In good pirate tradition if you are going to build something big like a pier you first need a plan:

Now with that done we can move on to actually doing something.

Step 1: Build the main structure.

Step 2: Add the cross beams

Step 3: Add balsa wood flooring

Step 4: Mark the balsa wood with a pen to represent individual planks. Black pen is best as it highlights the join when dry brushing.

Step 5: With the pen mark the planks with bolt holes.

There you have it ready to add the fiddly bits  like rope on the pylons and water spashing around the footings before painting – this weeks task.

There is enough room on a 6′ X 4′ table to dock 4 decent sized ships.

The crane is from Sarissa’s “Gangs of Rome” terrain.

The steps were made out of the same balsa wood as the pier decking.

The dock is mean to be an extension of the table top for figures to use not to introduce naval warfare. Boats are just additional terrain pieces.