Excellent Article

I've been interested in Robs techniques and layout because my goal is to model eastern Utah with similar desert scenery on the D&RGW west of Grand Junction and been following Rob's blog for several years now.

This article is excellent because it consolidates most of the great info and illustrations from the blog in a nice concise article.  Kudo's Rob!

Now if I can just carve out some time to actually get my layout back on track and progressing (too many house projects and family obligations).

Outstanding article

It is amazing to me that modelers here in the southwest just presume that they know what the desert looks like without using photos.  I've seen modelers try to make a desert scene by mixing a little green ground foam with dirt.  It looks like a freshly planted lawn just starting to come up.

When you look at Rob's pictures it is obvious that the vegetation in the desert is fairly substantial with a lot more bare ground in between the plants, unless there is a water source nearby.

Great subject

Rob's layout scenery is top notch. I have been admiring it for years as he has presented many different concepts in the way he has modeled. I plan to have a mostly desert like scenery and his methods are a good guide.

Desert scenery

Terrific article-- makes me want to go put down some sagebrush & scrub oak! We lived in Elko County & northern Nevada when my Dad worked for the WP & his concepts are right on. Excellent photography too! Great job.

Bob Battles

So many fabulous tips in here

Never for a moment had I ever thought about using drywall mesh tape!

Tons of cool ideas.  For those who complain about long articles, this is how they get to be treasure chests.

Thanks Everybody

I appreciate the kind words.