Introduction
This dictionary links to techniques for building medieval and ancient details in LEGO. It collects methods of creating realistic models, not necessarily the models themselves. This is meant as a reference to improve the building skills of the LEGO Castle community. So, I'd rather list a page that took a model and dissected it, than a page that just showed pictures of a completed model. Threads at Classic-castle and LUGNET discuss this page.
Featured web site: Building Instructions Portal: Castle. Featured instructions: barbican by Ben Ellermann (tower gatehouse) and horse by Alan Findlay (posable). Recent articles, instructions, and inventories: land. Recent entries: ammunition, shelf, bookcase, hearth, fireplace.
Please send me mail with broken links, or requests to be removed from this page. To list your design, please send a URL in email to "lego at jcatena dot net". I prefer links to forum discussions, unless your page links to the discussions. The most useful pages not only depict and discuss the finished model, but also discuss alternative approaches and give inventories. My Archer Loop page is an example of this.
Thanks to Alan Findlay for compilation of animal and archer loop.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
~ A ~
Access. Opening up a model so that the interior can be seen and changed. Discussion by Lenny Hoffman.
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene. The type of plastic used for LEGO-brand automatic binding bricks. Also called ABS.
Allure. A raised platform on the inside of a curtain wall, within a person-height from the top. Also called sentry gallery. Model by Kevin Blocksidge.
Altar. A table on which offerings were placed before a deity. Model by Yaron Dori.
Ammunition. Objects thrown by weapons. See also bombard, catapult, and trebuchet. Discussions started by Commander Redbeard and Snoopy (working siege weapons).
Animal. Balky beasts of burden. Feathered food and furry friends. See also barn, coop, horse, and stable. Instructions by Reed Anderson (farm animals), James Brink (meat), fwcain, and John Rudy (cow). Models by Reed Anderson (animals and farm animals), James Brink (fish), Johannes Koehler (chickens and swan), mockingbird, Anthony Sava (livestock, farm animals, credits), and Brendan Powell Smith (camel, dog, pig, sheep).
Anvil. A hard surface on which heated metal is shaped by hammer. See also forge.
Arbor. A construction used to enclose and guide plants as they grow. Model by Anthony Sava (rose arbor).
Arcade. A connected set of arches. This approach minimizes the building materials needed to support a long straight construct, such as an aqueduct or roof line. Model by Kevin Blocksidge.
Arch. A concave line that distributes load to the side of an empty space. Model by Kevin Blocksidge.
Archer Loop. A narrow window for defensive missile weapons. Also called arrow slit. Instructions by Jason Catena (SNOT with sloped bricks; 1 and 2 studs thick).
| Modeller | Technique | Wall Thickness | |||
| Kevin Blocksidge | SNOT with tile plates | ? | |||
| James Brink | SNOT with sloped bricks | 2 studs | |||
| Denix | SNOT with sloped bricks | 4 studs | |||
| Alan Findlay | SNOT with 1×2 panel plates | 1 and 2 studs | |||
| Giulio Gratta | SNOT with sloped bricks | 3 studs | |||
| jtherlow | SNOT with sloped bricks | 2 studs | |||
| Johannes Koehler | SNOT with tile plates and Technic pin | 2 studs | |||
| Dave O'Hare | SNOT with sloped bricks | 4 studs | |||
| Chris Malloy | SNOT with sloped bricks | 1 stud | |||
| RandomLynch | SNOT with headlight bricks | 2 studs | |||
| Anthony Sava | 2×3 wedge bricks | 2 studs, 1 stud margin on both sides | |||
| Nathan Wells | SNOT with sloped bricks | 2 studs |
Armory. A room or building for the storage of weapons and armor. Model by Johannes Koehler.
~ B ~
Bailey. Space between curtain walls inside a castle. Also called ward. Model by Kevin Blocksidge.
Ballista. A person-sized crossbow which shoots spear-size bolts. Also called bolt-thrower, cho ko nu, siege engine, or spear-thrower. Instructions by Yaron Dori and Daniel Siskind [648KB PDF]. Discussion started by Snoopy (working siege weapons). Models by James Brink, Giulio Gratta, Magnus, Patrick Morgan, and Chad Northrop.
