This thread was started in August 2022
Robert.G
August 2022 edited August 2022 in Finished SW Build Pics
As promised, photos of my new mega diorama or smaller layout, anyway you want to see it. 4meters long.
Now let me begin to say that I am NO racist, but in this case it is a Sierra West builds layout only. No others allowed. 
The long layout consists of several SW builds I’ve made ( not all of them due lack of space. The two modules had to fit in my car..) All the trees you see on the layout are home made. The rocks are plaster.
The Beaver Lumber Company is actually the Sawmill and all the buildings that go with it. The story behind the BLC, you can read in one of the previous On30 annuals. The name Beaver came from the name of a lake, Beaver Lake that was purchased by the Branson family in the end of the 19th century. Together with all the forests around it. ( it is also my scout totem name… ‘Natural Beaver’ , Got it for being a creative person who likes being in nature..)
So enjoy the pics.
Thanks for watching and thank you Brett for these wonderful kits that gave me several years of building pleasure.
As always, those who want high resolution photos, just send me a message with your email.
Now I hit the road with this Sierra West layout and then back to the bench…
Robert
Comments
Karl.A
August 2022
Fantastic Robert, an amazing display of skill and creation.
Cant wait to get home later and enjoy them on a bigger screen
Something to be very pround of.
vietnamseabee
August 2022
Holy smokers!!! Since I’m not of the “meter” persuasion, I googled the conversion …..13 and one half feet…. I say again, holy smokers
Amazing Mr. G, simply amazing
Terry
KKarns
August 2022
Absolutely incredible Robert! Your integration of the structures into the overall diorama is perfectly done and your scenic work is top shelf. Some of the finest work I have ever seen!
admin
August 2022
WOW, have been highly anticipating seeing this Robert. WOW! No disappointment, that’s for sure. Cannot wait to study all of the pictures. Would love to see some overall pics to get a feel for the entire layout. Thanks for posting these!
ALCOALCO
August 2022
I knew your carpentry was top-shelf but your trees and terrain are terrific too! Thanks for the eye candy!
brownbr
August 2022
It’s beautiful.
It does, however appear to be missing something…a beaver!
TomMich
August 2022
Phenomenal! That is incredible! I love how the structures blend in with the scenery. It certainly has a back woodsy feel. The ground cover scenery looks so real with the diversity of the mixture of “plants”. The rock work is also very realistic. Just can’t say enough about it. Very nice! Thank you for sharing, it is truly an inspiration. I echo Brett’s remark would love to see more!
Jim M
August 2022
No fair putting photos of real things up and trying to pass them off as being models. Holy cow, these are incredible.
prsdgt65
August 2022
Robert,
Amazing modeling. Thanks for the pics.
Frank
sdrees
August 2022
You know Robert, you must have a lot of patience to make all those trees. It must have taken forever, knowing how long it takes to build one from some of your previous posts and magazine article. And the ground work is just fabulous. Of course all the buildings are just as great. I go along with Brett, and would like to see some over all photos to see how it all fits together.
Jerry
August 2022
Those are some beautiful scenes you’ve created. Wonderful work on th buildings, scenery and detail.
Jerry
kebmo
August 2022 edited August 2022
i saw some of these on facebook, but i can’t comment because i have 14 more days of facebook jail (for saying i wanted to throat punch the kids in the kars for kids commercials). this diorama is spectacular! is it a functioning diorama? (does the train run on it?) would love to see some video of it. and perhaps a shot from outside the diorama so we can see it in perspective.
kebmo
August 2022
i just looked at them again. i swear i can smell the pine needles…
fantastic..
Robert.G
August 2022
Yes indeed kebmo, the trains do run on it.
Dave_S
August 2022
Robert,
Those two models are awesome. Looks like another article for On30 must be on the horizon. But just when you thought you had your two modules complete Brett surprised us all with another gem. So either you will need to squeeze this new kit in somewhere or start a third module. These modules look like the perfect setting for a velocipede and handcar shed and a handcar. It would be the perfect way to get small supplies out to the crews felling trees.
Later, Dave S. Tucson, AZ
Robert.G
August 2022
Let me breathe for a while Dave… 
EmeryJ
August 2022
Very nice work sir. I also would love to see a full pic of the layout when you get the opportunity. Thanks for sharing your great accomplishment.
