PlaymoFriends

General => Collector's Corner => Topic started by: bhellman75 on April 14, 2013, 01:48:32

Title: My little kingdom!
Post by: bhellman75 on April 14, 2013, 01:48:32
These are some rather grainy photos of my little joy.  I've had a tough time with my camera and computer and figuring out this site today, but I assume I'll be able to post better pictures in the future! 

I'll be receiving a second complete 3666 on Monday and will be looking to add to my castle.  I'd like to keep the footprint the same and add to the layers of it.  I've been searching around to see what other members have done, but I haven't managed to see much.  I look forward to finding other people's designs and fishing for ideas! 

http://www.playmofriends.com/forum/album/displayimage.php?album=223&pid=2570#top_display_media
Title: Re: My little kingdom!
Post by: tonguello on April 14, 2013, 11:39:26
That's a very nice looking castle!!  :love:
I really like it!
Thanks for sharing.  :wave:
Title: Re: My little kingdom!
Post by: PlaymoFrankJon on April 14, 2013, 11:49:01
Really nice set up !  :wave:
Title: Re: My little kingdom!
Post by: Rhalius on April 14, 2013, 14:11:50
A nice set up yes, I'm still trying to get my hands on that swam tournament tent.

The 3666 is pretty much the place that ties my stories together, I'm using a slightly modified version of it with the castle expansion set.
Title: Re: My little kingdom!
Post by: bhellman75 on April 14, 2013, 14:57:22
I've seen many members' respect for the 3666 and steck system in the posts I've looked through.  After trying out a system x castle, I was disappointed both in the relative flimsiness of the material and the fact that it was not compatible with the older system.  I am a 3666, medieval-steck devotee.  My first 3666 came without its box, but with some cut-outs of pictures, presumably from the 3666 box (the prior owner had combined a few sets in the sale, all from roughly the same time) that have some beautifully layered set-ups, with steps disappearing behind walls and everything else contributing to the look of a more expansive city just behind the facade.  I'd like to achieve a look that combines the almost labyrinthine appearance of those images with frontal areas to set up little scenes. 

I'm so excited for Monday!  I bought my second 3666 for $70, including shipping (no figures, but complete castle), along with a second baron's tower for $55 (also included shipping.)   
Title: Re: My little kingdom!
Post by: Tiermann on April 14, 2013, 15:06:04
That's a great looking castle. I tend to do large castle set-ups at Christmas, my first was in 2005. My last really big one was 2011 seen in this thread (http://www.playmofriends.com/forum/index.php?topic=10029.0). Last year I went for more of a village look (http://www.playmofriends.com/forum/index.php?topic=12189.10). See also my Halloween castle from 2010 (http://www.playmofriends.com/forum/index.php?topic=6100.0).

Other well worth looking at are Skypurr's Hogwarts castle (http://www.playmofriends.com/forum/index.php?topic=10611.0)
I know you saw Giorginetto's castle. Probably also Skywalker's Castle Steckstone since that's still on the first page of dioramas. Be sure to check out Skywalker's earlier Eulenburg (http://www.playmofriends.com/forum/index.php?topic=4136.0) as well
Title: Re: My little kingdom!
Post by: bhellman75 on April 14, 2013, 17:25:34
Tim, 

I love the Halloween set up, particularly the small touches.  And I'll need to look at a few of your Christmas castle pics again.  I love the way you've put together and stacked some of the houses.  Really wonderful, imaginative work.  I love the way you've lit some of the insides in the Christmas pics and of course the tiny lights.  Thanks for the links!

Ben
Title: Re: My little kingdom!
Post by: DrDalek6 on April 14, 2013, 21:07:44
That looks like a nice Castle settup and a nice little forest as well looks like it's full of life as well  :)
Title: Re: My little kingdom!
Post by: bhellman75 on April 14, 2013, 23:28:03
That's a great looking castle. I tend to do large castle set-ups at Christmas, my first was in 2005. My last really big one was 2011 seen in this thread (http://www.playmofriends.com/forum/index.php?topic=10029.0). Last year I went for more of a village look (http://www.playmofriends.com/forum/index.php?topic=12189.10). See also my Halloween castle from 2010 (http://www.playmofriends.com/forum/index.php?topic=6100.0).

