Bunker models by Bunkertypology

[Bunkertypology]

[Split from "Bunker modeling"]

Hi there

Since I was on holiday on the coast of France several years where I came across Atlantic wall bunkers aroun St Lorient, I became fascinated by the subject.

I have built a number of model bunkers, 1:72 and 1:35 scale.

I draw up plans based on various books and form balsa wood forms and use brass angles for lintels above the doors and the overhangs and brass sheet for weapons ports.
I use square section galv wire to simulate the reinforcement. i use either steel or brass sections to simulate the steel beams that made up the ceilings,I then use cement and grit sand mix poured into the forms. Once this has cured I remove the balsa forms. I then cast a foundation and set the bunker on top and make good the joint around the bottom. I sometimes I paint them. The1:35 scale are very heavy and not practical to put on a shelf , so I place them in my garden in the flower beds and let them weather and merge into the undergrowth. My enjoyment is the research and building of them. I have some pictures and will post when I've worked out how to.

Regards

bunkertypology

[Marcus]

You can find instructions on how to attach images at http://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic. ... 3#p1264863

/Marcus

[Bunkertypology]

634 6xSchartenturm 1:35

[Bunkertypology]

view of escape shaft

The rungs were made from galv. wire bent to shape and set in the mortar. The outer shaft was formed afterwards around a balsa form, finished off with a flat blade knife. This bunker has now been in a flower bed for about 4 years.

[Bunkertypology]

634 6 Shartenturm

Top view. The stove pipe and periscope tubes were made from brass tube set in place before pouring in the mortar mix. Unfortunately I didn't take any pictures during the build, but I did take photos of the next one I made - a 621n.A HEER troop shelter, which I will post next.

[Bunkertypology]

entrance

Sorry this is a bit out of focus. You can see the bras angkes lintol above the entrance and above the overhang above the machine gun port to the right. Also the steel sections to the ceiling of the stairs can be seen, stepping down. At the bottom is the wepon port protecting the entrance.

[Bunkertypology]

External weapon port

External weapons port. The stepped back recess was made in reverse out of balsa and the plate is brass sheet with a hole drilled in the centre.

[Bunkertypology]

621n.A HEER troop shelter - Balsa forms

I scaled off the plan from a book and made the forms from 2.5mm sheet balsa. I painted them with varnish in order to reduce the swelling and distortion of the balsa when wet.

[Bunkertypology]

This is one of the weapons port protection the stair entrance. The plate is brass sheet with hole drilled in middle. Brass angle lintols were glued in place on top of the balsa forms above the port and doors before mortar mix was poured.

[Bunkertypology]

621n.A HEER

This shows the stair entrances. Note the notches on the top of the balsa stairs, these are where the steel sections (3x12mm approx.) were place with a dab of glue prior to pouring mortar mix

[Bunkertypology]

escape hatch

This is the escape hatch - not varnished at this stage

[Bunkertypology]

612n.AA HEER

This is the bunker after the balsa forms have been removed. The steel beams to the ceiling are visible as are the brass lintels above the door openings.

[Bunkertypology]

escape hatch from inside bunker

I took this with my phone in order to get a view from inside, focus not great unfortunately. The brass lintel is visible

[Bunkertypology]

Another view

[Bunkertypology]

621n. A HEER

Another view. Note the stove pipe sticking up, ready to be cut to right length.

The walls are reinforced with square section sheet galv mesh (about 15mm x 15mm), laid horizontally in layers, with galv steel wire pushed in vertically through into the polystyrene base. Consequently this excess wire is bent into a hook and ties in the base which is formed in mortar and when it is still "green" or not quite set, the bunker is lined up and placed on top. The interior is painted before hand.