ALCOALCO
August 2022
Like Kebmo, this warrants a second comment. Thanks for setting the bar higher and showing what’s possible!
glandesjr
August 2022
Wow Robert, this is really cool. You did a great job integrating the structures into the diorama. This looks like On30 and you have done a masterful job. Thanks so much for sharing.
Dave_S
August 2022
Robert,
The Beaver Lumber company modules have cleverly worked in so many of the SWSM O-Scale kits but the one kit that got my attention was The Blue Sky Company. A truly awesome and unexpected woodland setting for such a great build. Great to read the article in On30 and see the kit build featured.
Later, Dave S. Tucson, AZ
Joel
August 2022
Just fantastic work Robert. I have to go back and study each scene. A bit overwhelming. Incredible work.
Jeroen
August 2022
Breathtaking. This looks ultra realistic and is a magnificent piece of modelling. Very very inspiring!
Robert.G
October 2022 edited October 2022
First exposition of the Beaver Lumber Company in France. Euromodels 2022 . About 200+ participants, over 70 layouts and guess which one they picked to put in the newspaper… Yeah right…
Was also chosen Best of show… :). :). :).
Lousy photo taken by the journalist, ( he was wrong about the scale also …) but you get the idea… There was also an radio interview taken with me about this layout..
The comment also says: an incredible sense of detail…
Next show is in two weeks.. BLC hits the road guys.. Not much time for the bench now, but I’m following your efforts and will be back soon..
Robert
( the guy on the right in blue… :). )
vietnamseabee
October 2022
Well done, Robert!!!
Terry
brownbr
October 2022
Congratulations. Well deserved.
kebmo
October 2022
i doubt anyone here is surprised!! outstanding!!!
EmeryJ
October 2022
Nothing but the best. Congrats Robert.
Jerry
October 2022
Congratulations!! A job well done Robert.
Jerry
admin
October 2022
Congratulations! How incredible. A well deserved honor!
TomMich
October 2022
Congratulations! Your work is outstanding!
sdrees
October 2022
Very nice recognition for your work Robert
Karl.A
October 2022
Congrats, on the award and the article feature.
I foresee many more wins and congratulations on the show tour.
randyp
October 2022
Beautiful work Robert. You deserve the accolades. Randy
KKarns
October 2022 edited October 2022
Nice Robert, I particularly like the comments in column one paragraph three…
So how do you write “SierraWest Scale Models” in French?
kebmo
October 2022
it should be in the louvre.
Robert.G
October 2022
Many thanks my friends !!
Dave_S
October 2022
Fantastic news Robert. Thanks for sharing. Congratulations!
Later, Dave S. Tucson, AZ
Robert.G
October 2022
Photos of the Beaver Lumber Company are added in the Gallery ! Free visit 24/7
vietnamseabee
October 2022
Robert….so happy to see your work in the gallery section….all of the gallery photos are such a great reference tool.
I see a great possibility of a published book there….just an idea
Terry
mikemettelka
October 2022
I need a clinic in how you do all your scenery… when I invision what I want to do and see this, it matches up perfectly!
mikemettelka
October 2022
Oh and congrats by the way!
Robert.G
March 2023
Been ’ On the Road ’ with the Beaver Lumber Company and won several first prizes with it !!!
kebmo
March 2023
are we supposed to be surprised by that? we’re not…
congratulations robert, i wish it could tour over here.
vietnamseabee
March 2023
Well done, Robert
Terry
Jim M
March 2023 edited March 2023
Simply amazing work. Congratulations, well deserved.
sdrees
March 2023 edited March 2023
Were you going to show us some over all pictures of your layout Robert? From what we see here it is amazing. WOW!!!
admin
March 2023
Check out page one of this thread!
Congrats Robert!
Kevin L
March 2023
Well-deserved fantastic work. love to see a clinic on YouTube how you go about doing your scenery.
Karl.A
March 2023 edited April 2023
Congrats on the well deserved awards Robert. I’m sure it was fun out on the road and it’s great to see your amazing work has been well rewarded and appreciated.
KKarns
April 2023
Congrats but not at all surprised!
JenS
April 2023
Congratulations Robert.
But who did ever doubt it??