Other well worth looking at are Skypurr's Hogwarts castle (http://www.playmofriends.com/forum/index.php?topic=10611.0)
I know you saw Giorginetto's castle. Probably also Skywalker's Castle Steckstone since that's still on the first page of dioramas. Be sure to check out Skywalker's earlier Eulenburg (http://www.playmofriends.com/forum/index.php?topic=4136.0) as well

Tim -- can you tell me what pieces you are using to hold up the balcony in your Christmas village pics?   The picture is this one:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/71879015@N00/6494764065/

Thanks!
Title: Re: My little kingdom!
Post by: tahra on April 15, 2013, 07:29:42
That's a nice looking castle! I suppose you'll be making it higher?
Title: Re: My little kingdom!
Post by: Rhalius on April 15, 2013, 07:41:40
A few steck houses might help expand the village/camp outside the castle walls. The bakery and museum are readily available now for a normal price.  ;)
Title: Re: My little kingdom!
Post by: Georgeag1972 on April 15, 2013, 10:04:10
Your Kingdom is fantastic!! I like it very much!! :love: :love: You have a very nice Medieval collection, congrats.
Many thanks for sharing.

George. :)
Title: Re: My little kingdom!
Post by: Tiermann on April 15, 2013, 19:59:46
Those are from the 3716 Farm set. They are very useful and I only have one pair of them. They aren't currently available in any of the DS sets.
Title: Re: My little kingdom!
Post by: bhellman75 on April 16, 2013, 13:11:29
Thanks!  I started trying to modify it yesterday and remembered that there are no small changes to Playmobil.  All figures must be cleared and every piece you want to remove requires another piece until you've fairly disassembled the whole!  It was like an earthquake struck.

My first idea was to double the length of the cottage, but it jutted out too far for that.  Then I tried reorienting the double cottage so the openings faced forward and adding platforms in front to extend the lower level, but I'm losing the spaces beneath and needing four-way connectors (which do not exist) to attach it all.  I will go back in today after having slept on it and try again.  My poor knights and citizens are all in a box waiting to be repatriated!

Ben

 
Title: Re: My little kingdom!
Post by: Tiermann on April 16, 2013, 18:58:38
The same farm set has two of the four way connectors, they are tan though, which doesn't go as well with the grey walls. I have used them a few times though for interior support sections.
Title: Re: My little kingdom!
Post by: Giorginetto on April 16, 2013, 20:01:26
I am a 3666, medieval-steck devotee.

 :)9 :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap:

Watch it when you reach 10-15 3666s or shoudli say equivalents to ( steck parts etc) because at that stage its very dangerous to go get another 10-15 .... :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

Really like your set up, i always preach that the very best of playmobil is steck and the medieval sets 1977-2000... look forward to see more of your steck. double high walls should be good too i reckon so  ;)
Title: Re: My little kingdom!
Post by: bhellman75 on April 17, 2013, 00:33:48
Giorginetto,

I'll try to cap it at two 3666s, for the moment at least.  I have plenty of the older magic sets that I can't set up for lack of space.  I may try to simulate the new dragon tower sets with my two baron's towers and extra round tour, though. 
Title: Re: My little kingdom!
Post by: stroebel83 on May 05, 2013, 01:41:18
Stunning display. Thank you for sharing.
Title: Re: My little kingdom!
Post by: starhorse on May 06, 2013, 15:07:06
Thanks for sharing these pictures.  It's a great setup.  I just recently got all my steck parts out after having them in storage for a few years.  I forgot how fun it is to build with the steck system.  If you could take some more shots I would love to see more details of the setup.
Title: Re: My little kingdom!
Post by: bhellman75 on May 07, 2013, 23:32:23
Thank you!  I'm in a building mode at the moment.  I'll post a few of my transition pics.
Title: Kingdom reboot!
Post by: bhellman75 on May 22, 2013, 01:34:55
I spend many hours trying out new configurations and ended up with this.  I am going to revamp the grounds outside the walls too.  I would like to have a haunted forest and somehow move my wizards' landing next to it!  Space is always an issue!
Title: Re: My little kingdom!
Post by: tonguello on May 22, 2013, 12:00:02
I really like your lay out.
It's very realistic! Love it.  :love:
Title: Re: My little kingdom!
Post by: bhellman75 on May 22, 2013, 20:37:18
Thanks! I tried to design it that way, as if people will actually use it.
Title: Re: My little kingdom!
Post by: Indianna on May 22, 2013, 20:43:11
Beautiful castle, Ben!   :)
Title: Re: My little kingdom!
Post by: Wesley Myers on May 22, 2013, 22:29:30
I hear you about space...