Barbican. Projecting masonry works around the entrance of a castle, which enclosed attackers and elevated defenders. Also called forebuilding or gatehouse. Instructions by Ben Ellermann (tower gatehouse). Models by Kevin Blocksidge, Anthony Sava, and Trevor Van Aalst.
Barn. A large enclosure for storage of supplies and animals on a farm. See also animal. Model by Anthony Sava.
Barracks. Rooms for the quartering of soldiers. Model by Anthony Sava.
Barrel Stand. Support to keep a barrel off the floor and from rolling. Instructions by Anthony Sava (crosshatch).
Bastion. A projecting tower in a curtain wall used as a platform for hand-carried or ballistic missile weapons. Also called corner tower or flanking tower. See also barbican.
Batter. Progressive widening of masonry towards the base of a wall. This makes the wall more difficult to undermine or break through, and allows the wall to support more weight. Also called plinth. Model by Kevin Blocksidge.
Battering Ram. A siege weapon that breaks with pressure through wood or masonry. Also called ram, siege machine, siege ram, or wall-breaker. Discussion started by Snoopy (working siege weapons). Models by James Brink, Elijah C. (with belfry(1)), Bruce Hietbrink, Andrew Kochan (with penthouse), Johannes Koehler, Marco Merkelijn (on supply cart), Jose Molina, Amado Pinlac (with catapult and ladders), Nathan Todd, and Johan Vettefors (battering lion and wall-breaker).
Battlement. The structure at the top of a curtain wall, composed of allure and crenellation. Models by Kevin Blocksidge (see allure), Alan Findlay, and Anthony Sava.
Belfry. 1. A raised platform with protected access, moved against a curtain wall by beseigers to surmount battlements. Also called siege tower or turret. Models by Kevin Blocksidge, Elijah C. (with battering ram), Bruce Hietbrink, Dusty Neal, Shinji-o, and unknown. 2. The housing of a church bell, often the highest part of a church. See also bellcote. Model by Yaron Dori.
Bell. Metal cone that vibrates loudly when struck with a clapper. Larger bells (eg, in churches) were swung by rope into the clapper. Instructions by Yaron Dori.
Bellows. An expandable and collapsible container with a small hole, used to compress and force air. Often used at a forge to add oxygen to the fire. See also forge.
Bellcote. Small housing, especially for a bell, with a simple roof. See also belfry(2). Model by Kevin Blocksidge.
Berm. Land, if any, between curtain wall and moat. Model by Kevin Blocksidge.
Birdhouse. A small structure with many compartments for feeding and nesting birds. Model by Johannes Koehler.
Blazon. A coded, text description of a coat of arms. See also college of arms, heraldry, and trophy of arms.
Bolt-thrower. See ballista.
Bombard. Moveable platform for cannon. Also called cannon wagon. See also ammunition. Model by Andrew Kochan.
Bookcase. See shelf.
Brick Supply. Quantity of LEGO ABS available for building. Discussion on Classic-castle (building despite shortages).
Brick Wall. Stacked bricks, whether sun-dried, kiln-fired, or pressed. See also wall. Instructions by Stuart Immonen. Model by Skudmunky.
Bridge. A construction that continues a path over a gap in elevation (eg, ravine), or a change in quality of terrain (eg, river). See also drawbridge. Model by Lenny Hoffman.
Buttress. Additional masonry for support and reinforcement. Model by Kevin Blocksidge.
~ C ~
Cannon Wagon. See bombard.
Cape. See cloak.
Cart. A platform with sides, wheels, and a seat, pulled by horses or people. Also called wagon. Instructions by Ben Ellermann (hay cart and trade cart) and Stephen Wroble (farm wagon). Models by Rick Lash (flame cart), Marco Merkelijn (supply cart with battering ram), and Suzanne Rich-Green (hand cart).
Castellated. With turrets and battlements, as a castle. Model by Kevin Blocksidge.
