge that can 'bridge' the distance over the moat or cliff walls. This could depict a castle open for tours in the 20th-21st century and the bridge was built for civilian access. Most of the castle ruins across the UK and the rest of the world have tourist access, railings and so forth built in to make them accessible. Amazing work setting each of those stones in place manually. The colors chosen and everything is ultra realistic. Most model castles I see are painted in the blue tinged medium gray that comes straight from a paint bottle.

[@DartsideScenics]

Thank you, much appreciated. In the future, I would like to make another castle but would probably try to recreate a real one.

[@paulogin814]

Unbelievable awesome

[@DartsideScenics]

Cheers Paul! 😁

[@notwocdivad]

Would love to see you build an actual castle replica, Maybe the spectacular BAMBROUGH CASTLE on the Northumberland coast, it is perched on a high rock outcrop on a sandy shoreline, Just the thing you are so adept at!!

[@DartsideScenics]

One day I’m sure I will. Bamburgh Castle looks incredible- what a project that would be!!

[@notwocdivad]

No wonder, it was the real Bebbanburg from history the home of the Old Kings of Northumbria!!!

[@thebritishengineer8027]

Oh you have my sympathy, I was 3D modeling an Austrian engine shed and modelled 38 individual wooden roof shingles then placed them one by one to cover the roof over 3500 in total.

[@DartsideScenics]

Wow, that's some task! The trouble is, once you commit, you can't stop! I bet that looked amazing.

[@thebritishengineer8027]

@@DartsideScenics it did but the files was too big to print 4.2Gb so I had to do it all over again trying to reduce the file header to under 0.5Gb :)

[@thebritishengineer8027]

@@DartsideScenics check your facebook, your railway buffers ;)

[@Sampdelu]

I have to say, you might have some of the best rust effects I have seen

[@DartsideScenics]

Thank you! 😊

[@mikeseba7817]

Just amazing!

[@DartsideScenics]

Cheers Mike 😊

[@jmaccsarmiesofArda]

Wow man absolutly stunning as always.

[@DartsideScenics]

Thanks mate, much appreciated 😀

[@mercibeaucoup246]

Great ! Next, an alien invasion and the "Fort Alamo" for the last battle.

[@DartsideScenics]

😂

[@lexi_9995]

The outdoor pictures make it look outstanding, well done an inspiring build. Regards Lexi

[@DartsideScenics]

Thanks Lexi 🙂

[@apathtrampledbydeer8446]

Wow, this is great, very smart to use those stones to glue the to the cardboard.

[@DartsideScenics]

Thank you 😊

[@philipbenson8644]

Excellent job if it was mine I think abandoned some falling down as your method would really suit it and maybe a moving shadow over the flickering lights

[@DartsideScenics]

Thanks Philip and great idea to have the shadow over flickering lights.

[@TheZak1963]

Wow so much work and so much patience!

[@DartsideScenics]

Thanks Kaz! 😊

[@timf2279]

I commend you for your stone work outstanding detail.

[@DartsideScenics]

Thanks Tim

[@1dianep]

Wow you need a lot of patience to put all those individual stones on.

[@DartsideScenics]

Yes, it took a long time and has put me off using the technique for a while!!

[@Frank_nwobhm]

Another remarkable project. I think I enjoy the photography in natural settings almost as much as the build itself. As to your question of what to do with the castle now...it might be great fun to add figures of you and your family visiting the castle when you were a child.

[@DartsideScenics]

Thank you Frank and great idea 👍🏻

[@shogun666able]

Once again excellent work, I always use nothing much more than ordinary polyfilla mixed with PVA glue with a touch of water, easy to detail by how wet you make it, sets rock hard for Dremel detailing. Big lumps of stone work down to cobbles made easy backed with paper for easy wiring etc. if needed. Also good for creating waves over a papered pencil or dowel that pulls out just before it dries to hard. But interesting to watch your work as we can all learn.

[@DartsideScenics]

Thank Arthur, that sounds like a great technique. It’s amazing how much you can learn about modelling from each interaction. I have personally found a comment online or five minutes chatting in a model shop absolutely invaluable.

[@vanessasabogal2914]

Espectacular muy bien trabajo felicitaciones 👍

[@DartsideScenics]

Gracias Vanessa!