The castle looks really good.  It appears very playable.  Lots I have seen pictures of try to recreate a realistic scale model and close in access to everything.

I think you've created an awesome combination!
Title: Re: My little kingdom!
Post by: bhellman75 on May 23, 2013, 01:26:32
It's so nice to get these comments!  I started putting in figures tonight.  I'll wrestle with the better camera (which my computer has broken up with) when I get a chance.

Title: Re: My little kingdom!
Post by: Rhalius on May 23, 2013, 07:15:36
It looks great! already looking forward to seeing it with all the clickies and stuff placed as well.  :)
Title: Kingdom reboot-- Kickies moving in!
Post by: bhellman75 on May 25, 2013, 19:20:42
So this is what I have so far.  I am not finished.  I have a definite commerce theme with this version and I'm waiting for a few market stands to add in.  I'm very happy to have a guards' quarter-house and an open stall to put some vendors in.  The main structure is dedicated to housing the powerful merchant families that run this city.   

(http://i1312.photobucket.com/albums/t531/bhellman75/IMG_2886_zpsc90f3b6c.jpg) (http://s1312.photobucket.com/user/bhellman75/media/IMG_2886_zpsc90f3b6c.jpg.html)


(http://i1312.photobucket.com/albums/t531/bhellman75/IMG_2876_zps1d1e28e7.jpg) (http://s1312.photobucket.com/user/bhellman75/media/IMG_2876_zps1d1e28e7.jpg.html)

I've merged my bakery with my tavern to have a definite food area.

(http://i1312.photobucket.com/albums/t531/bhellman75/IMG_2877_zpscf5fc118.jpg) (http://s1312.photobucket.com/user/bhellman75/media/IMG_2877_zpscf5fc118.jpg.html)

I like narrow little alley ways!

(http://i1312.photobucket.com/albums/t531/bhellman75/IMG_2879_zps47d90097.jpg) (http://s1312.photobucket.com/user/bhellman75/media/IMG_2879_zps47d90097.jpg.html)

So this is an area for growth.  I will have a few merchants at the bottom -- the little cart with fruit is just a place holder.  Above them you can see some of the managers that rent out the stall below.  They are checking out business for the day, which is slow at the moment!

(http://i1312.photobucket.com/albums/t531/bhellman75/IMG_2880_zps120c878f.jpg) (http://s1312.photobucket.com/user/bhellman75/media/IMG_2880_zps120c878f.jpg.html)

I have two elite companies of city guards, my lion guards and guards of the axe.  I'm very pleased to have a place for them to get some r&r.  I'd like to make the room homier.   

(http://i1312.photobucket.com/albums/t531/bhellman75/IMG_2882_zpsc4e04df6.jpg) (http://s1312.photobucket.com/user/bhellman75/media/IMG_2882_zpsc4e04df6.jpg.html)

Long View
(http://i1312.photobucket.com/albums/t531/bhellman75/IMG_2881_zps723b04e2.jpg) (http://s1312.photobucket.com/user/bhellman75/media/IMG_2881_zps723b04e2.jpg.html)
Title: Re: My little kingdom!
Post by: tahra on May 25, 2013, 20:11:47
Looks really nice!

(and I see your avatar keeps powerful company)
Title: Re: My little kingdom!
Post by: bhellman75 on May 25, 2013, 21:21:45
Thanks!  Yes, my avatar is clearly being briefed on a matter of vital importance!
Title: Re: My little kingdom!
Post by: Wesley Myers on May 26, 2013, 05:06:05
My favourite and arguably the best era of medieval figures from the 90's!

Looks very good.
Title: The Old Town Academy
Post by: bhellman75 on May 28, 2013, 21:10:10
This is my built up Wizards' Landing, which I've dubbed the academy, or Old Town.  In the mythology of my kingdom, this was once the main keep until it was attacked by a colossal creature.  The people left behind the smoldering ruins to start afresh, but witches, wizards and students of the arcane began to arrive to view the remains of the creature, some staying.  The Old Town Academy lives in sometimes tense friendship with the bustling city that sprang up out of its ashes, mostly because the merchants are concerned the magic users could attract another creature!

(http://i1312.photobucket.com/albums/t531/bhellman75/IMG_2887_zps51eb1611.jpg) (http://s1312.photobucket.com/user/bhellman75/media/IMG_2887_zps51eb1611.jpg.html)

View of Old Town from the east gate of the city.

