Arizona Landscape Displays
John Michael Sanders
John Michael Sanders made these impressively massive model railroad displays that have been featured in Village D-Lights Magazine. These were built for George Hacker of Scottsdale, AZ, as part of his elevated G-scale model railroad track on his back patio. They are modeled after Arizona landscapes, including Scottsdale’s Pinnacle Peak.
The mountain measures 8ft in diameter and is 4.5ft tall. The metal track supports, bridge, and buildings were made by Dan Hoag of Eaglewings Ironcraft in Phoenix. This display was made initially in three separate pieces for ease of transport
This highly detailed canyon is the other end of the display and was initially made in five separate pieces for ease of transport.
Canyon Display
One of the first steps in building a display of this scale is building a wooden support skeleton. Here is the skeletal structure for the Canyon Display.
Once the skeleton was built, Mike secured the EPS foam in place. General contours were cut with an Industrial Hot Knife.
He used a Freehand Router to finish the detailing on the rock formations.
The seams were made water tight with black silicone caulk. He poured water with blue food coloring to test it and make sure it didn’t pool.
Next is coating the display for outdoor protection. Once it was all dried, he spray painted it with a flat black. The base stone color was brushed on with a sponge brush and the highlights are painted using a dry-brush technique. Here are some pictures of the painting process for the Canyon Display.
Here’s the finished canyon display. Below is the display’s natural arch feature.
Pinnacle Peak Display
Here’s an in progress shot of the Pinnacle Peak Display, which underwent a similar process for supporting, carving, and sealing.
Here’s the finished Pinnacle Peak display. The arched bridge and tunnel portals are hand carved with the Freehand Router and detailed with the Engraving Tool.
This bridge connects the two displays and measures 35ft long.
Unfortunately, George Hacker passed away last year and the display was taken down. We give our condolences to any loved ones grieving his passing.