[@bikky608]

most excelant my friend

[@DartsideScenics]

Thanks Rob

[@annbrookens945]

Epic, indeed! All those tiny rocks!!! This came out beautifully; very impressive!

[@DartsideScenics]

Thanks Ann!

[@msamelienp]

Your work is amazing and a joy to watch. I don't think I'd have the patience to do what you do. 🙂

[@DartsideScenics]

Thanks Amy! I nearly lost patience at the end of this project! 😂

[@Parolles100]

Beautiful work, as always--love the photos in the natural setting!

[@DartsideScenics]

Thank you John

[@philRminiatures]

Cracking job, superb castle...and bridge!

[@DartsideScenics]

Cheers Phil! 😁

[@PKTCrafts]

The stone work looks amazing! Very nice end result!

[@DartsideScenics]

Thank you 😁

[@martinhinsley6198]

Magnificent... those final shots.... got to go some to distinguish from the real deal. Very impressive. Well done

[@DartsideScenics]

Thank you Martin

[@northernrails4462]

Unreal! Absolutely stunning 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@DartsideScenics]

Thanks Craig 👍🏻😁

[@CTDioramas]

What an awesome build! Amazing work as always my friend :)

[@DartsideScenics]

Thanks Chris, that's very kind. I'm looking forward to your next video.

[@mangef3040]

Amazing work is the first words that comes to my mind. Really enjoy watching the work with the castle. Regards from Sweden

[@DartsideScenics]

Thank you! I’m pleased you enjoyed it.

[@manuelurdaneta8649]

It really is excellent work. Congratulations. Perhaps the castle could be made more colorful, with some figures of medieval soldiers, wild flowers, royal flags and some objects on top, but all that can be added later.

[@DartsideScenics]

Thank you Manuel. Some great suggestions 👍🏻

[@TomJones0065]

You Did an AMAZING JOB, I Love it all the detail and SO SOO many lil rocks.. Maybe some Banners hanging from the walls? I LOVE THIS BUILD GREAT JOB!!!

[@jimsminimodelsmccrea]

absolutely stunning work, 10.000 stones mad, I would go down the road off historical themes then the disrepair root, what ever you do with it next it will be class.

[@DartsideScenics]

Thanks very much Jim, much appreciated 😊

[@Grumpdad]

Just Brilliant Andy! Amazingly real looking. I am sure Whatever you do with it next will be awesome. Absolutely love the background music!😊😊😊

[@DartsideScenics]

Thanks Simon!

[@ScottishNSRailFan]

Simply amazing

[@DartsideScenics]

Thank you 😊

[@eBiCrafter]

Beautiful build ❤

[@DartsideScenics]

Thank you 😊

[@phantomanddelusionalrailway]

I think you can now be officially classified as insane! The amount of work involved in the stonework is outrageous. I have to say that I am impressed. I also like the way that you photograph your dioramas in real life places. It adds that certain something. For ripples on the river I have used Mod Podge glossy. It does a great job and doesn't seem to need as much working as your product. Marklin of Sweden and Boulder Creek Railway have some great tutorials on the use of Mod Podge.

[@DartsideScenics]

If I wasn't insane before, this project certainly sent me that way!! This was the only time I have used WS ripples as I usually use gloss Mod Podge on the water features. I have made a couple of bridge videos and the Mod Podge worked really well.

[@The_Modeling_Underdog]

Fantastic work, mate. Congratulations.

[@DartsideScenics]

Thank you 😊

[@markparsons4434]

This is an amazing build, great work.

[@DartsideScenics]

Thanks Mark 😁

[@daviemaclean61]

No wonder you've been away a while! I have several rock and wall moulds and, after a recommendation from someone, I ordered some Herculite. There's not much in it regards crispness of mould. But it certainly seems stronger and a lot less likely to break when you're trying to get your items from the mould. Also, I have used parts of larger rock moulds, ie not filled completely, at angles and to use up spare plaster/Herculite and you can get some interesting results. A word of warning though - I thought I'd speed things up by adding black acrylic paint to give grey rather than white rocks! Nope!!! The mixture curdled, for want of a better word, and went off faster than I could get it into the moulds.

