My friend David purchased this model from Castle Works in April of 1998.
He was a very big LOTR fan. Sadly he passed away before the movie came out. I had it in storage and had to move in order to begin repairs in my shop. I decided to take this opportunity to restore the model.It needs repairs and new paint. I am thinking some more details to make it look more like a city would add to the appearance of the model. I will add doors and hatch ways and may be roofs to some of the towers.



I only have about have enough men of Gondor to defend about half of the model so I will need to paint lots more.



The model is in a different style than the movie and only has three levels.
Making the model three levels was deliberate so that the model could be a reasonable size. I have laid siege to the model many times and it is very playable.



I am going to begin with new paint , but I was thinking It would be possible to replace the gate and gate house with one that looks more like the movie. I would like to Know your thoughts on this.

I do not think Tim produces this model any more. I would buy his new one if I had a place to put it.

http://www.modelcastles.biz/

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"the same as a duck you must be made of wood"

That's a really nice castle. I wouldn't replace the front gate because from the pictures it looks like it would be rather difficult because the piece fits so well and also because I gate that looks more like the movie's minas tirith would not fit this castle. Good luck with the restoration, please post lots of WIP pictures.

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“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” -Romans 5:8

That is what I am afraid of.

Lots of people react to the model by saying it does not look like the movie. So I put the poll in the post. There are a lot of smart artistic knowledgeable gamers and painters on this site so I would like suggestions.

Special note. I did not design or build this model so you are not going to hurt my feelings with any comment. The model was constructed in 1998 as a special commission and the builder has a very nice updated current version for sale.

I want your opinions or I would not ask. If you cant think of anything to say vote.
Thanks

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"the same as a duck you must be made of wood"

click to enlarge



I am going to add texture to the streets. I think David intended to add lift out doors and hatch ways to the towers there are none one the model. I think I should build lots of detail pieces and put them on small magnets so not to ruin the model with permanent changes .



Comments about what to do with my army of Gondor are welcome

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"the same as a duck you must be made of wood"

So far most of you think I should work on figures first. I think I have enough bad guys. so I should work on Gondor first. I have three bolt throwers I need to finish for a little AAA. I am not sure if the stone thrower will fit the tower. I will paint it. I have six companies of men of Gondor and three companies of archers ready. I will need at least that many for the other side of the city.
My camera is so old it uses floppy disk but some friends have volunteered cameras for a siege battle please make suggestions.

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"the same as a duck you must be made of wood"

I'd say leave it all the same.It looks magnificent,and its perfectly all right to not match the movie.

All I have to say is, good thing you got it from a friend on a special commission, because those prices are INSANE

Well, I do have some other things to say. Work on your army, not the castle. I would not recommend recontruction of any sort, but if you really think work needs to be done on it, a drybrush I suppose couldn't hurt.

another idea is to use it as a different castle... tecnically it doesnt have the 7 layers of minas tirith, nore the pire of rock that looks like a ships keel pointing south...you could consider using it as the strong hold of dol amroth or possibly another stronghold of gondor intended to resemble their beloved white city... plus the bolt throwers etc are actually considered part of both armies in the rule book... but no matter what i would leave the gatehouse the way it is... to try and fabricate one that fits the movie wont do enough to cause people to see it as minas tirith, you would need the rock, and the layout... but none the less, this would be a great castle to play on. but as many others have said, i would work on your armies instead of a major redesign... just my two cents...

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"...all we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us." -Gandalf The fellowship of the Ring