Catapult. Artillery siege weapon based on the principles of tension or leverage. Also called onager. See also ammunition. Instructions by Yaron Dori, Ben Ellermann (lever), and TecWolf (Technic). Discussion started by Snoopy (working siege weapons). Models by James Brink (Crusader onager), Lenny Hoffman, Johannes Koehler, Amado Pinlac (lever, on battering ram), and Rambo-insane.
Causeway. Defended entrance before the main gate. Model by Anthony Sava (arched with arrow loops).
Centaur. See race.
Chandelier. A set of lights arranged and suspended from the ceiling. Instructions by Kevin Blocksidge. Model by Lenny Hoffman.
Cho Ko Nu. See ballista.
Cistern. An artificial water table, created by collecting rainwater above the water table and encasing it in masonry. See also well.
Citadel. See keep.
Cloak. A fabric body covering fastened about the neck or shoulders. Also called cape. Discussion started by jtherlow (custom designs).
Coffin. A wood or stone container in which a corpse is buried or entombed. Inventories by TecWolf.
College of Arms. A registry of blazons, kept by an office of the government. See also blazon, heraldry, and trophy of arms. Unofficial College of Arms for Classic-castle by Patrick Morgan. Discussion started by Sir Smittens (real-life grants of arms).
Column. A round or angular projection or freestanding post for decoration or support. Models by Suzanne Rich-Green (ionic).
Concentric. A series of walls with a common center. The walls usually rose in height towards the center, so that defenders could retreat and attack the overrun wall from a higher elevation. Model by Kevin Blocksidge.
Coop. A small enclosure for the nests of hens on a farm. Also called henhouse. See also animal. Models by Johannes Koehler and Anthony Sava (with livestock and farm animals).
Crenel. An abatement or notch in a wall. See also crenellation. Model by Kevin Blocksidge.
Crenellation. Alternating high and low pattern in the stonework in front of an allure. See also crenel. Discussion led by Patrick Morgan. Models by Kevin Blocksidge and Johannes Koehler.
Curtain Wall. The wall around a castle. See also wall.
~ D ~
Demon. See race.
Dock. Area of water beside a pier. Usually large enough for a ship to anchor. See also pier.
Drawbridge. A bridge which may be raised or lowered for access. See also bridge. Article by Kevin Blocksidge. Models by Jason Catena (weighted pivot drawbridge) and Johannes Koehler (counter-balance beam).
~ E ~
Elf. See race.
Espigueiro. A small stone house used to store and dry maize and other cereals. Photograph by J. R. Garcia. Model by LBaixinho.
~ F ~
Fireplace. See hearth.
Flag. See standard.
Flail. Three spiked balls at the end of chains attached to a rod. See also mace and morning star.
Flower. See foliage.
Foliage. Floor litter, plants, flowers, small trees, leaf trees, and brick trees. See also tree. Article by Anthony Sava. Models by Anthony Sava.
Forebuilding. See barbican.
Forest. See foliage.
Forestair. Narrow steps from ground to keep entrance. If made of wood, may be burned to remove access to the keep. Model by Kevin Blocksidge.
Forge. An enclosed fire in which metal is heated until pliable. Also, the location at which metalsmithing is performed. See also anvil and bellows. Instructions by Ben Ellermann. Model by Johannes Koehler.
~ G ~
Gallery. See allure.
Gaol. An elevated jail cell in which a prisoner was suspended by his feet. See also jail cell. Model by Patrick Morgan.
Garderobe. A private chamber, for storage of clothes (wardrobe) or disposal of bodily waste. Also called latrine or privy. See also gong farmer. Models by Kevin Blocksidge, Johannes Koehler, Kyle Peterson, Anthony Sava, and Nathan Wells.
Garrison. The population of soldiers that defend a castle. Discussions started by Aidan (army size and garrison size).
Gatehouse. See barbican.
Goblin. See race.
Gong Farmer. Person who recycles human and animal waste into fertilizer for a field or pasture. See also garderobe. Models by Kevin Blocksidge, Patrick Morgan, and Anthony Sava.
Grinding Wheel. See sharpening wheel.
~ H ~
Hacksaw. See saw.