[@DartsideScenics]

Thanks Davie. Thanks for these tips - I've never used Herculite before but I'll have to try it. Sorry to hear about the paint mix but thank you for warning me!!

[@basfinnis]

Looks amazing in the photos. Great build 😉

[@DartsideScenics]

Thanks Basil 😊

[@timstrainroom8007]

Outstanding…absolutely spectacular. You are quite a talented young man and deserve much in the form of accolades. Photography and technique are A+. I wish you were in the US and able to collaborate with me. Have a great weekend. Tim

[@DartsideScenics]

Thanks Tim, that’s very kind.

[@garyjames1346]

Wow, like wow, awesome and thank you for sharing ❤️ it

[@DartsideScenics]

Thanks Gary 👍🏻

[@tarakelf7014]

Absolutely brilliant love it x

[@DartsideScenics]

Thanks Tara 😊

[@simonreynolds1518]

That's one stunning build Andy, the outdoor back drop really brings a whole new level to the model, personality I'd like to see the castle looking like it's still occupied but in the early stages of falling into disrepair, maybe a few small to medium sized trees growing here and there, what ever direction you take the next stage in I'll look forward to watching your video.

[@DartsideScenics]

Thanks Simon. You are definitely right about adding some trees as it would add a lot to it.

[@GoPro._Musica]

Now how about an even bigger, more complex castle...Hence, late medieval ages with the gate house, portcullis and several towers...And some of the extended turrets.

[@DartsideScenics]

I would like to do that at some point in the future 👍🏻

[@MTspeed_Crafts]

Incredible work i cant imagine how long it must have took to place all those stones! As for the direction I think maybe go a more lived in approach with adding figures and such, since you went to the effort of adding lighting. But regardless of the direction you go with it, it's already amazing!

[@DartsideScenics]

Thank you! I like the idea of adding some figures from some point in history. Thanks for commenting and also, I'm loving your work.

[@MTspeed_Crafts]

​@@DartsideScenics Awesome! I'm looking forward to seeing this project again with the updates whenever you do it and thank you!

[@donaage6303]

you don't need a heat gun on shrink tubes,, a lighter will do just fine, nice job

[@DartsideScenics]

Thanks Don, that's a good tip and must be much quicker than using the soldering iron.

[@Harconnem1]

Buenisimo

[@DartsideScenics]

Gracias!

[@krisschwennsen4206]

So just to note, the windows in the keep wound around the wrong direction. The stairs spiral the other way so defenders could attack right handedly and an attacker would be at a disadvantage. Great build otherwise though!

[@DartsideScenics]

I saw that on a documentary after I had made it ☹️. Next time, I’ll get it right 😂

[@skel3110]

Absolutely stunning Andy, your best so far and that is saying something! I do some fairly lenghty scratchbuilds but your patience with those stones is incredible. For the future I would suggest a few figures, some banners and weapons and perhaps a bit of wall damage from a siege? Cheers Steve

[@DartsideScenics]

Thanks Steve, much appreciated. I agree with your suggestions and will start to look at putting them into place in the coming weeks, time permitting. How is your layout coming on? The last photos I saw were fantastic.

[@skel3110]

@@DartsideScenics just finished the canal diorama, will PM you some pics mate

[@DartsideScenics]

@@skel3110 👍🏻👍🏻

[@1dianep]

Forgot to say it reminds me of Dunnotter Castle in Stonehaven near where I live?

[@DartsideScenics]

I just looked it up and I see what you mean. It looks like a fantastic place to visit.

[@alexmorgan2296]

Such detailed patient skill; so impressive - as well as useful tips (eg tubing for LED wires).Perhaps suit a model railway backscene based on local station(eg Castle Carey)? Thanks for sharing once again, anyway.

[@DartsideScenics]

Thanks Alex. I think you’re right, it would be nice as part of a backscene. I might need to separate the castle from the base to add it to a layout but it’s doable!

[@soledude]

👏👏👏

[@DartsideScenics]

👍🏻

[@rons5438]

Amazing work, I would add some figures myself, looks like it is about 1/72nd scale, so there should be some good historical accurate options out there.