Will you be at the ExpoTrain in Walferdange this year?? I would really love to see your masterpiece in real life.
Robert.G
April 2023
JenS, the next show will be april 15 / 16 .. Near Antwerp.
MuddyCreekRR
April 2023
Congrats! Very much deserved…
JenS
April 2023
Antwerp is a 3 hours trip from where I live, and it’s my work free weekend. So maybe I will drop by.
kebmo
April 2023
JenS said:
Antwerp is a 3 hours trip from where I live, and it’s my work free weekend. So maybe I will drop by.
imho it’d be worth 6 hrs in the car just to see it.
Karl.A
April 2023 edited April 2023
kebmo
April 2023
what are the overall dimensions of the beaver lumber company? it appears you packed a ton of beauty in a small space robert. just beautiful!
Karl.A
April 2023 edited April 2023
The only dimension Robert gave on page 1 was 4meters long Kev (which is 13ft).
He’s in Europe so it might take a while for him to answer on the width, maybe 2ft ish at a guess.
TomMich
April 2023 edited April 2023
Wow! That video really showcases that beautiful layout. I viewed it full screen on my computer and it really highlighted how detailed and beautiful it is.
Karl.A
April 2023
It sure does Tom,
Robert did an amazing job on this whole creation.
I was really pleased to come across the video and be able to share it here.
kebmo
April 2023
it’s pretty damed spectacular.
gjdale
April 2023
Wow! Just amazing!
MuddyCreekRR
April 2023
Spectacular…
Robert.G
April 2023 edited April 2023
Thanks guys, I didn’t know this was on Youtube !! Kev, the with is 2foot.
kebmo
April 2023
Robert.G said:
Thanks guys, I didn’t know this was on Youtube !! Kev, the with is 2foot.
thanks robert
Jerry
April 2023
WOW!! Great video. Just gets better everytime you look at this creation.
Thanks for finding this Karl. And thanks to Robert for such a beautiful module!!
Jerry
dick52
April 2023
Just fantastic!
Dave_S
April 2023 edited April 2023
Robert, Fantastic modeling of not just the structures but the scenery as well. Great vision of how to place the structures in an extremely realistic woodland setting.
Karl, Thanks for sharing the video.
There are a few versions of the Beaver Lumber Company videos to be found on line. Another version;
TomMich
April 2023
This version showcases more of the details of your excellent work.
JenS
April 2023
Hi guys.
As you may know, I visited Robert last weekend on the train show “mobexpo 2023” in Antwerp, Belgium. At the show there have been about 30 layouts, most of them in a really high quality. But Robert’s was something special. It is highly detailed and truly tells a story. Robert created a superb balance between the different structures and the scenery.
And I found the most important detail of the “Beaver Lumber Company” layout:
Thanks again, Robert, for your time and your helpfull explanations!
Dave_S
April 2023
Jens,
As you pointed out those critters are truly ubiquitous and important to ecosystems throughout Europe, Asia and North America. Great that Robert was able to showcase this “guy” in a scene within his diorama. Robert has a great sense of detail and presents it very naturally.
Later, Dave S..
brownbr
April 2023
Thank you Jens for finding this mandatory occupant of this fine layout.
Robert.G
July 2023
Finally, after many years of articles on SW builds, The Beaver Lumber Company and thus Sierra West have made it to the cover of the On30 Annual !!
vietnamseabee
July 2023
Well done! An honor well earned!
Terry
kebmo
July 2023
this railroad should be on the cover of time!
admin
July 2023
Congratulations Robert, a real honor!
Jerry
July 2023
Congratulations Robert. Well deserved!!
Jerry
Dave_S
July 2023
Robert,
Great news. I had learned that your module would be featured in an article but was not aware that you earned the cover as well. Well deserved. What the people who order the Annual miss is your great video that is on the SierraWest site. I have my 2023 Annual on preorder as well.
Later, Dave S., Tucson, AZ
vietnamseabee
July 2023
A question about rhe On30 Annual….aside from buying a copy because of Robert’s great article, would the Annual be of benefit to us HO modelers?
Terry
JenS
July 2023
Congratulations Robert. I bow down before you…
TomMich
July 2023
Congratulations Robert. Well deserved. That is a great module!
sdrees
July 2023
Hey Robert, bring your module to the NMRA Convention in Dallas this year 8/20 to 8/27 for all of us in the US to see!
