Plate 52:  Constructing the Black Castle, Part 18: converting measurements from the planning print to the actual model
(This plate added MAR 2004)

The accompanying photo shows the planning print with the crenellation template affixed. The print is leaning against the front of the actual Black Castle. The crenellation template is affixed to the print with transparent tape. The template exactly spans the distance between the two bastions in the planning print. --more--

The width of the crenellation template is 7 inches. The corresponding actual width between the bastions of the Black Castle is 10 3/4 inches. If we divide the Black Castle's width by the width of the crenellation template, we obtain the number 1.536. This number is known as a scale conversion factor. To use the conversion factor, we measure the widths and heights of the merlons and crenellations in the template. We then multiply each of these measurements by the scale conversion factor (1.536). For example, the measured width of a crenellation in the template is 1/2 inch. When we multiply 1/2 inch by 1.536, we get 0.768 inches, which is approximately three-quarters of an inch. This is the crenellation width we decided upon in Plate 51. The crenellation template can now be used to provide the measurements of the actual crenellated battlement. Go to top of page