[@DartsideScenics]

Thanks Ron. You’re right, there should be good options available for this scale.

[@moorlandmodelrailwayandy]

Hi Andy I've just returned from my holidays and the first video to watch is this. Fantastic build and the photos at the end are stunning. Everything about the model is great. My thoughts on what to do, probably figures maybe a flag or two but even as it stands its top notch once again atb Andy

[@DartsideScenics]

Hi Andy! Thanks for commenting and I hope you had a lovely holiday. You must be due to have a new video out soon - your last one on the disused siding looked brilliant. I think flags and figures are a definite yes for this castle- thanks for suggesting.😁

[@TheFragmentor]

I loved watching this so much. Laying on the sofa after a hard day's work, I find watching your work come to life is a perfect way to unwind and de-stress. So much so, I fell asleep and had to rewind twice. I blame the pleasant acoustic guitar strumming. Excellent work, and I'm so glad you chose to illuminate it. Perfect.

[@DartsideScenics]

Thanks Top Cat!! Perhaps I need some wake up alarm sounds in random parts of the video! 🤣

[@SHGPMedia]

Propper modelling! Love it! Random question though....where do you source your celotex? I'm in the planning phase for building a layout and am trying to work out cost estimates. No idea what to go for regarding making the terrain such as XPS, durafoam, etc

[@DartsideScenics]

Thank you! I picked mine up from the local DIY store (Interline). It's currently £7.61 for a 1200mm x 450mm board which is 50mm thick. It's good for building up terrain as it's cheap and light. It has got the usual irritable fibreglass particles but it's not an issue if you take the correct precautions. XPS, etc would be great but it's so expensive it’s only feasible on small projects. I hope you enjoy building your layout 👍

[@SHGPMedia]

@@DartsideScenics Thanks, yeah i found that when looking at getting hold of some that the price was really high. I'll have a look and see where i can get some as it certainly does the job and is a much more realistic cost

[@patrickkelly7838]

I would think this castle would have chimneys. Cooking and heat you know

[@DartsideScenics]

I think it was the 11th century before the chimney was used in England so I’m calling this a 10th century castle!

[@vindicari]

whats the purpose of the soapy water please?

[@DartsideScenics]

Hi. When you add scenic cement on to a powder covered surface, it will usually bead which moves the powder and doesn’t soak in. This will mean it doesn’t stick properly and makes a mess of the surface. The soapy water (sprayed) breaks the surface tension of the powder which allows the scenic cement to soak in.

[@stephendavinson4441]

What scale would you say the castle is...

[@DartsideScenics]

1:76

[@inspectorcal]

great model "shit tons of patience" but your crenellations are far too lumpy and rough, they should be smooth stone.

[@DartsideScenics]

Shit tons of patience but I created a ton of shit!! 😂

[@inspectorcal]

@@DartsideScenics 😜naaa its a really impressive castle for sure.

[@eugeneg68]

Gorgeous diorama! A hell of a lot of work! I respect you very much! But here's the bridge, I would have aged more. It turned out to be very light. Almost like new. But this is just my opinion. Sorry if I didn't say that!

[@DartsideScenics]

Thanks Eugene. I think the plaster of paris affects the way the paint dries as I apply it dry. When I painted it, the colour was much darker but it dried much lighter. I think I’ll give it a second coat!

[@kargandarr]

There are a few of us out there on both sides of the pond who are electricians and electronics repair technicians. I am one such individual in the US.

[@DartsideScenics]

Great skills to have 👍🏻

[@theprofessor3472]

Love from India 👍🏻🚩🙏🏻👌🏻😍🇮🇳😊💐❤

[@DartsideScenics]

👍🏻👍🏻😁

[@logstudios8372]

Looks fantastic! You truly are inspriring

[@DartsideScenics]

Thank you! 🙂

[@sevenowls7776]

That was really good. The 'caricature approach' worked really well. Perhaps add some figures representing King Arthur outside and some French characters on the ramparts exchanging pleasantries about hamsters and elderberries..? PS: I used Pringles tubes to make a gold castle with pink turrets for my young daughter. Went down well... Cheers!

