5C, just how tall do you suppose this thing should be? You say that the slants would be 12-15" so I'm guessing at least 2.5' tall? Thanks for the input, I think I'll build something very close to this, if I can.

Good question! It could be daunting couldn't it?

Let's start at the floor... I would say the sloped stone walls should be 1-2" taller than the figures minimum... That way it looks "trapping" from the perspective of a soldier on the parade floor...

Then make a stone ledge which protrudes outwards a little.... maybe an inch high... then the wood slats... I'd say go 3" taller than a figure, such that you can lookup and see the ceiling from the parade floor. (note: back to the stone ledge... you could make it come outwards 1" and throw some razor wire spool across it... to keep the folks in... but that's more of a battle-arena feel ;-)

I'm not sure how to finish off the dio into the sky... you need something. If you go with a partial sloped roof, it might look too samarai-feudal-japanish... I'll think about that.

Put it all in perspective - I would have the bottom stone wall part smaller in height than the top 2nd floor wood slats part... I don't think you'd need to exceed 2 feet in height - 2 feet is quite tall from 1:18 perspective. But that's just my opinion - you may want to go giganto-tall and that would be cool too.

Can't wait to see you start this. I'm totally pumped.

Cheers! ~ Paul.

I did do one set where the walls were probably close to 3 feet. That was a lot of fun. I had to use those lovely Nalgene water bottles to help keep the walls standing up straight! Believe me, I'm alreadying thinking about how to accomplish this task. And yet, it'll only be for a few scenes!

Sonn,
While I also like the design that Fifthconspiracy created, I'd suggest not making the balcony an enclosed window. Make it an open balcony, maybe covered with a fabric awning ala Roman Arenas. CC always likes to hear his own voice and bond with the troops. By hiding behind glass he gives the impression that he fears or distrusts his soldiers. He'd be out there among them making them feel he's one of them.

Just my two cents.

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Good point! A fabric Awning would look cool, in the right colors, with two large Cobra flags draped down on each side of the Commander as he makes his speech!

Cheers! ~ Paul.