What a difference some dirt makes! (image heavy)

[Jetrock]

BRVRR: Yes, it's a Rambler.

My dirt process: Filter through a screen, then run a magnet over it to get out the iron, then bake it in the oven--250 degrees for at least an hour, then let it sit in the warm oven for a couple hours more with the heat off.

The berm/hill in the background features this material I picked up at the last Roseville train show--it's basically fake fur, but it comes in a color and length appropriate for long dry grass.

twhite: Downtown has plenty of dirt sources--actually the dirt I'm using came from the land where Haggin Yard, just north of the SP mainline, used to be--I went out there and filled a coffee can with a bountiful supply of genuine railroad yard dirt...

[twhite]

Jetrock--very cool, VERY cool! But where in Heck did you find DIRT around this area? Out here in Carmichael all we have is Hardpan, and it's heavy enough to go right through the rail-base! Seriously, I like what you're doing.
Tom

[Anonymous]

I really do like the look of the real dirt. Once the snow here in Connecticut goes away I can find it and will attempt to use some on my layout. The look of the real thing is the best look that cannot be beat. Nice job Jetrock

[AggroJones]

Really well done. Natural scenery vs bare materials is a day vs night difference.
Is that yellow grass static flock or am I just seeing things?

[Fergmiester]

Like the Palm trees. Takes me to a happy place with no snow!

Look forward to see some more progress. Well done

Fergie

[BRVRR]

Jetrock,
Looks good to me. Is that a Nash Rambler I see in front of that garage?
How did you 'sanitize' the dirt before you put it on the layout? Some of the guys I know run it through a screen and over a big permanent magnet to get out the 'big chunks' and iron particles. Some even treat it with disinfectant to kill the bacteria. Another guy puts it in the microwave and 'cooks' it.
Just wondering?

[Anonymous]

Looking real good!

[Jetrock]

So this weekend I laid down some dirt--natural dirt, as I have discussed before--and ballast on my switching module. Here are some before-and-after photos for comparison...

Industrial area:







Yard area:





Lengthwise views:





Overhead views:







And here's a couple of close-ups of various spots...