I live in the high desert, too, here in southeast Arizona at an altitude of 5400 feet, and dust storms are a problem until the summer rainy season.
I ran a track into an outdoor storage shed and keep my locomotives and rolling stock inside it when they are not being operated.
I run everything from battery power, so dirt on the track is of no concern. I just walk the track with a whisk broom and brush away any large objects that may cause a derailment.
This must be quite interesting but not so pleasant at times when dust storms set in. Instead i have monsoonsal weather.
I have the different sets of problems living near the Coral Sea and in the tropics; but never the less i am sure we can all help each other in some way; and have much in common.
Rgds Ian
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