(http://i1312.photobucket.com/albums/t531/bhellman75/IMG_2889_zps4192eb43.jpg) (http://s1312.photobucket.com/user/bhellman75/media/IMG_2889_zps4192eb43.jpg.html)

Old Town's gate and battlements.

(http://i1312.photobucket.com/albums/t531/bhellman75/IMG_2890_zps25283acc.jpg) (http://s1312.photobucket.com/user/bhellman75/media/IMG_2890_zps25283acc.jpg.html)

View from the front tower, including the lemony lady, whose notes have set her wolf howling.

(http://i1312.photobucket.com/albums/t531/bhellman75/IMG_2891_zps6aa938f7.jpg) (http://s1312.photobucket.com/user/bhellman75/media/IMG_2891_zps6aa938f7.jpg.html)

The witches and mages are cooking up new concoctions.

(http://i1312.photobucket.com/albums/t531/bhellman75/IMG_2892_zps86ab482e.jpg) (http://s1312.photobucket.com/user/bhellman75/media/IMG_2892_zps86ab482e.jpg.html)

Life goes on around the head of the creature.

(http://i1312.photobucket.com/albums/t531/bhellman75/IMG_2893_zpsb25cb9ed.jpg) (http://s1312.photobucket.com/user/bhellman75/media/IMG_2893_zpsb25cb9ed.jpg.html)

Plant + fire = Flant?  Plier? ???

(http://i1312.photobucket.com/albums/t531/bhellman75/IMG_2894_zps12e4b727.jpg) (http://s1312.photobucket.com/user/bhellman75/media/IMG_2894_zps12e4b727.jpg.html)

The captain of the Arcane Guards, or purple platoon, keeps watch over the academy's quiet square.  The snake charmer here is trying to get his cobra to sing along.

(http://i1312.photobucket.com/albums/t531/bhellman75/IMG_2895_zpsf9b6f069.jpg) (http://s1312.photobucket.com/user/bhellman75/media/IMG_2895_zpsf9b6f069.jpg.html)

"This worked yesterday..."

(http://i1312.photobucket.com/albums/t531/bhellman75/IMG_2896_zpsa5f99487.jpg) (http://s1312.photobucket.com/user/bhellman75/media/IMG_2896_zpsa5f99487.jpg.html)

Life between the keeps.

These are some updates for life in the main city!

(http://i1312.photobucket.com/albums/t531/bhellman75/IMG_2897_zps16bd0b8f.jpg) (http://s1312.photobucket.com/user/bhellman75/media/IMG_2897_zps16bd0b8f.jpg.html)

More artisans moving into stalls. 

(http://i1312.photobucket.com/albums/t531/bhellman75/IMG_2898_zps401a95ee.jpg) (http://s1312.photobucket.com/user/bhellman75/media/IMG_2898_zps401a95ee.jpg.html)

"No, we do have bananas!"

(http://i1312.photobucket.com/albums/t531/bhellman75/IMG_2899_zpsc61de806.jpg) (http://s1312.photobucket.com/user/bhellman75/media/IMG_2899_zpsc61de806.jpg.html)

The smith has gained an apprentice and a new grinding wheel!
Title: Re: My little kingdom!
Post by: Rhalius on May 29, 2013, 08:05:22
A great set up! its quite something to see so many mages together. The entire set up looks very lively.  :)
Title: Re: My little kingdom!
Post by: bhellman75 on May 29, 2013, 10:34:23
Thanks!
Title: Re: My little kingdom!
Post by: DrDalek6 on May 29, 2013, 21:08:21
As I said before it looks like a really lively place full of hustle and bustle, it's certainly interesting to see all those magicians and Arabs I had the Snake Charmer as a kid he came with a magic carpet and magic lamp very good for someone who was into disney's Alladin at the time, anyway your castle looks great with all the trees and uderowth and the bright banners, I like your Dragon and Axe soliders as well  :)   
Title: Re: My little kingdom!
Post by: Tiermann on May 31, 2013, 18:25:30
Great concept for the wizard's area, things are really filling out nicely.
Title: Re: My little kingdom!
Post by: bhellman75 on May 31, 2013, 21:04:37
Thanks.  I'm still working on both areas.  I want to develop more of a logic to the way the wizard area is set up.  I'm also planning on some sort of knights' training area or banquet area between the two keeps and try to make them more connected.