I built my Sarissa Chateau a few weeks ago and have been working on finishing off my garden and grounds to base it in. The Sarissa kit is excellent. It comes flat packed at a very reasonable price, and I am still so happy with their flat rate postage of two pounds fifty. When you live in Australia the cost of postage always becomes far more of a factor in purchasing decision making than anywhere else. Its a great kit, everything fitted well together, and the detail is good. Most of it is thin MDF with the window detail and shutters being card.
I made some improvements. The roof I added cardboard roof tiles to create more depth and detail. Worth doing as the MDF roof looked very flat. I also gave the walls a layer of plaster, before I added the window detail, and carved some brickwork on the ground floor. The texture certainly is an improvement over the plain MDF. After painting I added a window box, some plant pots out of modelling clay and some ivy crawling up the side of the building. I think little details such as these add to the realism of the whole thing. You can remove the top of the roof, the actual roof and the first floor in order to put squads inside the building which is also a bonus. Not essential but nice all the same.
Inspired by Pat Smith at Silver Whistle and his magnificent Chateau in 28mm, I wanted to create some fancy gardens in keeping with such a wealthy residence. MDF board and walls from Hovels in the UK created the base. Then i used fine sand for the roads and static grass and flock for the grass. The trees in the back were home made from twigs and horsehair. The box hedges are scouring pads cut into lengths and flocked. The mansion is not glued down so can be used independently of his base if required. The whole scene came out quite nicely and i am excited to get some fierce fighting happening around the place. A sneaky Puma armoured car can be seen guarding the chateau as well as some German officers going out for dinner in their Kubelwagen with backup.
Colonel Mustard 
Magnifique!
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Look great. Good to hear about the postage as I’m an Aussie too.
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Yes 2.50 pounds flat fee for anything. If you want some mdf buildings check it out. Which city are you in?
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Excellent and will do. I’m a Melbourne Man. You?
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Adelaide. Melbourne is a great city.
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That is a great bit of work. I’m spoiled here in the UK with regards to the postage situation; although with the weak pound it is a good time to buy.
Cheers,
Pete.
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Thanks Pete – I have to curb my buying! Although just cannot resist a sale. Dragon USA had a Superbowl sale last week and had some 40% off model kits………
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The whole thing is just brilliant! Well done with that! I struggle with bases for buildings, but you’ve got this spot on. Really do like it! Might get the chateau myself – I’ve got the La Belle Alliance inn but haven’t put it together yet (surprise, surprise)!
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Thanks!
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Just brilliant!
Amazing job
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hello,
I would like to know if the Sarissa chateau is not too big compare to your HO/OO scale building.
thanks,
Loïsyann
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Hey Loisyann, the chateau fits in well with all my other buildings. Except the Metcalf Models Manor House which is very small. The other card and MDF and home made ones all work together nicely.
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Hi,
thanks for your reply.
you have a very good website with a lot of ideas.
Loïsyann
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Thanks glad you like it! I enjoy writing it very much.
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