Anybody got a desert scene layout? Tumbleweed, coyotes, sandstone, dusty little buildings, water tanks?

I took these pictures last Christmas at the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park in Scottsdale, AZ.  Some will apply directly to your topic request, others not as much.  Use them as you see fit.

I had a test scene set up on my unfinished layout, of an old mining town, "Arsenic Springs", and l have another scene of a ghost town, "Arroyo Dorado" with abandoned, ruined station,  and  collapsed buildings, both of which l had previously posted in 35mm. That is the kind of scenery l plan to run through.  

I've shown some of these videos in the past, however they showcase the Paradise and Pacific Railroad which is a fabulous group of people to enjoy trains with.

This section is reminiscent of Holbrook, AZ on the ATSF mainline.  It hasn't changed much over the years.

Another part of the layout showing the desert scenery better.

Clearly service under Amtrak declined on the route of the Chief and this video shows without a doubt why the train got demoted to the Southwest Limited.

Here are a few of mine....first attempt at high plains, western scenery.

Donald

Got the idea after visiting and filming Rhyolite, California in Death Valley. Don

The work of a repressed production designer...seems you missed your true calling, Don.

Check out page 48 of the newest issue of OGR the Magazine (issue #313) for the "Building Punto Margarita" article (#3).  The previous two issues will also be of interest to you.

Wonderful pictures and video.  They look absolutely lifelike.

Thanks

Mannyrock

A few more:

@Mill City posted:

The work of a repressed production designer...seems you missed your true calling, Don.

Jon, funny you said that. I consider all the layout as a stage for the actors (trains). Thank you, Don

My actors (trains) are very often in the background of a scene. They look small sometimes in comparison to the landscape that I take all the way to the floor in many areas. I like to keep the trains at about eye level so your not looking down at them. Don