How I made a model

In response to viewer requests, we take a bit of a different turn this week. In this video, I take you through the fascinating process of how I created the model for the Siege of Rouen video, but with a twist-it's in reverse! Watch as I meticulously deconstruct my model and discover some of the processes I used to put it together, in particular changing the castle from HO scale to 28mm.
Regular viewers, don't worry, we'll be back to our usual history stories very soon!
If you'd like to support the channel more and help us continue making fun, fascinating videos, please check out our PATREON page for perks / thehistorysquad
OTHER LINKS:
Website: historysquad.ca
Facebook: / historysquad
Twitter: / history_hicks

[@charliebrenton4421]

Kevin has an authenticity that just can’t be faked. That’s why we love him. Hats off to the Squad!

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers Charlie, I really appreciate that!

[@Campfire_Bandit]

+

[@MKD-fe5vf]

Totally concur and that's why I subscribed to his channel.

[@PsihoKekec]

''Deprive the monk of his wine.'' You monster.

[@thehistorysquad]

😂

[@ScarletImp]

@@thehistorysquad The monk shall pray for God's forgiveness for your transgression. :P He personally will not be forgiving you. :P

[@roydonovan9063]

All you can ask for is passion and effort, and Kev has both. People can tell authentic.

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers buddy 👍🏻

[@MrSomethingElse]

hey i'm no spring chicken myself but this reminds me of my grandpa, in the 70s, showing me where all the tools belonged in his workshop and how to tie flys. i adore your content sir, you stay well and keep enthralling me and i'll keep you swimming in likes and comments.

[@richardstever3242]

Kevin and I are both..."Old School". I built model houses before the Auto Cad days. Design is primarily a "right brain" exercise. It never fails to amaze me how some of the best Architecture in the world was created before the invention of electricity.

[@thehistorysquad]

So true 👍🏻

[@calliecooke1817]

My dad has been avid model railroader for 60 some years. I have helped him with many projects in his appox. 450 sq. ft. layout. 3D laser printing has changed the whole game. Thanks Kevin.

[@thehistorysquad]

It has for sure! I've considered getting a machine myself but to be honest it's a bit over my head, and I do enjoy buying and making what I need if I can 👍🏻

[@darran311]

​@@thehistorysquadwe've bought a machine and I can't for the life of me work out how to use the thing 😂

[@thehistorysquad]

@@darran311 haha, I'm probably doing the right think then 😜

[@darran311]

@@thehistorysquad probably , plus the models youve made without one are really good

[@PaulFellows3430]

In its own way this video is just as fascinating as the purely historical ones. As a modelmaker myself it's always intriguing to find out how fellow modellers operate and it's surprising what you can learn as a result. Thanks for this Kevin, and for all your hard work to keep us entertained.

[@thehistorysquad]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@peregrinemccauley5010]

This great channel stands alone in recreating great military battles and scenes, in such a dramatical diomaratical fashion. Great camera work adds to the occasion also.

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers! And Julie says thanks too 👍🏻

[@crystalclear6864]

Excellent!!! Behind the scenes in i made a model❤

[@bartsanders1553]

The occasional behind the scenes is always worthwhile👍👍

[@lianefehrle9921]

It’s fun to be a kid again while you teach what you know

[@Face2theScr33n]

Kevin's youthful enthusiasm is what I found most endearing the first time I watched one of his presentations. What a guy.

[@michaelpage4199]

You sir do not create a model…. You create historical masterpieces. Outstanding

[@thehistorysquad]

😃 thanks!

[@ricebrown1]

Man, my D&D group would pay good money to play out battles on your scenery. Keep up the great creative work, your videos are always great watches.

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks, will do! 👍🏻

[@dean828]

🏰 Quite spectacular model building...‼️ Cheers from 🇺🇸🤝🇬🇧

[@thehistorysquad]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@ildarmingazov2304]

Hey there! Kazakhstan looks your channel. Thanks no end It is really Gem Have a nice day!

[@MrSomethingElse]

yeah new zealand is looking too. really Gem. hard out. kia ora my kazaks.

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks, you too 👍🏻

[@HisNameIsRobertPaulson01]

I love your shirt. My son used to love making models like this. He focused on WWII and I enjoyed his story to go along with it. They were nowhere near as large and detailed as they, but I was proud of him. You wouldn't think the little details would make such a big difference, but by gosh they sure do. I wish I saw your videos at that point in time and implement some of your ideas onto his model. He's stopped making them over the years. This video brought back some great memories. Thank you, History Squad!!

