How to Build a Scale Model of the Alamo

Painting by Percy Moran

The subject is independence, the location is Texas and the example is the siege at the Alamo. Most Americans know something of the history of the Alamo. It's a fascinating series of events that demonstrates that, even if the day is lost, the war can be won. This tale is hard to pull away from. You've read the historical accounts of the action, you've watched all the Alamo movies and you've visited the Alamo site. Now, you want to take your Alamo thing to the next level. That's great-take action. Learn how to build a scale model of the Alamo.

Things You'll Need

• Plywood base, 36 in. x 36 in. Balsa or styrene sheets for structures Craft knife and scissors Glue or masking tape Mud (stucco) Paper Pencil Calculator (optional)

Instructions

1. Before you can build anything to scale, you need to know the original dimensions of the Alamo. In their publication, "The Alamo: Remembering through Education," the Daughters of the Republic of Texas offer some wonderful sketches of the Alamo compound, and one of them includes complete dimensions. The link is included below.

2. 

   According to sketches, the entire Alamo compound was roughly 300 feet by 530 feet. It didn't form a rectangle, however, but more a trapezoid, growing narrower toward the rear of the compound. The walls reportedly varied from 9 feet to 12 feet high. Given this information, you must select a scale that will produce a model of the size you want to build.

3. Assume you want to build your model on a plywood base that is 36 inches by 36 inches (you can build a bigger one later). You're going to need to shrink the original dimensions in a uniform manner to make your model fit on your base. For this model, use a scale of 1/16 inch = 1 foot; your scale model will be approximately 19 inches by 33 inches. The math works like this: divide 300 feet by 16 (feet/inches); the result is 18.75 inches. To re-scale the entire Alamo, divide each dimension in this way.

4. To make a template, draw your scale model on paper (you may need to tape several pieces together to make it fit) and transfer it to your base. Cut pieces for each structure and wall from rigid but light-weight material; balsa wood or styrene may work best. Use tape or glue to fix your cut pieces to the base, using the lines of your scale drawing as a guide. For a realistic touch, "paint" your model with mud (mix it up in the back yard) to resemble the stucco finish and dirt courtyard of the real thing.

5. Include some early history with your model. The Alamo was built originally as a mission, San Antonio de Valero, to convert American Indians to Christianity. In the 1790s, Spain removed the mission from the control of the Church and turned it over to the care of its Indian inhabitants. In the early 1800s, the old mission was used first by Spanish troops and following Mexico's successful bid for independence from Spain in 1821, by Mexican troops.

Tips & Warnings

• Build a smaller model first. When you have the process down, graduate to a larger and more elaborate model of the Alamo.

Resources

• Additional information about the Alamo