How to Build a Simple Drawbridge

The classic style of drawbridge is easy to model on a small scale.

Castle drawbridges had a variety of shapes and designs. Some drawbridges were more complicated than others. Some of the original drawbridges used weights and counterweights to raise or lower the bridge in a hurry. Other drawbridges used ropes to pull the bridges up. The pulley system is the type of drawbridge that most people think of today. This drawbridge format works well with model castles, as it does not require any support from under the ground floor of the castle.

Things You'll Need

• Utility knife
• Cardboard
• String
• Small spool
• Matchstick
• Duct tape

Instructions

1. Cut out an opening from the castle walls with a utility knife in a drawbridge shape. If you do not want to cut out a hole in the side of the building, or if the castle is made of wood, then you can cut a separate drawbridge from wood.

2. Tape a matchstick to the inside of the castle close to the door opening. Slide the spool onto the stick and secure the opening with tape.

3. Wrap some string around the spool. Punch a small hole through the wall above the door opening and thread the loose end of the string through the hole.

4. Punch a small hole on the end of the drawbridge. Thread the string through the hole and tie a knot in the string to secure.

5. Position the drawbridge in front of the door opening. If the drawbridge is a separate piece of cardboard, tape the bottom of the drawbridge down in front of the door opening.

6. Wind the string around the spool to raise the drawbridge. Wind the spool the other direction to lower the drawbridge.

References

• My Art Box: Castle Drawbridge
• Reader's Digest: 17 Easy Toys You Can Make at Home