North American Blockhouse

One of the key features of Colonial North America is the network of forts and defences along the frontiers. Some of these fortifications are massive and as such would take a great a deal of effort to create while only being able to be used within only the largest of games. What was more common, and far more usable in a wargaming sense, is a smaller outpost or blockhouse. Maybe such a structure is the refuge for a settlement or an outlying position for one of the larger forts? Either way it doesn't take up too much space on the table while giving that wild and frontier feel, it also gives a focal point to larger settlements.

The terrain piece has languished in a state of incompleteness for a number of years but I have resolved to finally see it finished. The blockhouse itself is a rather cheap and simple construction but one that I think is eminently usable. The pictures show the almost complete structure of the blockhouse and palisade.

The view from the front and entrance

The palisade and fighting platform

The doorway to the blockhouse.

As you can see, it's not the greatest construction. The roof is not very well done to be honest but is serviceable and can be tidied up in future. 

There are a number of things that still need to be completed before the Blockhouse is ready to be painted. The edges of the base sanded and bevelled as well as the top textured and sealed. The styrofoam stone work also needs to be sealed along with the balsawood planks.