A Problem on the Ponte Rivetto Contatore...Fusilli, Italy 1944

[Mini Me]

Vinyl perhaps? :rolling:

[BigGreg]

SORRY I'm super late... but i'm in

[spanner570]

Thanks for the input boys.
Great to have you along, Greg.

One or two folks might be wondering why the different and probably unnecessary stonework?
When I was doing the research for this build, I read the history of the village of Fusilli.

When Emperor Hadrian visited Briton, he ordered a wall to be built in the north of the country and he wanted the best stone mason in Italy to be in charge of the construction. So he ordered a nationwide competition to find such a person.
At the same time, he was beginning construction of Fusilli, which he was going to use as a mountain retreat. He gave instructions that the two best masons from the competition were to come to Fusilli and have a head to head. The winner being given a powerful status in Rome and use his skills in Britain.

The names of the two finalists were Gino d' Chissli Stoni and his arch rival Alti Pyli Rokskwikli

Each stone mason was given one side of the village river and told "Build what you wish."

Stoni won hands down and became a national hero. But shortly after, it was discovered he was part of a betting syndicate organised by the members of the Rome Senate. He was sent to serve as a slave on the Roman galleys. To make matters worse, he was given the number 40 and had to spend the rest of his days sat next to number 41, Ben Hur (See Film of same name)

Rokskwikli? He was given first place by default. At first he refused, claiming if he was not good enough first time, he wasn't going to accept. He was threatened with galley number 39. He quickly changed his mind
When Britain was subdued, he was put in charge of building Hadrian's Wall. He only stayed there December and January AD 122. One day, after sniffing the northern ice and snow, he was heard to mutter "Stuffi thisi" and did a runner! He was rumoured to have fled to the quiet village of Magaluf on the Island of Majorca. "The Brits will never come here, recognize me and inform Rome."

Interesting history. I'm so glad I read up on it.

Senator Biggus Diccus.

[Tim Marlow]

Interesting tale Big D. A little known fact is that Rokskwikli also coined one of Hollywood’s most enduring “Bon mots”. As he turned away from Fusilli at the end of the competition he was heard to mutter “Pasta la vista, baby”....
Scribe Naughteus Maximus.

[JR]

570 after much deliberation the awards panel here at Race Towers ( Socially distanced ) are please to announce that you have been awarded the Dogs.
This is a new award for the most promising tall storey and superb modelling build.



453 President of the awards committee.

[spanner570]

Thanks 'Maximus'

Dear POTAC.
Thank you most sincerely for honouring me with this most sort after award. I can't wait to surprise the present Mr. Ron, when I dangle my 'The Dogs' in her face!

Also, please pass on my thanks to the Committee.

P.S. I've lost the bank details of one of the members, Ivor Bungin Abbit. Can you ask him to forward his details please?

Thank you, Pres. 453.

570

[spanner570]

Update.....
I promise there will be no more faffing about with stone work.

Here, is the last bit of that particular jigsaw. The areas by the river's edge. A different texture than the vertical stuff by using fine sandpaper.







Pietra Finita....


Next, I'll add bits an' bobs to the river, particularly the area below and on the dam/weir wall. Then add some more colour.

Cheers.
Ron

[Jim R]

Next, I'll add bits an' bobs to the river

An Italian duck or two perhaps.
Looking great Ron. How big is it?
Jim

[Mini Me]

.......not to mention a couple of goldfish.......I understand that 453 has cornered the market on them scaley critters. Looks the Dog's dangelies indeed 570 :thumb2:

[Graeme C.]

Very impressive work Ron, great tale about Hadrian's wall, which was completed the noted stonemasons Alessandro Salmondi & Nicola Sturgeoni!:rolling:

[spanner570]

Thanks for the brilliant and witty posts chaps. All good fun and helps to keep me motivated.

Jim, regarding the size, it's about 18" x 16" Here's a picture to give a better idea.



I've finished the river banks etc. by adding some bits of scrap polystyrene to below the dam/weir.


....and to under the stone wall return on the lower left of the model.


Next, I'll apply a first coat of paint to the river banks. Then add some 'Texture' to the banks and rocks.

Cheers,
Cornetto d' Wayferri

[Si Benson]

Now that’s some mighty fine modelling right there Ron! A beautiful bit of design and impeccable construction....utterly blown away mate :surprised::thumb2:

[minitnkr]

Congrats. I wasn't aware Biggus made Senator. Excellent tale. PaulE

[spanner570]

Thanks Si and Paul for the very kind comments.

Paul. In the crazy, sometimes mixed up, puddled world of a Monty Python nut, almost any flight of fancy is possible. :upside:

[scottie3158]

Ron,
My wife and I, Incontentia buttocks both love it, but wish you wouldn't make fun of our fellow country men.