12_3

The fall season is my favorite time of year. A time to reflect on the labors of summer and prepare for the slumber of winter.

I've been working on this design for some time, but never built it until last night. It's a set 12 design, and it's surprisingly taller than it looks.

Note the construction used in the peak to achieve a larger roof from limited set of 262/265 stones.

The construction plans should be easy to follow.

Enjoy!

g28

Back to the basics.

The wind it blows.

Leaves turn brown.

Chill is knocking once more.

It's time to build.

This house is small.

Two windows, but no door.

Set 12 - Packing Plan

As an alternative to the packing plans that accompany each Anchor Stone set, I present the packing plan I use. Note that one of the boxes has an empty space the size of a #1 block. The stones are not labeled, but one should be able to determine placement by observation. The key to this packing plan is that all like stones (in size and color) are packed next to each other and in the same orientation.

12_2 (castle)

This is a tale of two towers, and the bridge that connects them. The design requires set 12 to build.


Note the trickery in the roof tiles(262/265) of the red tower. Lots of detail was used throughout the construction giving it a nice view from all angles. This model should provide a nice challenge to the aspiring Ankerstein builder.


The plans for this construction may be difficult to follow. Consider it a challenge. If the plans are missing any detail, please let me know.

8_3 (tower)

Constructing with Anchor Stones is a hobby which can inspire the imagination of a child. This castle tower was built using set 8 and lots of creativity. The construction can be tricky. But when complete, it makes a solid and stable fortification. All this design needs is a dragon and a captive princess.

It's very satisfying when a design is complete. Some designs I work on for a long long time. I'll build something and like what I see, but often, there's something about a design I just don't like. It could be as trivial as uncoordinated block colors, or cracks in a wall. I'll sit and think, and change, and think, and change again and again. Sometimes I'll feel a design will never be complete.

Then it happens. A new adjustment is made and all the blocks seem to fall into place. Very much like a puzzle. It's as if the design was meant to be. It's a nice feeling.

I've been stuck on a new design for a few weeks now. It's an awesome start (at least I think so). Two towers. The one is all red with three peaks and odd angles. The other all yellow, tall and ornate. There's a bridge to connect the two and a pile of bricks to finish the job. But there it sits like an unfinished ruin. Someday, yes someday...

As a diversion, I scaled back my plans to work with a smaller set of stones. As a result, I've been able to complete this set 8 design. The feeling of accomplishment has been sweet. I hope you enjoy this latest creation. It's my attempt to design something majestic on a smaller scale. But perception is relative. Which is why my theme for this model is about imagination.

New Poll

The polling stats in the sidebar have been cleared. I started this poll last year and let it run for about a month. I was pleased so many viewers took the time to answer the poll. I'm starting the poll again. This time I'm letting the poll run for 10 years.

If you've filled out this poll before, please take the time to do it again. You may change your vote at any time. I'm using the poll data to track block sets owned by viewers of this blog.

8_2 (school)

This school house was constructed using set 8. Note the placement of stones and how they overlap.

Careful placement can compensate for irregularities in stone size. Thus creating a more stable structure. George Hardy mentioned this in his monthly e-zine this month.

In this model, I payed special attention to stone placement. I didn't want any cracks in the structure. The end result is not only a stable construction, but a model with visual appeal.