St Andrews Cathedral
St Andrews Cathedral in Scotland was my first major XPS project, and it holds deep personal significance, especially as my father passed away midway through it. Without a laser cutter or CAD, I hand-drew templates using his old tools. The process was long and challenging, involving meticulous design, cutting, and detailing. Despite setbacks, like a cut from a sharp blade, the project taught me valuable lessons. As the build progressed, it became easier, and though it's unfinished, St Andrews Cathedral remains my favorite creation. I look forward to completing it with paint and vegetation in the future.
During the 12th century, a love affair blossomed between a Scottish noblewoman and a monk from the nearby St Andrews Abbey. Forbidden by their vows and social status, their relationship was doomed, but it’s said their secret letters were discovered, sparking rumors of a passionate yet tragic romance.
Steps and Process
Introduction: My First Major XPS Build - St Andrews Cathedral
St Andrews Cathedral in Scotland was my first major XPS project. Without the help of a laser cutter or CAD, it became an extremely labor-intensive endeavor. This project holds deep personal significance as my father passed away halfway through its creation, leaving me with his architectural tools. I used his old pencils and tracing paper, which made the journey feel even more meaningful.
Starting the Design: A Sentimental Process
I began with A3 graph paper, using it as a reference for the height of the building. Since I was working with 28-32mm miniatures, everything fit perfectly. With a 28mm model at the base of the graph paper, I drew the first arch, adjusting it as needed. Using drone footage and reference images from YouTube, I sketched the building's structure, even tracing over my laptop screen for accuracy. It took weeks just to create rough drafts, but the progress felt incredibly rewarding.
Breaking It Down: Managing the Complexity
To manage the complexity of the project, I divided it into X and Y sections for easier handling. I made sure the angles of the hexagonal tower and its changes were accurately represented. Having both X and Y perspectives of the building was a huge accomplishment. However, transitioning these 2D designs into a 3D model was fraught with challenges. The small arches and 3D aspects took time but were manageable by layering designs incrementally.
Cutting the Templates: A Tedious, Detailed Process
The next stage involved tracing the designs onto card. This took considerable patience, as I traced each part twice to create two copies of every template. The more intricate designs, like the entrance arch, required careful attention due to their complex shapes. I also had to cut a 4mm slice off the entire front side of the tower to create a recessed section, which was one of the more challenging aspects. The sloped footing of St Andrews also required precision to ensure it aligned with the original structure.
The Setbacks: Cuts and Mistakes
In the midst of this meticulous work, I made mistakes – one particularly painful one being a cut across my finger with a fresh blade. The injury wasn’t serious, but it was a sharp reminder of the dangers of using new, sharp tools. Despite the setbacks, there was no turning back now, and the project continued.
Moving Forward: The Learning Experience
As the XPS pieces began to take shape, the build became easier to manage. The brickwork and texturing still took significant effort, but overall, the process was becoming smoother. In hindsight, this project was a turning point, teaching me invaluable lessons about how to approach future builds. Although I eventually switched to laser cutting, the knowledge I gained here remains foundational to my work today.
Final Thoughts: A Favorite Project
Despite the challenges, St Andrews Cathedral remains my favorite creation. While it’s not yet painted or finished with vegetation, I am proud of what I accomplished. One day, I hope to add some final touches and fully bring it to life!
Cathedral in St Andrews
Fife - Scotland
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