Handgonne. An early gunpowder weapon, essentially a small narrow cannon on a stick or wooden stock. Models by Bruce Schlickbernd (Classic-castle and LUGNET).
Harness. Leather straps and a mouth bit placed on an animal to control its movement. Also called tackle. Models by Johannes Koehler (rope and slats).
Hearth. Stone or brick half-height wall with sides, between which fires may be set safely. Also called fireplace. Models by Jason (grand fireplace, stone hearth).
Henhouse. See coop.
Heraldry. The recording and regulation of armory. See also blazon, college of arms, and trophy of arms. Discussion by Patrick K. Morgan and Stephen Wroble.
Hoarding. A wooden structure built atop a curtain wall, with gallery, sloped roof, arrow loops, and machicoulis.
Horse. Equine companion, transport, and beast of burden. See also animal and stable. Instructions by Alan Findlay (posable; discussion thread).
~ I ~
Instructions. Printed guides for model construction. Creation guide by Ben Ellermann. Instructions at Building Instructions Portal: Castle.
~ J ~
Jail cell. An enclosed and locked space for the confinement of prisoners. Model by Anthony Sava.
~ K ~
Keep. A tower or other fortified building with additional defenses separate from the remainder of the castle. Used for refuge if the walls were overrun. Also called citadel. Model by Anthony Sava.
~ L ~
Ladder. Hand and foot holds for ascent or descent. See also stairs. Instructions by Nate Pickens.
Land. Landscaping and layout of terrain. Instructions by Lenny Hoffman (hollow brick-plate). Discussion started by Nick4694.
Lathe. A horizontal clamp that turns a log for blazing and shaping. Model by William Adams.
Latrine. See garderobe.
Legionary. A footsoldier in the Roman imperial army. See also Rome. Models by Jason Catena, Patrick Morgan, Neverroads, Kyle Peterson, and Brendan Powell Smith.
~ M ~
Mace. A spiked ball attached to a rod. See also flail and morning star. Inventory by TecWolf (maces with parts list).
Machicoulis. Holes in an allure which projects further than the curtain wall. These were used to attack enemies at the base of the wall. As a feature of the stonework of battlements, these replaced part of the purpose of hoardings. Also called machicolations. See also hoarding. Model by Johannes Koehler.
Mantlet. Portable wall used for infantry defense from arrows and bolts. Usually wood, mounted on wheels, and with poles behind as handles and rests. Model by Johannes Koehler.
Maul. A heavy metal or stone rectangle or cylinder attached to a rod or staff. Also called sledgehammer or warhammer. Inventory by TecWolf (mauls with parts list).
Minstrel. A person who plays a musical instrument for entertainment. See also musical instrument. Models by Reed Anderson and Anthony Sava.
Modification. Changing a LEGO brick by cutting off a part, removing printing, decorating with permanent marker, and so on. Discussion started by cracker nate (tools).
Morning Star. A spiked ball at the end of a chain attached to a rod. See also flail and mace. Instructions by Stuart Immonen.
Musical Instrument. Auditory devices for entertainment and communication. See also minstrel. Discussion led by Dragon Master. Models by Reed Anderson (strings), Johannes Koehler (harp), Anthony Sava (long trumpet, flute, harp, trumpet, drum, bass/cello, lute), and Nathan Wells (long trumpet).
~ N ~
~ O ~
Onager. See catapult.
Opening. See access.
Orc. See race.
Oubliette. A tightly confined space in which a prisoner was placed and then forgotten. Model by Anthony Sava.
~ P ~
Palisade. A wooden defensive wall. Instructions by Jason Catena. Model by Marc Nelson Jr. (Russian).
Penthouse. A platform with wooden covering and wheels, used to transport siege weapons through defensive fire. Model by Andrew Kochan (with battering ram).
Pier. A platform which projects from land into a body of water. Usually made of wood, with strong projections to which ships were tied. See also dock. Model by Johannes Koehler.
Pike. A long staff with a short blade at one end, usually used by infantry. Also called long spear. Custom part by Chris Malloy.
Pillory. A post to which criminals were bound, to be shamed before the community. Model by Peter De Bruyne.
Plant. See foliage.
