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- Levels 4 to 7 - Details
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Levels 4 to 7Level 4 consists of wall 4 with ramparts and also the inclined street section behind the wall. Level 5 consists of wall 5 with ramparts and also the inclined street section behind the wall. Level 6 is a level street. Level 7 is the courtyard where the white tree of Gondor will eventually go. Initially I had planned on constructing all of Levels 4 to 7 in one section. However, after constructing the two sections for Levels 2 to 3 in two sections, I decided to also construct Levels 4 to 7 in two sections. Where Levels 2 to 3 were split horizontally into the sections either side of the central rock, I decided to split Levels 4 to 7 in two sections vertically. Why Split Vertically?The reason to split it into two sections vertically was to end up with modules of Minas Tirith that could be used on their own for smaller games when it was too difficult to transport the whole city. I wanted the upper module to be able to be used on its own with the siege towers (when they are built). This meant that I wanted the wall height to be exactly the same as Wall 1 (240mm). The other criteria was that for a slightly larger game I wanted to use this upper section along with Level 1. Remember, Level 1 consists of the Main Gate and Wall 1. This meant that an extension module was needed to raise the height of the upper section so that the front wall of the upper section would be well above the height of Wall 1. Extension ModuleThe extension module had to be high enough to provide a wall at the lower section of the sloping street in front of Wall 4 when the whole city was assembled. All these criteria resulted in a height of 360mm being chosen for the extension module. The reinforcing in this module is the full height between the horizontal sheets as it needs to take the weight of the whole upper module. The original weaker reinforcing down the centre of the extension module was removed and was matched to the full height reinforcing that was done on the left and right sides. This construction is so strong that it would support the weight of an average person. However, now the combined weight of the upper module and the extension module meant that similar reinforcing had to be done on the rear section of the central rock that would support these two modules. DetailsDetails will be added to these levels over the coming months once the basic construction of the other levels is complete. In the mean time click on the link below to see the construction of the central rock.
NEXT PAGE ==> Central Rock
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Above. The top section has been cut from the central rock to form the basis of the top module. The rounded front piece acts as a docking piece into the main central rock as well as being a rock piece for this upper section when it is to be used on its own. |
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Above. Outer part of Wall 4 is added next. |
Above. Then the inner part of Wall 4 followed by the outer part of Wall 5. The two vertical flaps have now been used to reinforce the back of the central piece. Additional reinforcing was done inside before sealing the two flaps. |
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Above. Inner horizontal section is added to reduce the height of Wall 6. Note the reinforcing pieces now added under the courtyard circle at the top. |
Above. Reinforcing rib for inside Wall 6 is now added as is the pathway which makes Level 6. Vertical Wall 7 is then added. This was made higher than Level 7 (the courtyard) so that it could be cut back later to the right height for the low surrounding wall. |
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Above. From the front with just the wall for Level 6 needed to go in before adding the inclined streets. |
Above. Wall 6 has now been added. |
Above. The streets here are narrower than on the lower levels, so it is easier to support them by pairs of angled cardboard as shown in the photo. |
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Above. Rear view of the basic completed upper module showing the alternately sloping streets. |
Above. The reinforcing on one side of the extension module well underway. |
Above. Reinforcing now complete on both sides. The centre section reinforcing is underway. |
Nunawading Wargames Association Inc.
Lord of the Rings
Making Minas Tirith
Levels 4 to 7
