How to Make a Miniature Chariot
The chariot was an innovative method of transportation used mainly for battle and war in ancient Rome. The basic design is simple: a small cart for the driver, two wheels and at least one yoke for the horses. The design of the chariot is familiar to people today because of the enormous military influence of the chariot in the past. If you are interested in ancient history, warfare or weaponry, you may find making a miniature model of your own chariot an interesting project.
Things You'll Need
- Heavy cardboard
- Scissors
- Measuring tape
- Thin cardboard
- Masking tape
- Bowl
- Flour
- Salt
- Sandpaper
- Dowel rod
- Wooden wheels
- Acrylic paint
- Brushes
- Sealer
Instructions
-
-
1
Draw and cut a half-circle from the heavy cardboard, then measure the length of the curved edge.
-
2
Cut a strip of thin cardboard that is the length of the curved edge. Gently fold in half and trim the top of the strip so that the strip is narrow toward the ends. If you have a figure to go with the chariot, hold the strip up to the character with the bottom at his feet. Chariots were many different sizes, but the top of the chariot usually came to just below the waist on the driver.
-
-
3
Tape the bottom edge of the thin cardboard strip around the curved edge of the thick half-circle.
-
4
Mix some papier mache paste by mixing together equal parts flour and water with a little salt added. This is a small object, so you will not need much paste.
-
5
Tear the paper into small strips, using a strip size appropriate for the size of your chariot. Dip each strip into the papier mache paste, wipe away excess paste with your fingers, then smooth the strip onto the chariot form. Wrap the chariot with a few layers of papier mache, allowing it to dry completely before continuing. In addition, you can use the papier mache to add decorative elements to the chariot, such as a rounded edge to the top. Sand the chariot if desired.
-
6
Cut two dowel rods. One must be long enough to go from one side of the chariot to the other with a little extra room; this is the axle. The other attaches under the chariot, as well, forming the yoke for the horses. If you have horses for the model, put the dowel rod next to them. The rod must be the length of the horses with a little extra room to attach it underneath the chariot.
-
7
Paint and seal the chariot, two dowel rods and wheels.
-
8
Turn the chariot over and attach two small ring hooks to the underside, one on each side of the chariot. Put the axle dowel rod through these hooks, which enables them to rotate. Push a wheel onto either end of the dowel rod.
-
9
Glue the yoke dowel rod to the front of the chariot.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Wooden wheels shaped like wagon wheels have the most authentic look. Use reference photos when working if you want the chariot to look as though it came from a particular region. All chariots were designed slightly differently for maximum efficiency in a certain terrain.
References
- Photo Credit Hemera Technologies/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images