Plaster. A coating for walls and ceilings, which consists of lime or gypsum, sand, and water, sometimes mixed with fiber. Model by Ben Ellermann (model and discussion).
Plinth. See batter.
Portal. An ornate doorway, entrance, or opening. Model by Johannes Koehler.
Portcullis. A perforated door of wood or metal, lowered in a causeway to allow combat but prevent entrance. Models by Johannes Koehler and Anthony Sava.
Postern. A small, easily closed and defended entrance to a castle, through which defenders could exit to directly attack beseigers. Also called sally port or side gate. Instructions by Ben Ellermann. Models by Jason Catena and Anthony Sava.
~ Q ~
~ R ~
Race. Beastial and supernatural variations on the human species. Instructions by Kevin Blocksidge (centaur) and Anthony Sava (Goblin Wild Boar Rider and Orcish Wolf Rider Mount). Discussions started by cracker nate (elf and fantasy), Lenny Hoffman (nonhuman), and Ben Paul (centaur). Models by Darth Liber (dwarf), William Lister (centaur and dwarf), Jason Ma (dwarf), Anthony Sava (elf, dwarf, demon; malevolent beings; and orc, goblin, troll, etc.), Bruce Schlickbernd (dwarf), Ed Southerland (centaur side view and with quiver; dwarf), and D. Yuhas (dwarf).
Ram. See battering ram.
Rome. Capital of a mediterranean kingdom (750BC-510BC), republic (510BC-23BC), and empire (23BC-476AD). In 116 BC, ruled an area bound by Hadrian's Wall in Britain, the Rhine and Danube Rivers in Germany, Turkey, Syria, Egypt, Libya, Algeria, and Spain. See also legionnaire.
Roof. Covering of a constructed cave. Models by Deborah Higdon-LeBlond (terra cotta), Paul Janssen (scalloped), and Suzanne Rich-Green (scalloped).
~ S ~
Sally Port. See postern.
Saw. A blade or set of teeth placed perpendicular to handles. Also called hacksaw. Models by James Brink (bits and teeth) and Anthony Sava (blade).
Scale. Conversion of real-world measurements to brick measurements. Calculator by Dave Eaton. Discussion started by Aidan.
Scarecrow. Straw-stuffed clothing hung on a post in a planted field. Used to scare away birds and other animals with a human shape and smells. Model by Suzanne Rich-Green.
Scythe. A pole with a vertical handle and a long curved blade attached horizontally at the far end. Use to cut down stalks of grain in a field. Models by Jason Catena, Johannes Koehler, and Anthony Sava.
Sentry Gallery. See allure.
Sharpening Wheel. An abrasive stone cylinder, rotated against metal edges to hone them. Also called grinding wheel. Models by Johannes Koehler and Brian Gibbons (model and discussion).
Shelf. Horizontal supports between uprights, for storage. Models by Jason (shelf, bookcase).
Shield. A portable construction of wood or metal used to deflect or absorb blows or missiles. Usually carried with one hand or forearm. See also stickers. Discussion started by forester3291. Custom designs and stickers by Anthony Sava (triangular and ovoid).
Sickle. See scythe.
Side Gate. See postern.
Siege. When an army surrounds and isolates a fortification, attempting to reduce it to surrender by restricting its resources. Discussion started by Commander Redbeard (Fort Legoredo).
Siege Engine. See ballista.
Siege Machine. See battering ram.
Siege Ram. See battering ram.
Siege Tower. See belfry(1).
Sledgehammer. See maul.
Smokehouse. A room or small building with a fireplace vented through the room, used to cure meat with salt and smoke. Models by James Brink, Jason Catena, and Anthony Sava.
SNOT. Studs not on top. Usually, LEGO structures have the round studs facing up. This is the technique of building substructures or entire structures where the studs face left, right, down, at a diagonal, or any direction other than up towards the ceiling. Also called schleim. Article by Holger Matthes. Model by Johannes Koehler (sloped half-corner wall).
Spear-thrower. See ballista.
Spinning Wheel. A rotating disk that pulls fibers (eg, wool) into threads, and winds the thread on a spindle. Model by Johannes Koehler.