Jim M
July 2023 edited July 2023
What a great, well deserved, honor. Congratulations.
Mountaingoat
July 2023
Terry, both the On30 annual and HO annual are great information for HO scale. Techniques are just that regardless of scale. I typically buy both as an HO modeler…Rick
glandesjr
July 2023
Robert,
Congratulations. This is well deserved. Not only for the incredible model builds, but for the unbelievable landscaping detail you incorporate into every diorama. It is truly spectacular and well deserved.
George
KKarns
July 2023
Way to go Robert! Your stunning work continues to get the recognition it deserves.
Kevin L
July 2023
Congratulations well done.
Mountaingoat
July 2023
Robert, your work sets the bar so high. Utterly fantastic. You earned that cover…Rick
Robert.G
July 2023
Many thanks my dear friends !!
Karl.A
July 2023
Well deserved Robert, a real masterpiece and a joy for everyone to see.
You did a phenomenal job on all of it, beautiful.
brownbr
July 2023
Can’t wait to get a copy
MuddyCreekRR
July 2023
Duly deserved award my Friend…an outstanding job of modeling…
Joel
July 2023
Congrats Robert. What a way to celebrate your fantastic work. Can’t wait to see what you come up with next.
Jerry
October 2023
I just received the 2023 ON30 Annual. Congratulations once again Robert.
The article and pictures are worth the price of the magazine.
Jerry
Dave_S
October 2023
I agree 100% with Jerry However, what subscribers to ON30 miss that we members of the SierraWest Scale Models forum enjoyed was a multiple year journey and a ring side seat to the build of each of the structures by Robert, If you missed the videos of Robert’s diorama you can search YouTube for links or :
A view of many of Robert’s structures can also be viewed on the Gallery page at:
Enjoy, Dave Sarther Tucson, AZ
Kevin L
October 2023
Congratulations Robert well deserved.
brownbr
October 2023
Got mine yesterday. Was a really nice article.
Robert.G
October 2023 62.235.117.32
Thanks my dear friends !!!
randyp
October 2023
Robert, I just saw the video of your BLC. Fantastic presentation! Randy
minion
December 2024
Hi Robert,
Having fairly recently returned to the Sierra West fold after years in the wilderness I have missed much of what you have been doing here . I first became aware of you when you posted on the Finescale Forum and was very impressed. Am I right in thinking that you have taken it to the last two Ontraxs events ? Unfortunately I have been unable to make it on either occasion but I am hoping to make the next one . Now, it would be too much to hope that you will be there three years in a row , but are there any other exhibitions in Europe that you will be attending ? It would be worth the effort to come over from the UK just to see it . I used to come over regularly to help the sadly missed Jacq Damens with his Mumby Lumber Company layout and I miss the trips .
Nick
Robert.G
December 2024
Hey Nick, no more travels for the BLC. The structures and everything else found/will find it’s way in a new On30 layout. This time , a permanent one in my house.. But when that is done, I will post photos for sure..
As you could see, I’ve just finished the O’Neill’s Fabrication and that was the last SW kit I had to build. Except for one, I’ve build them all. The O scale ones that is. Look in the Gallery.
Now I’m waiting for the next installments of The Foundry. I want to have them all before I start with that build.
And let me breathe for a moment… :). Got to work on the brass locomotives I’m building.. They were pushed to the second place in favor of the O’Neills build.. 
I’m only posting On30 on the SW forum now..
kebmo
December 2024
robert,
your layout is an astonishing representation of your ability. like i said early in this thread, it should be on the cover of time magazine.
i have two requests of you:
- please don’t tell me that you scratch built the figures on the beaver lumber layout.
- if they aren’t scratch built, please tell me where you acquired them.
i’m sure im not the only one wondering about this. they’re just spectactular.
Robert.G
December 2024 edited December 2024
I found them on ebay and they come from ‘Buffalo Landing’ in New Zealand… If you tap Buffalo Landing in a search machine, Google , you’ll get hits. He has no website,
You have to paint them of course..
kebmo
December 2024
i’ve bought from him in the past. i do wish he had a website. thanks, i’ll shoot him an email and ask him to send me info about any new figures.