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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

pinnacle peak finished

This highly detailed canyon is the other end of the display and was initially made in five separate pieces for ease of transport.

pinnacle peak finished

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.

pinnacle peak skeleton

Once the skeleton was built, Mike secured the EPS foam in place. General contours were cut with an Industrial Hot Knife.

pinnacle peak in progress

He used a Freehand Router to finish the detailing on the rock formations.

pinnacle peak in progress

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.

pinnacle peak in progress

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.

pinnacle peak painting

pinnacle peak highlights

 

pinnacle peak finished

Here’s the finished canyon display. Below is the display’s natural arch feature.

pinnacle peak arch

Pinnacle Peak Display

Here’s an in progress shot of the Pinnacle Peak Display, which underwent a similar process for supporting, carving, and sealing.

pinnacle peak in progress

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.

Pinnacle Peak finished

This bridge connects the two displays and measures 35ft long.

display bridge

Unfortunately, George Hacker passed away last year and the display was taken down. We give our condolences to any loved ones grieving his passing.


Suggested tools/materials for this project:

Pro 8-Inch Hot Knife • 3-In-1 Kit Pro Model (3-Inch Hot Knife, Freehand Router, Engraver Tool) • Original Scroll TableIndustrial Hot Knife