Donjon de Vincennes, Ile de France

[Philip]

The donjon is the largest and most impressive part of what remains of the once extensive Chateau de Vincennes. Originally a hunting lodge for the Carpetian kings (why is it that all castles seem to start that way?) it wasn't until the 14c that the dauphin Charles thought it would be a good ldea to bag himself a fortress not far from Paris at a time of public unrest And so work on the tower began in earnest. It became increasingly popular with French kings and their servants and their entourages and by neccessity had to expand to take care of all this lot. But security was always the main concern, so you had to take care of the troops and their horses too. A whole new chateau with all its services grew up alongside.

It's a L'Instant Durable kit from 1992 and was designed by Thierry Hatot (a member here) and coloured by Jean-William Hanoteau. It's to 1:250 scale and the base measures 31 x 36 cm with a height of 25 cm. I had a hand in the production too, in as far as I provided the Engish translation of the French text, it being a multi-language edition. Everyone is famous for fifteen minutes! As you'd expect with a L'Instant Durable kit the there is a lot to build, but it goes together very well. The only real problem I had was that the roofs to the curtain wall were all too short. so I filled up the gaps with layers of PVA glue and attacked it with watercolour. Not an exact match, but it'll do.

Official website: Chateau de Vincennes

[Mike Stamper]

une très belle


Mike

[Vermin_King]

Very nicely done, sir

[Styrian Spitfire]

Hello Philip

You have really succeeded in this castle, congratulations on the completion

With best regards from Styria
Kurt

[Philip]

Merci beaucoup, tout le monde!

Happy days.

[asettico]

Real life sometimes claims our attention...
Very nice your building and interesting your description. I hope you will have many other fifteen minute fame shifts.