Stable. A building that houses horses. See also horse. Models by Johannes Koehler and Anthony Sava.
Stairs. Foot supports for ascent or descent. See also ladder. Instructions by Nate Pickens. Models by Chris Malloy (stairs and discussion) and Amado Pinlac.
Standard. A wood or metal post with symbols of a military unit's identity and accomplishments. Flags serve the same purpose for political units. Inventories by TecWolf (banners with parts list; flag with parts list). Models by Jason Catena, Brian Gibbons, and Anthony Sava.
Standards. Guidelines to easily combine separate structures made by different people. The Medieval Marketplace [DNS timeout] and The Classic Castle City Standard.
Statue. Larger-than-life model in wood or stone or metal. Discussion led by Anthony Sava.
Stickers. Custom designs for printed minifigs. See also shield and torso. Templates by Kyle Peterson.
Stocks. Wood or stone restraints for public display of a criminal or shamed person. Model by Suzanne Rich-Green.
~ T ~
Tent. Temporary shelter of animal hides or cloth, supported by poles or beams. Instructions by Lenny Hoffman (Johannes Koehler's war tent). Model by Johannes Koehler (war tent).
Torso. The chest. The part of the body between the head, arms, and legs of a minifig. See also stickers. Templates by Caleb, and Kyle Peterson. Custom designs and stickers by Anthony Sava (Volume I and Volume II).
Tortoise. A slow-moving or stationary structure of wood and iron used to defend beseigers against counterattack. See also mantlet. Model by Jason Catena (Roman ship's-prow).
Trebuchet. Ballistic artillery siege weapon based on the principle of counterweight. See also ammunition. Instructions by James Brink and Fulop Gergo. Discussion started by Snoopy (working siege weapons). Model by Mark Williams.
Tree. Tall, leafy, brown and green converter of carbon-dioxide to oxygen. Some produce fruit; some lose their leaves in winter. See also foliage. Instructions by Christian Treczoks. Models by Reed Anderson, Lenny Hoffman, Johannes Koehler (birch and willow), Chad Northrop (apple), and unknown (apple).
Troll. See race.
Trophy of Arms. An heraldic design that displays arms and armor. See also blazon, college of arms, and heraldry. Model by Jason Catena.
Turret. 1. A small tower as part of a building. Model by Johannes Koehler. 2. See belfry.
~ U ~
~ V ~
~ W ~
Wagon. See cart.
Wall. Solid masonry or rubble-filled. See also brick wall, curtain wall, and palisade. Instructions by Lenny Hoffman for the CCC Standard (3CS) Wall designed by Troy Cefaratti. Instructions by Jason Spears for the double-height 3CS wall designed by Peter Guenther. Discussion started by Sir Terrance (wall thickness). Model by Bruce Hietbrink (stone wall construction).
Wall-breaker. See battering ram.
Ward. See bailey.
Warhammer. See maul.
Watchtower. An enclosed, elevated platform for defensive viewing. Model by Jason Catena.
Water-wheel. A structure turned by water to power a mill, hammer, or other device. Usually shaped as two spoked rings joined by an axis in the center and buckets along the outer edge, something like a carousel. Model by Johannes Koehler.
Wattle and Daub. Woven tree branches and rods, bound with clay and whitewashed. Discussion by Bruce Hietbrink (placement of support beams) and M. Moolhuysen (two-plate-high cross-timbers). Models by Kevin Blocksidge, Lenny Hoffman, Paul Janssen, and Johannes Koehler.
Well. A vertical hole in the ground, into which a bucket was dropped to draw water from the water table. See also cistern. Models by Vegar and Kristin Arnesen, Ben Ellermann, Johannes Koehler. and Anthony Sava.
Window. Wall-holes, sometimes covered or filled. Discussion started by Sir Terrance (house windows). Model of five-stud-wide SNOT window by James Brink.
Wine Cellar. Cool room for the storage of fermented grape juice. Model by Anthony Sava.
Wine Rack. Storage of bottles of fermented grape juice. Discussions on Classic-castle and LUGNET, led by Anthony Sava.
