The City of the GreatScaper
Many of our follows on N Scale Limited are familiar with Robert’s (The GreatScaper) work, especially if you follow us on our forum. Robert likes to build tall, taller than most would be comfortable with doing on their own layout. Because of his yearning to go tall, he has carved himself a niche that many look to for inspiration. Currently unable to build a layout, Robert keeps himself busy by constructing many kit bashed structures, and that is not an understatement.
Robert is a 39 year old that lives in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. He has been involved with modeling in N scale sense high school and loves what he can do in this scale and what the hobby has to offer. His goal from the very beginning has not changed; to build a massive and realistic n scale urban layout that is heavily influenced from the near by city of Vancouver. He plans to have a modern elevated railroad that is similar to the Sky Train in Vancouver along with other rail operations as well.
Robert strives to continue to grow in his knowledge of modeling, architecture, railroads, urban planning and more. More than anything he wants to be a help to others so it can be easier for them to find and build urban models. When he does get around to building his layout, he plans to make it sectional. Until then he has much that he needs to learn, such as wiring, lighting and how to make a realistic water scene.
His Work in His Words
This photo was taken oh..probably around year 2000 about 10 years ago. The models in these photos are kitbashes and models that I had made since high school. I was always frustrated by the lack of city models available in N scale. But still managed to get these ones built.
I started browsing ebay around 2005 to find old models that I already had, though having no idea who made them, model numbers etc. let alone finding ones that I didn’t have. I finally found my first one with this built Kibri 7132 hotel building. I was so excited.
I then found 2 more and built my first kitbashed highrise in nearly 5 years since I hadn’t found anything new on the market. This is what I made.
Once I had made this one I was pretty excited and started on new ones. I started posting my photos on various forums but mostly on my flickr account. On some of these forums most people were really excited to see something new and completely different and I kept building models. Unfortunately my knowledge on modeling was really just based on my own artistic ablility. One of my next kitbashes was my Hiltowne Hotel DPM building. I still need to add a 4th section to this building. As mentioned I wished I knew what I know now when I built this. I would have added floors, shades, etc. at least I added window tint :D.
I then discovered the Japanese products from Kato, Tomix, Greenmax, Tomeytec etc. These were my first Japanese buildings I ordered. These are just mocked up as I still have to paint, age, add interior details, signages etc.
Another thing I’ve learned is about paint. Here’s a tomix 4044 kitbash I did. I did an aged wash on it and I was really happy with how the buildng looked. But since I’ve learned about painting the structures first then readding the windows, and aging a building.
After learning a few things about modeling I went back and fixed some older buildings I had built earlier.
My updated Vollmer Cathedral.
My updated Kibri 7330 kitbashed condo tower.
Once I joined Nscalelimited.com I learned so much from everyone on there, by sharing my ideas by them sharing their experiences. I’ve learned so much in modeling and in buildings in general. Here’s a couple of my newer models.
Here’s a couple of my favorite mock up photos.
These are my older style architectural models. More to come from CMR, Lunde, artitec, DPM and others.
All photos provided by Robert Beaumont and are used with his permission
To see much more of Robert’s work, please visit his Flickr page.
About the Author