[@DartsideScenics]

Thank you! I'm really pleased you mentioned this - as I was making it I kept imagining scenes from the Holy Grail! 🤣

[@Lee1978R]

Amazing 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻❤

[@DartsideScenics]

Cheers Lee 👍🏻

[@seakr9838]

Awesomely fantastic !

[@DartsideScenics]

Thanks Seak R!

[@bendavison8981]

What would the scale on the minis need to be on this? 28mm or 32mm?

[@DartsideScenics]

Hi Ben. It was built in 1:76 scale so the figures would need to be approximately 23 - 24mm

[@bendavison8981]

@@DartsideScenics oh tricky to scale for then? I had this idea of the run down castle being held by either rebels or deserters. A sort off ragtag bunch just desperately holding on.

[@tonygreenfield7820]

If you can live with 1/72 as opposed to 1/76 then you have a lot of choice. Particularly the older Revell plus Esci, Italeri, Ceasar and Zvesda model ranges. They are of the flexible polythene type plastic but there a loads of medieval figures going from the Normans, Crusaders etc right through English and French of the 100 years wars etc Italeri did two very nice sets depicting a tournament and jousting. Miniart and Zvesda released castle siege sets with ballistas and trebuchet, battering rams and siege towers. If fantasy is your thing, Dark Alliance do Lord of the Rings inspired Elves, Dwarves, Uruk Hai as well as Rohirim and Rangers. And Conan style barbarians. There is a specialist website 1/72 plastic figures with a pretty thorough coverage of the entire subject. In addition Miniart and Zvesda both produced plastic castle kits and forts in various styles that can be combined to make a much larger layout and customise your own castle And Metcalfe models do a OO scale set of castle components in pre printed and laser cut card including keep, gatehouse, towers and curtain walls.

[@philipgriffiths3106]

Another breath-taking scene from one of the Masters of Scenery😍. You know I'd love a fantasy element to finish this simply stunning piece of work off. You should have taken the photos in the area that inspired the idea.. & called in on your way past 😆. Hadrians Wall next Andy.... ?😂🤣 Whatever you decide. Josie & myself will be waiting to be inspired yet again ❤

[@DartsideScenics]

Thanks Phil and Josie! I'll have a rest from the stones for a while as this one pushed me over the edge!!🤣

[@dalerobertson9394]

Huh

[@DartsideScenics]

Good point Dale 😂

[@ianthomson9363]

I've watched all your other videos and saved this one till last, hoping it would be even more impressive. I wasn't disappointed! I don't think I can add anything to all the previous comments except to say I agree- it's stunning, awesome, amazing, etc, etc. Adding figures would bring it to life if you can find suitably-dressed ones, although they could alternatively be modern tourists rather than medieval peasants which might be difficult to source!

[@DartsideScenics]

Thanks for supporting the channel Ian.

[@oootoob]

Brilliant attention to detail as always. I think if I had the skill I would probably have made it a ruin rather than having intact walls. Did you use a reference source or just design from imagination? I wonder if it might have benefited from a bit more variation in terms of windows and turrets. I love the stonework effect, but there must be an easier way!

[@DartsideScenics]

Thanks OoooToob. It was from my imagination and I always had it in mind to make it fully formed (although I would like to make a ruin at some point). It’s true that it would’ve benefited from more variation. I think this project was too long and I was pleased to see the end which can often mean missing important details.

[@tomtaggart1817]

Amazing work! I really enjoy your dioramas, but you have outdone yourself with this one.

[@DartsideScenics]

Thanks Tom!😀

[@jeffhudson9778]

Tremendous diorama - wonderful night pics!

[@DartsideScenics]

Thanks very much Jeff

[@mickeforsberg3678]

Love it and you did an awesome job with this diorama and the Castle. Now i know what to do with my Diorama and you have me some ideas. 10 👍 out of 10

[@DartsideScenics]

Thanks Micke, I’m glad it was useful 😊

[@petergulmann7259]

Amazing work (as always)! Your attention to details is very inspiring.

[@DartsideScenics]

Thanks Peter!

[@BritishBeeMan]

Ah a local model maker. Nice. I'm over in Plymouth. Amazing diorama.

[@DartsideScenics]

Nice to hear from you James. Thanks for commenting.

[@oliverhopkins8074]

He didn’t say his name was James..