Medieval Barn folding model

This is a very small simple model, but one with a difference! I have had the pleasure of collaborating with Clark Britton in the development of folding models (see my updated Folding Models page) and I have here adapted one of his design ideas. This is a simple locking mechanism which holds down the roofs, as well as holding everything square. With a few deft movements, the model can be folded flat and stored in an envelope. The Barn is of the same style and period as the Medieval House which I offered as a free download last year. That was a folding model, but one which used what I now regard as a surpassed and rather cumbersome tab and slot locking system.

The more astute will notice that a barn was chosen as the subject of this model, as barns tend not to have chimneys....

This model is not of a specific barn, but is presented as a type prevalent from the early 16th century in Southern England. The great doorway would be large enough to drive in a wagon. The local surviving barn here in Harrow is 150’ (45m) in length with two such doors enabling a wagon to drive through without having to reverse.

The Tithe Barn, Headstone Manor, Harrow

The style of barn would vary from one area to the next according to the availability of local materials, so would be built of stone, or entirely of wood, or would have a thatched roof. Where oak for the beams and clay for the roof tiles were readily available, such a building as this would be a typical result, with lime washed wattle and daub infill panels.

The model has only 9 components, presented in colour on one A4 (297 x 210 mm) page, together with a page of assembly instructions. The base board size is 118 x 55mm. It will be found that an hour pleasantly passed in assembling the model will be further rewarded with several hours spent demonstrating the model’s unique folding features.

A light but stiff card is recommended. I use a 200gsm cartridge paper which is ideal. I am told that 60lb would be a  US equivalent. Once completed, it will be found that the folds of the locking boxes can be adjusted for the best locking fit.

To print the model and instruction page, save the files and print using the ‘fit to page’ option, with ‘printable area ‘ set to maximum,

Barn   jpg file 599kb

Barn instructions   jpg file 203kb

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