[@thehistorysquad]

How lovely, I'm glad you enjoyed this one.

[@APerchOfPillows]

I didn’t know how much I wanted this video until you posted it. Kev! You clever chap!

[@thehistorysquad]

Haha, sweet!

[@Ian-mj4pt]

Wow something I'm interested in and you showing us your technique. Absolutely brilliant . Thanks once again Kevin and Co ❤

[@mhollman8650]

Love when Kevin makes a model! What a treasure

[@randalmayeux8880]

Hi Kevin, I make one twelfth scale model furniture. Being that I'm a custom furniture builder in real life, it makes sense, I guess. I save bits of wood that have a real close grain to use for table and desktops. I buy some of my hardware from hobby shops and make other parts from scratch. Everything is done to scale, including the thickness of the parts. I use the same joinery as I use for a full size piece of furniture, even if it doesn't show. I had to make a conversion chart of common thicknesses to speed things up. I also made some clamping jigs to help with glue-ups. I found a 42 teeth per inch backsaw 6" long, a low angle block plane and I made a bunch of chisels out of miniature screwdrivers. I can use some of my shop machinery to save time. For instance, 1/16 of an inch is the equivalent of 3/4" in 1/12 scale. I can plane it at my power plane, which is a lot easier than doing it by hand! Thanks for sharing your model making techniques and I appreciate your attention to even the most insignificant details. I makes a difference. I'm looking forward to your next video!

[@thehistorysquad]

Excellent, it's great to hear from other modellers 👍🏻

[@davidstrother496]

It is nice to see what goes on behind the scenes of your videos. That is a fair bit of work, and rightfully deserves its own video. Thank you, Kevin.

[@sawyerbindl559]

I have always noticed the models in your videos and was curious about them. I didn't realize how much passion you put into them with all the small details. From here on out I will pay much closer attention to them. Brilliant work

[@thehistorysquad]

Cool, thanks!

[@William_Hada]

Being a builder/creator of sorts myself I especially enjoyed seeing how you created your amazing models and scenery. It really adds to the interest and enjoyment of your wonderful content. I love how a lot of it gets recycled and reused to save time in their creation. I see why a good labeling and organization is key to it all. If you don't have a good system you'll never find it when you need to reuse it.

[@BMO_Creative]

Way cool!!! One of the best channels on KZbin!

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers!! Always appreciate your comments.

[@arthurdoucette1786]

Greetings once again from Nova Scotia, thanks for a peek behind the curtain, as it were. I loved building model ships when I was a kid, and watching you put every thing away, I could hear my grandma's voice, reminding me, there's a place for everything, and everything in it's place. Now my oldest son is so very detail oriented, he has taken model building, to another level. Thanks for a very fun, and wether you like it or not, an teaching moment. Cheers mate, Arthur

[@thehistorysquad]

How lovely Arthur, I really do enjoy making both the dioramas and my other crazy little models. Have a wonderful weekend 👍🏻

[@krisfinley6706]

Fascinating to learn the behind the scenes "magic"! Every bit as interesting as the historical tales themselves. Thanks for sharing your techniques Kevin, I hope this inspires others who are interested in model making to go for it!👍😊

[@jeningle8288]

Those wonderful words ' I've made a model' but this time we can see just how it's put together but in reverse. Great stuff Kevin!

[@thehistorysquad]

Glad you liked it!

[@jaredticer6255]

You seem to be as young at heart as a strapping lad in their early 20's yet maintain the wisdom of an ancient sage and posess the character of a passionate artist who's wit and cunning can only be matched by their creativity and obvious integrity. *Also, cool shirt in this video :D

[@tterbay]

I’m not a model builder but I have an old train set of my grand father’s that I would like to resurrect, restore & set up. I found this instructional and fascinating. Thank you, sir, for making & posting this video! ❤

[@Mike-tg7dj]

Kevin, that was super !! You should have a Doctorate in Education. You teach in a way that the audience is with you every step of the way from start to finish. Keep up the good work and the Lord bless you and keep you.

[@thehistorysquad]

I’m so glad you enjoyed it. Thanks.

