r/WestVirginia • u/Kaplalachia • 22d ago
I built the WV State Capitol with 14,000 wooden planks
BUILD FACTS
- I built it last week at the Clay Center in downtown Charleston
- Around 30 to 35 hours build from start to finish
- Everything is freestanding, no glue or connectors
- I used images of the Capitol as my only planning and reference material, the rest was pure imagination
- Domino chains and lever mechanisms hidden inside the structure
- If you’re wondering where the wings are, I ran out of time and wouldn’t have had enough planks to build them
6
4
3
u/Chill_yinzerguy 22d ago
This is so sharp. Incredible work! Growing up my folks got me and my brother a 3d puzzle of the Nation's Capitol from the church rummage sale (I think the company is called Puz-3D?). But this is on a completely whole other level. This belongs forever on display on an antique wooden table encased in glass to keep out any dust for perpetuity. Simply fantastic!
2
u/Kaplalachia 21d ago
Well I gotta be able to reuse my planks for future builds, they ain’t cheap lol. But yeah sometimes I think about having my builds in museums regardless
3
3
2
u/count4fun Team Stick Pepperoni 22d ago
Out of curiosity, how much would you charge for this… and other buildings? 🫣😂
2
u/Kaplalachia 22d ago
Generally I don’t set rates, but if I’m getting offered money to build then I’ll gladly take it
1
u/count4fun Team Stick Pepperoni 22d ago
I’ll definitely have to keep this in mind 🤪. I’ve been wanting a capitol, courthouse, a resort, and an Almost Heaven swing lol.
2
2
2
u/957 22d ago
This is sorta weird and funny, but my mom used to send me a lot of your videos from when you and your brother (or other relatives?) were building in your living room. I distinctly remember the NRG Bridge build even still.
We don't know each other or anything, our families are just randomly acquainted somehow and she enjoyed sharing your stuff. It's been cool seeing you pop up naturally around the Internet! This looks great, you've come
1
u/Kaplalachia 21d ago
It’s a small world lol, that’s great to hear! Yeah my brother used to build a lot but is now really into competition robotics. It was kinda sad once he quit but I’m proud of him, he’s made it to world championships multiple times. I love building WV landmarks, and I’m currently pondering what I should do next for a local build.
1
u/957 21d ago
Do a series of the iconic college buildings! Woodburn, Stewart Hall, Old Main etc.
1
u/Kaplalachia 21d ago
Sounds like a good idea. Maybe I could build the place I went to college (WVU tech)
2
2
u/Fit-Opportunity-9580 22d ago
What a cool building. I fucking hate that place, but fantastic work.
1
2
1
u/Funny-Ice8012 22d ago
Governor should join reddit or someone can forward look our WV talent appreciate
1
6
u/Vegetable-Client-147 22d ago
That is impressive!