Ha! No one expects the Spanish Hermitage! And apologies to Monty Python for that. It's not often that I make buildings so there is an element of surprise here. Fitting in with my Peninsular War project is this building made by Charlie Foxtrot Models. Charlie Foxtrot really do make some lovely MDF buildings.
I love the details like the missing areas of plaster showing brickwork. This was neatly done by inserting the brickwork mouldings into the purposely left gaps in the MDF. I have included some Cacadores here for scale.
I used the recommended method of putting a sharp blade to the stone work and cutting away chunks of MDF to give the stonework a worn appearance. I did the same with the step too, to show erosion over time.
I like the little touches. Even the bell is included. It comes gorgeously shiny but, alas, I felt it needed some weathering to keep it in character with the somewhat neglected hermitage. A black green wash was liberally painted on to the bell. It has a rustic charm all of it's own now.
The roof comes as a resin casting and again it fits well. The whole construction does not feel weak at all but solid and sturdy once glued together.
I used Polyfilla (sorry if it is called something else in the colonies) to texture the walls. I did this fairly roughly, leaving gaps and gouges. A gentle sanding removed excesses of the polyfilla and gave a really nice surface ready for the paints.
The building was actually really enjoyable to put together, texture and paint. I will definitely be getting more wonderful buildings from Charlie Foxtrot models.