[@bostonrailfan2427]

thank you Kevin for doing this, you showed that you take our requests to heart i can easily see several large hard plastic “totes” filled with model pieces all labeled with what’s inside on storage shelves and a stack of various blocks containing the battlefields, harbors, and rivers to put the models on

[@thehistorysquad]

You’ve been in my basement? 😜

[@trappedinkalifornee]

Kevin, you are a kid at heart for sure!👍🏼👍🏼

[@geofschofield7963]

Ground scatter is easily collected by a hand held vacuum nozzle using old tights as a filter medium 👍

[@dpeter6396]

Outstanding presentation, Mr. Hicks! I watch all your vids with an eagerness usually expressed by children. Just wonderful. Thank you!! From Washington state USA.

[@thehistorysquad]

Wow, thank you!

[@gazzertrn]

Brilliant . Thanks Kevin , we all love the way you go the extra mile . Must take some time doing that .

[@darrinrebagliati5365]

Movie magic from the flim-flam man!! I love it. When I was learning(that I didn't want) to be a draftsman, before computers were common, I built several houses in a similar manner. I used cardboard and box board for walls and floors. Had painted or drew the finishes, sometimes multiple types. Once I even included the landscaping, because I knew the lot the house was being pitched for. Using coffee grounds for the flower beds, felt for the lawn, tissue paper and toothpicks for trees and shrubs. Then I borrowed some of my cousins dollhouse furniture and furnished it. They liked it but didn't go for it because it was too small looking. I can say now that it looked like a row house, standing alone. Oddly enough, that lot now is 4 lots in a 'gated community' with very similar looking row houses populating it! Great vid! I think you've inspired me to try this again!! Design and build my dream castle! Thanx!

[@thehistorysquad]

Brilliant, all it takes is some imagination 👍

[@stevemull2002]

As you say Kev, its just a bit of fun, all of your models, show a bit of thought, and bring to life, something we will never see again

[@sassycrocodile]

The little fellas hanging from the castle walls! Thank you for sharing this wonderful model with us sir grandfather :)

[@thehistorysquad]

😃

[@williamhughes9559]

I love building models like this. I drove my wife crazy with all the stuff I refused to throw away. Kevin knows how it goes

[@thehistorysquad]

😂

[@jackdorsey4850]

Dear Kevin, Not till I saw the disassembly of the model could I can now appreciate the work you put in and how it helps the story come to life keep it up

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers Jack 👍

[@jackdorsey4850]

@@thehistorysquad Cheers back at you

[@alansahbegovic]

I love the old school vibes that Kevin offers via this channel. When I was a kid, I would have loved to purchase a whole set like this. Keep up the good work!

[@Toukijin2005]

Holy moly the amount of effort required to do this! Hat goes off to you! ❤

[@richardh615]

Nice vid . As an experienced older wargamer, it nice to see your approach to modelling. I like making my terrain from bits as well. Today if you have lots of £££££ , you can buy the bits but it’s much more fun, like you, to make up things from bits and bobs. The water try using cheap pea glue instead. Far cheaper. Paint water base, pour glue onto surface, then let it dry.

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks for the tip!

[@Lordborak316]

I always watch kev on my tablet while doing the dinner. As an avid reader of all history, I put him on as a bit of background fun. However I always end up watching and saying "I didn't know that" and consequentially often burn the dinner because he's so interesting. What a guy!

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers buddy, 😜

[@aggressiveacorn2860]

I do have a tip for picking up all that leftover grass flocking! If you take a thin sock/stocking and slip it over the end of a little vacuum with a rubber band to secure it in place, it'll suck up all your flocking into the sock end for easy collection. It's so great to see your battle map breakdown with all the little details added in to bring life-like moments to flesh things out. Burying the dead, cooking, all of that really makes a difference.

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks!

[@JZsBFF]

I'm surprised that nobody ever made a telly animation series on the period in the style of Thunderbirds or Captain Scarlet.

[@thehistorysquad]

Wouldn't that have been cool!

[@sassyfrass4295]

very detailed - thank you for sharing. that 1st line of defense/attack was amazing.

[@thehistorysquad]

Glad you liked it!

[@welshparamedic]

Excellent model making Kev. A man of many talents!

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers!

[@LimelightMCMLXXXI]

Always a pleasure!

[@jonrettich-ff4gj]

It’s as labor intensive as it looks. Your care makes beautiful results. Thank you for all of that. I use beveled painted foam core for my figure bases usually about three figures on foot on each. For the classic English archers I insert round toothpicks in the foam core to simulate their stakes.

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks for sharing!

