The windmill or post mill is typical of
the medieval period and is often depicted with the upper story atop a trestle.
The long boom, located next to the stairway could be pushed by one man to position
the blades in the direction of the wind. When secured, the boom would offer
extra support to the structure during times of high winds.
From Wikipedia:
This type mill can be found throughout most of Western Europe and although my model was built for the late medieval period, the form has not changed much throughout the centuries. The trestle is often seen exposed in drawings, such as the one seen at the Battle of Valmy, but is actually covered with an "apron" to protect the mechanism and supports.
On a side note, the primary function was to grind grain, however by 1420; windmills in the Low Lands were used to drain water. Those particular models are seen atop a "terp" or artificial mound usually located some distance away from any obstructions.
Construction
Using the current BUA (Build up area) models, the pink foam was cut to twice their height. The rounded form or bow allowed the wind better passage along the structure; this was shaped with a modelling knife. The planking was scored and a doorway cut out. Stairway and boom were also cut and shaped with a modelling knife.
The blades are made out of one long piece of brass wire, bent and shaped to proper size. A tube was pressed into the “cap” to allow easy dis assembly for storage and also allow the curious to see if the blades rotate. You will always have one or two that try.
After painting, these will be covered with
paper and painted as sails. I undercoated the entire structure with Desert
Yellow paint and later applied a thin wash of dark brown. Dry-brushing with a
light colour, the wood looks quite weathered.
Using heavy stock paper to cover the brass
rod and give shape to the blades, I painted the blades a mid-brown. The exposed
blades were simply painted in and highlighted.
Next terrain project are boggy ground.
Cheers,
