One of the most frequently-asked questions of staff at Bekonscot is "Can we see the workshops?" Because of dangerous equipment installed in our workshops and studios, we cannot allow visitors to see how we build and repair our models. However, we can provide a virtual tour here on the website to show you what goes on!
More details on 'Behind the scenes' are available in our new guidebook.
In years past, the model buildings were fashioned either from limestone blocks (such as the castles and churches) whilst the houses and shops were wooden frames with cast concrete in-fills. Roofs were individually-cast tiles or roofing felt. However, by the late 1980s, maintenance was costly and impractical on some of the concrete structures.
Most new buildings are built from a plastic foam board called Airex as their main material of construction. The Airex comes to us in large sheets which we then cut to size and can score and imprint different textures and shapes on the surface. Walls can then be brought together around a wooden frame and capped with a roof, covered in scored roofing felt to represent tiles or individual slates. Painting is carried out annually, using a variety of techniques.
Bekonscot is closed during the winter months for refurbishment. Each year, many models are renovated, renewed or replaced. Because the site is a building site at this time, we cannot permit visitors. There are some photos to the right-hand side to indicate what occurs during the winter months. |
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
