Arc de Triomphe

When making the smaller version of this model I did notice that I had not captured the roof railings very well. Certainly not well represented as low  criss-cross fence pieces. There is an architectural feature which continues up from the upper level to the very top of the monument. I have replaced the fences with pieces to represent the masonry and vertical fence rods. Please leave comments if you like the new design or have a preference for the original. (Click below for a larger image).

Shown below is this project next to one designed to fit into the existing Architecture range. Because of the use of the trophy figures and the detailing some people seem to get the impression that this model is huge, the larger model dimensions are 80x160x210mm and it is made from 1415 pieces compared to 523 of the smaller model. Hopefully this gives a better idea of the scale of this project. If you want to see more information about the smaller model it is at https://ideas.lego.com/projects/119116.

Click below for larger image.

I had a suggestion that I should include tourists on the roof. I've added a few  coloured trophy figures similar to the ones I have around the base of the monument. They could be fitted just about anywhere on the roof, replacing a 2x2 or 1x2 flat plate leaving a single stud free on the layer below to take the base of the figure. (click below to see full image)

When designing a smaller version of the Arc de Triomphe I found a different way of creating the ceiling panelling for the smaller arches (the main arch on the smaller model). This is a significantly simpler and more rugged design which is easy to constuct. this uses 1x2 rocker blocks, the roof is made in strips which are just pushed together to form the curved roof.

Click for larger image.

I have redesigned the roof to include glass covered stairwell entrance and exit, metalic silver lifts and viewing platforms. This is now a much closer representation of the current roof layout. (Click on picture for a larger version)

In a French review I believe the reviewer questioned the use of colour in the model ( My French is not good enough to be certain and the on-line translators struggled with the sentence). When I designed it I decided to use the dark grey and brick yellow to bring out some of the features of the building. As an experiment I have rendered the Arc de Triomphe in more natural colours, a two tone white and light grey. Please leave a comment if you have a preference - it may influence the final appearance of the set - I am of course making a big assumption it will make it that far :)

(Click on image for a larger version)

Thank you for all of your support ,  over 1100 supporters so far. 10K is a huge ask but there is some discussion about the project on the web which is helping. It did smile when I found that I was described ( according to google translate ) as 'the mysterious Eiffleman' on one site - De Brickectura. I appear to have already addressed their main concern  by removing the corner statues in the top row and adding 1x1 bricks and plates to maintain a line between the roof and ground (see earlier update).

I discovered the model had an illegal connection. When I built the model LDD had allowed me join the 4 stud 1x1 brick to 1x1 bricks with a hole. I only just discovered this is considered illegal as the bricks do not line up perfectly, although it works this stresses the bricks and Lego will not allow it in their products.  The illegal connection was on the bricks which hold the framing on the middle section at the corners. Fortunately I was able to rebuild the corners with a legal combination of bricks which still allows the frames to be attached. There is no change to the exterior of the model and I'm very relieved that it proved to be quick and easy to fix.

Brickset.com have reviewed my project, which has given it a great boost. The reviewer points out the trophy figures at the top gives the appearance that the roof is 'hovering'. Looking at it again, I don't disagree but wonder if the impression is caused more by the corner trophy figures than the rows on the sides. I have replaced the four corner figures with 1x1 bricks and plates, This now visually solidly joins the main structure to the roof section. I think this is an improvement and may be all that is needed. Thanks for everyone's support.

Click on the image for a larger version

As requested here is a render of the roof. 

Project is at 646 supporters and 173rd in the 'most supported' listing the at the moment - Thank you all for your support.

October 15 - Update to update - the roof has had a more recent facelift to make it closer to the real monument's roof

Thank you for giving this project a great start and for your comments. I have rendered another image to show the ceilings of the smaller arches. I had wanted to include a similar photo in the original posting but the the renderer kicked out a couple of errors with the main arch ceiling bricks. No problems this time.

Click on picture for the full image.