Siege Tower Construction Instructions
by Lothaire (Imperial Engineer)

Supplies:
White Glue
3/4" Wood Disks
1/8" Diameter Bamboo Skewer
Balsa Wood Sticks:
1/8" x 1/8" 
1/8" x 1/16"
1/4" x 1/16"
Twine


Overview:
This structure is a two-tiered siege tower, suitable for the Warmaster range of 10mm minatures. It is designed so that one stand will fit in the top tier, while the remaining two stands will fit in the bottom tier. The heights of the two tiers were measured against imperial units to ensure that they would fit - most infantry units from the other armies should fit as well. The height of the gate when it is lowered is 5cm off of the ground, which should match the height of the top of the ForgeWorld castle walls.

All of the measurements on the schematics are in centimeters - all of the original drawings are to scale, so each pic should match if placed over the others.

1) Assemble the two side sections as per the schematics (sorry for the occasional blurry number). For the main beams, use the 1/8" square balsa wood. For the cross pieces, use the 1/8" x 1/16" balsa wood. The easiest way to do the cross pieces actually lay the wood strip across the diagonal and cut to length. Once the first dialgonal is in, lay the next strip across, cutting to length and marking where the center of the first diagonal is. Cut the second diagonal in half, and glue in so that the two ends meet at the center of the first diagonal.

2) Cut seven 4.5cm lengths of 1/8" square balsa wood and glue the two side structures together. Two lengths should go at the top, two at the middle, and three at the bottom. 

3) Add cross pieces to front, floors and roof.

4) At this point, your basic structure is intact. Use the 1/4" x 1/16" balsa wood to cover the walls, floor and roof. Again, the easiest way to do this is to put the piece in place, mark it, and then cut it. You don't have to be exact or perfect - in fact, imperfections look rather good. Do the front last - it looks better when the planking on the front covers the front-ends of the side planks.

5) Build the frame of the gate. The 5.1cm length of wood at the bottom is a length of bamboo skewer. This will allow the gate to be raised and lowered. Cover the floor of the gate with the 1/4" x 1/16" bamboo.

6) Cut two .5cm lengths of the 1/8" x 1/16" balsa wood and glue each upright on the end of the middle beams extending to the front. This will hold your gate onto your tower. Place the extended ends of the gate skewer in the notches that this forms.

7) Glue on the wheels.

8) Punch two holes into the front corner of the gate. Cut two lengths of twine and thread each through a hole. Glue the gate-end of the twine so it is hidden. Glue the other end of the twine to the front right and leftedge of the tower roof. Place a 1/8" square piece of balsa wood across the front of the roof to cover the ends of the twine.

9) Prime in black and paint in your army colours. Or alternatively water down some ink Flesh Wash and apply liberally as a stain.


Let me know how your tower turns out, and feel free to contact me if you have any questions at: Lothaire@home.com