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Description
This piece was inspired by the LEGO set # 7419 (Orient Expedition Dragon Fortress). It is a dojo for Shaolin monks or similar faction...

I was fortunate to get a new set (7419) on eBAY without it costing an arm and a leg (now they go for $200+).

I was able to buy parts of other sets and individual pieces to round out the recipe. A lot of it was done on the fly as this was done out of trial and error, and not a blueprint or cookbook recipe.

I started out wanting to make the original one wider, as there was a ton of wasted space. I built 4 variations before deciding to go with the main level of the building I have now. I knew on the second story I wanted to have ample space for archers and other defenses should the dojo ever be attacked --- the comes in the black railing idea. Next followed making the second story odd-shaped instead of just rectangular. This was rebuilt several times as I discovered new pieces in my collection, and new ideas about how to execute came into play. The back of the building was a whole project in itselft as you'll see on the image showing the backside. The top was the final part and I wish I had more of the doors that are on the 2nd level, as I would have surely used them. Taking up the artistic challenge to work with what I have I ended up with what you see here. I am happy with it and may decide to redo it later on if new part become available. All in all I would estimate that I spent about 7 weeks total on this and around 40 hours of trial and error building. The piece is heavy and the construction of the main building is rock solid. Enjoy and let me know what you think!

Description
This piece was inspired by the LEGO set # 7419 (Orient Expedition Dragon Fortress). It is a dojo for Shaolin monks or similar faction...

I was fortunate to get a new set (7419) on eBAY without it costing an arm and a leg (now they go for $200+).

I was able to buy parts of other sets and individual pieces to round out the recipe. A lot of it was done on the fly as this was done out of trial and error, and not a blueprint or cookbook recipe.

I started out wanting to make the original one wider, as there was a ton of wasted space. I built 4 variations before deciding to go with the main level of the building I have now. I knew on the second story I wanted to have ample space for archers and other defenses should the dojo ever be attacked --- the comes in the black railing idea. Next followed making the second story odd-shaped instead of just rectangular. This was rebuilt several times as I discovered new pieces in my collection, and new ideas about how to execute came into play. The back of the building was a whole project in itselft as you'll see on the image showing the backside. The top was the final part and I wish I had more of the doors that are on the 2nd level, as I would have surely used them. Taking up the artistic challenge to work with what I have I ended up with what you see here. I am happy with it and may decide to redo it later on if new part become available. All in all I would estimate that I spent about 7 weeks total on this and around 40 hours of trial and error building. The piece is heavy and the construction of the main building is rock solid. Enjoy and let me know what you think!