Lets build a Roman watch tower!

[Robert Vermaat]

I guess Robert could answer that question. It's his timber tower pictured above and below!
Unfortunately, his construction photo-diary omits the crucial stage!
Help, Robert. :!:

Sorry guys, I just play with it from time to time, I did not build it! never suggested that I did, either. :wink:

[D B Campbell]

Sorry guys .. I did not build it!

Apologies -- clearly a misunderstanding. :oops:

[Robert]

I was in contact with the guy who did, at the time. One of the major problems he ran into was shrinkage of the wood. They got these trees cheap because they were from an area that had had heavy fighting in the war and the trees were riddled with shrapnel. Even dressing them cost the odd sawblade or two. When they build the tower, they were amazed to have the whole thing shrink at least 10 %, causing the stairway they had constructed (steel steps, gentle slope, with rails, public safety!) to be too tall for where the door eventualy ended up hock: :lol:

In the second picture I posted (the cutaway), you can see how the beams at two of the sides radiate out, being connected to two of the inner (straight) beams running all the way through. This is also visable in the drawing I posted, although not as clearly. If done well, solid as a rock, no outside bracing required.

[D B Campbell]

I knew one of the Roberts would know about this watchtower! :wink: Have a laus for all your help today, Robert!

[texascavtrooper]

You guys are great! I am planning to have this built by October 2010. I can still use all the info I can get on this. Thanks for the info so far. I do have one question. Is there any photos of the inside of any of the towers that have been built already?
Bryan

[D B Campbell]

Is there any photos of the inside of any of the towers that have been built already?

I found this one on the Fectio web site:

[Robert]

This looks to be taken through the open door, showing the way the floor is laid. The rudis-rug marks the middle of the tower, so it's not very spatious inside.