As promised I finally finished a scale model of our castle. The castle is a 1:87 Scale or for those you who know about such things HO Gauge scale. The main reason for this chosen scale was the availability of parts like window frames and accessories plus it would fit on a card table in our tent. The whole project took about four months to complete.

The model is based on a number of photographs we took on our visit last year (May 2002) and notes also collected at the same time.  The date for the model is around 1920 when the last major renovation took place, which included adding a third floor.  I also used the 1904 Ordnance Survey map, which showed the grounds and building outlines. This was especially important with the buildings in the rear of the castle, which were never photographed as far as I can determine.

Step 1

Scale drawings of the castle were first created in Corel draw using a combination of photos and the Ordnance Map. This step took several months and resulted in 16 scale drawings of all the sides and plan view.

Step 2

Next I collected the materials needed for the construction, which took some time due mainly to the difficulty of finding the appropriate windows  and doors.

Step 3

Now the fun began as I built each module of the castle separately. The primary construction material was sheet  plastic.  A number of changes were needed in the drawings when actual construction began. There are 153 windows in the model!

Step 4

The modules were then assembled into two basic sections. The main part of the castle and the servants quarters and kitchen area.

Step 5

The castle was then spray painted and weathered with both acrylics and oil paints. Clear acetate was used for all the windows.

Step 6

Last a base was built from sheet styrofoam. It was covered with plaster cloth and painted. Different types of model railroad gravel and grass were added. I made five trees and added various figures and animals to add life to the castle.

Overview from the west side of the castle. The flag is an ancient Davidson tartan.

Completed model showing the front.

The kitchen and cleaning staff area.

The stain glass windows are actually from a photo taken from inside the castle, which were printed on photo paper and glued. inside the model.

The rear area has some wild life. Of course there has to be some deer including a Davidson stag or two.

A view of the east side of the castle.

The Davidson Clan chief and his family going on a picnic. The chief was a modified figure of a country gentleman. This setting is a little contrived since by 1920 the castle was being used by Col Vickers and family.

Could that be the green lady wondering around the roof?

If you want to see this model in real life come by our tent at any of the Region 7 Games and it will be there along with our Highland farm house.