[@Andrew-Locksley691]

Youre videos are so relaxing !I get so excited when you put out a new film very soothing to watch and youre attention to detail is incredible!As far as the water effects I just finished a three foot modle of the Bismark and I have so much water efects products from my grandpa so I painted the base wood that was to be the Ocean with a light and then mixed it with navy blue .After laying down a good inch of water effects, I used a hair dryer and blew the water effects against the hull of the Bismark, mixing a little bit of white paint ,and followed up with here wake .for shell impacts splashing around her I wait till the water effects are 3/4 dry then using a small paint brush I push the brush to the base of the wood through the water and pull up abruptly and at the rigt time snip the water at the appropriate hight ,that stuff is amazing it looks so real.Sir Kevin I know you at one point were looking for a Bismark modle for youre museum up there let me know if you still need one I will build a full diorama free of charge any size you want it would be an honor, just let me know and we can work out the particulars I have a few already built and I can send you some pics againg great vid .Cheers ,BostonUSA...

[@thehistorysquad]

Hi Andrew, that's so kind of you, I really appreciate the offer and would love to take you up on it. If you take a look at our about us section on the channel home page, you should be able to find a link to email me direct and we can chat from there. Thanks again! Kevin

[@Andrew-Locksley691]

@thehistorysquad Will do my friend! Cheers...

[@philipdemaeyer1665]

And there come grandfather Kevin’s grandkids. They see the models, and start playing. 😊

[@mr31337]

Kevin, I'm horrified you executed some of those little men & put the rest into an oubliette (box)

[@thehistorysquad]

😂

[@vividius7951]

I like wargaming as a hobby and what I like to do is make some hills from polystyrene and then put a green tablecloth over the top and that way it looks uniform and you can put houses and woods on top of the hills and valleys

[@matthieugroot7844]

This does put a smile on my face. Love the passion ❤

[@iangoddi]

NICE SHIRT KEV! There was a dream that was Rome...

[@thehistorysquad]

😜

[@ResIpsaLoca]

The model has helped me to conceptualize so many events of history you’ve explained

[@thehistorysquad]

Excellent 👍🏻

[@vapormissile]

Nice corner, with the stone wall behind. Solid D&D vibe.

[@stevefranklin9920]

Your models certainly do add visual effects to your stories and is just another reason why we really enjoy your videos Kevin !

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks 👍

[@kingslob3422]

you're my role model with your dedication to models

[@Wherewolfe]

Well I’ll be! Kevin has a T-Shirt. And here I thought 1918 was as modern as he got! Love the content!

[@thehistorysquad]

😂

[@dennisr.d.mascarenas3886]

Awesome.. The kid in me wants it.. All the best from Colorado USA.. 😎🇺🇸

[@TrentBattyDrums]

You are truely passionate about these models, and it shows when you're talking about it. The detail you put in is second to none. Great video, and i love the shirt! Veni Vidi Vici.

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks! 👍

[@megabowzer100]

The details you put in these models proves how dedicated to medieval history you actually are 😮 thank you for the hard work you put into this glorious channel.viva la Kevin (and wife) 😊

[@thehistorysquad]

😃 thanks!

[@ilari90]

@8:07 to get more texture to those tubes, maybe put small rubberbands on the pipe before painting it, dunno if it will work but it might give a bit detail to them. And they already might be "good enough". Cool stuff! Greetings from Finland!

[@thehistorysquad]

A great idea! I'm already on it 👍🏻

[@verbdoing9824]

Amazing amount of detail

[@dmcarpenter2470]

Great behind the scenes!

[@JamesKing-go2cq]

Kevin , you’re channel is so enriching to all of us . Congratulations and thank you.

[@thehistorysquad]

You are very welcome

[@neilcook4686]

Absolutely fascinating 😊 Thanks

[@ellstark372]

OMG Kevin...this is just too much! (in a good way) you are the God of models (I have mentioned that before) and now you are revealing " how you made this model!" I cant cope! England are through to the semi's and now this!!!!! 😍

[@thehistorysquad]

😂 it’s a good day eh?

[@brightantwerp]

I really love this one! An insight in your famous modelmaking. Love all the details you put into it.

[@thehistorysquad]

Thank you! 😊

[@jfh9219]

Beautiful work!!

[@Face2theScr33n]

Thanks Kevin! And I agree, save the shrubbery for your next encounter with the "Knights of NI"!

[@thehistorysquad]

Absolutely 😜

[@heidim7732]

I very much appreciated seeing behind the scenes! Thank you.

[@thehistorysquad]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@bostarbird5282]

It's obvious that you put a lot of thought and time into your models. Thanks for sharing the behind the scenes of what you do to give us the most realistic videos.

[@thehistorysquad]

My pleasure!

