The 4 Corners area of the US actually has rock formations like those shown in the background. Through selective compression these rock formations are actually smaller than the real ones.

A well done (no pun intended) burned building.

Not every place has an entryway between 2 Sauguaro Cacti.

In Tucsan AZ a lady custom made all the figures for the layout. These really bring life to the scene as can be seen here.

And here.

And here.

A lot of the country out here is very rocky and since it is difficult, at best, to grow spreading ground cover to prevent erosion on slopes, many people model the rocky terrain.

A lot of this part of the country really looks like this. It is not lush vegetation as in the southeast. Because it is not lush vegetation the views are often spectacular.

Interspersed with the limited vegetation are rocks, water and trains.

Yes you can grow flowers here with enough TLC.

I hope this group doesn't tear up the countryside too much.

A nice industry in a large railroad. This photo was taken at night.

The same large railroad during the day. Oh, did I mention they have about 4500 ft. of track here. And are still expanding.

A lot of well done railroad in a compact area.

A very realistic and interesting mining operation done with no plants. On the other hand, how would you like to move this much dirt and rock?

Did I mention one day of the tours included the Maricopa Live Steamers and their 10 miles of 7.5 in gauge track? This oncoming "steamer" was a diesel.

This steamer that we rode behind was power by a Shay. We stopped for a while to build steam. The Shay actually did a fine job but lost stream when the fire went out. We went as far as we could on the existing steam until we found someone with a match.

An impressive mine building.

Details in a model of a garden.

A rather impressive structure with lots of detail. This building was built with Precision Board.

Another impressive structure. This building was also built with Precision Board. For more info about Precision Board kits go to www.RainbowRidgeKits.com. Or do an internet search for Precision Board.