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I've always wanted a Japanese castle on a layout but didn't want to pay for a Woody Joe kit. I stumbled across Maruoka Castle this week and thought “I can make that”. Obviously totally over-estimating my abilities I'm sure. Maruoka Castle is a small castle that'll fit nicely on my small layout. I've got access to a laser cutter now so here goes nothing. Probably should have started with a shed or a torii but no, I'm jumping in head first on this one. Going to try cutting it out of Polybak. I've got three thicknesses, 0.011", 0.020" and 0.024". It cuts and engraves well and apparently takes paint well as well. I'm starting with a paper craft model and converting it to something I can cut. It's going to take a lot of drawing using Adobe Illustrator to get it right. Here are my initial efforts. Spent a good part of the day in front of the computer today and have a long way to go before I cut anything. The red lines will be the cut lines and the black will be engraved. I've barely started on setting the colours. I'll be adding small pieces of wood or Polybak instead of folding paper beams and whatnot. Wish me luck! Here's the subject. Cheers eh, Todd

Encouraging sign, and something that helps preserve traditional carpentry and building techniques. http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/AJ201606280051.html *my first ride on the shinkansen was to see this castle, back in 1980 or thereabouts.