[@andrewsycamore3661]

Kevin, your dedication and passion in making these models are just fantastic. Thank you for giving us the content you do ☺️

[@thehistorysquad]

I appreciate that, cheers.

[@mwright_boomer]

I always tune in to watch Kevin “I made a model!” Hicks talk about history

[@thehistorysquad]

😜

[@buzsalmon]

Kev I would have enjoyed working with you as a P.C. but I couldn't and wouldn't even try to keep up with you in everything you do today and on your channel! I like to think I was decent copper and detective Sgt however you are the very best in your area here on the internet! Absolutely the Best!🙏 God bless you Kev sincerely.

[@thehistorysquad]

That’s so kind of you, cheers Skipper 👍

[@tylermiddaugh1515]

back in grade school my dad and i made a model of the mission san jose in texas. we used some similar techniques. this reminded me how much i loved making that model. maybe ill do it again

[@thehistorysquad]

👍 go for it!

[@kikikaakau-delizo8152]

Such talent! Thanks so much for sharing how all the wonder is created!❤

[@raymyers6016]

Keep up the great work! From your American cousin!

[@602douglas]

Thank you so much for sharing this! Love your channel!!!

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks for watching 👍🏻

[@paulmartin1521]

Magic!! Love this Kevin!

[@carlmitchell3431]

Kiven I love building models my self but what you have done and do is just amazing thanks for the behind the scenes tour.

[@thehistorysquad]

My pleasure, thanks for watching 👍🏻

[@lizzieandmocha1131]

I love this. I would love to be a history teacher and build these for my students. That would be so cool.

[@deemecklin4864]

Love it. Thank you, Kevin!!

[@KaerriRainshadow]

I enjoy the behind-the-scenes look at things so this was good fun! Thanks History Squad! Looking forward to the next one, as always. :)

[@thehistorysquad]

👍

[@TravisBrady-wn8fr]

I really enjoy your channel. Im an up and coming artist. Your show is the perfect blend of history and art. The two passions in my life.

[@thehistorysquad]

Wow, how lovely. I love the symbolism in some works of art from the past.

[@alyssajohnson9165]

It's really impressive the level of detail you put into your models!! Great craftsmanship! 😊 thanks for the amazing video!! I'll definitely rewatch it again!

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers Alyssa, have a lovely weekend 👍🏻

[@Convoycrazy]

I've often wondered about your models! I never realized you built them literally from the ground up! I can appreciate the effort it takes to make something like this [over and over!] Thank you for sharing this with us! 🍻 This was very interesting.

[@JCOwens-zq6fd]

I've always been interested in miniature dioramas. I built them all the time as a kid. Saw one in a museum once & I was hooked. Lol As an aside JB Weld epoxies work really well for improvising some pretty durable pieces for the models.

[@elainethomas9737]

How very cool...great detail...I felt kind of sad for the dead figures all the other figures were cool also. You have put in a great deal of time with models...keep up the good work 👍

[@mickusable]

Kevin Hicks, the man, the myth, great insight into your skills as a model maker Kev 🤘🏹

[@thehistorysquad]

😜 you’re too kind

[@mickusable]

@@thehistorysquad. Not at all, credit where it’s due 🤘🏹

[@amytaege2725]

This is awesome!

[@deniseulmer642]

Thankz, I love seeing your models, and I now know some of your secrets. 😊

[@kimtozer5517]

My dream destination is the castle in France. Quedelon. A magical place.

[@dganim9196]

Hi Kevin, I really enjoyed this behind the scenes episode. You know its the little things you add amongst the larger Vinette that really make the whole story of the event really great. Thanks for sharing.

[@thehistorysquad]

Glad you enjoyed it Daryl, thanks. Notice the T-shirt? I’ve had some compliments on it already.

[@dganim9196]

@@thehistorysquad I sure did! Very cool :)

[@Sakai070]

My man!!! Thank you from a fellow modeler.

[@thehistorysquad]

You bet!

[@user-qp4zz6bg7d]

Amazing work, Kevin! The detail is phenomenal, I always was fascinated by miniature models. ✨

[@thehistorysquad]

You and me both!

[@davidcreager1945]

Thank You for an excellent video , Kevin !! I Love your attention to detail ! My hat's off to you ! I believe in the adage : a place for everything and everything in it's place .

[@thehistorysquad]

Indeed 😃

[@Mr.Higginbotham]

Cool, thanks Mr. Hicks!

[@thehistorysquad]

You bet!