Grand Ducial Army Fair
Inspired by several other countries, the Grand Duchy of Japuile decided to organize its own military armament fair. This event aims to showcase the duchy’s technological achievements and potentially attract buyers while receiving valuable feedback from outside observers. Even the most diligent engineer can be blinded by pride and time invested in their creation. Alban Trottier and Loup Deschamps were appointed to build the exhibition hall.
The location chosen for the exhibition hall was the Duchy of Limne. Placing it too close to the capital would be unwise—the increased foot/mechanic traffic in the streets could pose a danger in the event of an attack on the city. Therefore, a special exhibition zone was established away from the Duchy Capital, with convenient access via railway. Construction began with the laying of tracks, followed by the assembly of the entire hall structure.
Over the course of several weeks of intense work, soldiers transformed into builders and craftsmen. Upon exiting the railway station, visitors are greeted by a sea of flowers arranged in the shape of the Grand Duchy of Japuile’s flag, leading them to the monumental facade of the exhibition hall. The structure impresses with its size, reminiscent of a triumphal arch supported by black marble columns. The walls, though made of brick, have been decorated to resemble smooth stone. In the welcoming area, guests are greeted by polished stone floors, and the walls are adorned with mosaics with nature motifs. Media representatives are presented with berets and commemorative medals to mark their attendance at the first military fair of the Grand Duchy of Japuile.
What Does the Military Hall Offer?
The Future Forces has provided several interactive features within the hall. One display is a simulator for the Premier 44 Tank, where visitors can experience what it feels like to drive and fire the tank. Shots are simulated with special caseless shells that produce minimal sound. For aviation enthusiasts, there is a real “Diamant” multirole jet, which can be “piloted” and “fired” virtually using VR goggles.
There are also shooting ranges—built with transparent soundproof glass walls on the sides and rear to reduce the sound of gunfire, as the firearms and ammunition used are real. For safety, the range setup limits how far a weapon can be extended outside the shooting station. For a more dynamic demonstration of armored vehicles, a combat test yard was constructed, where vehicles drive through simple routes and obstacle courses. In another section, tanks fire at distant concrete targets.
The civilian area stands out with its elegant, semi-open pavilion, centered around a large fountain with surrounding seating. Above is a stained glass dome supported by columns, which are adorned with bronze and marble statues of soldiers. A bit higher up, a raised observation balcony allows guests to watch the display.
The entire event is marked by military hospitality, from trays of refreshments to assistance in case a guest feels unwell. Spiral staircases lead to the second floor, which is dedicated to visitors and offers guest rooms, restaurants, and small pharmacies. The third and top floor is reserved for military personnel, serving as a command center.
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