Lionel collector, stuck in an N scaler's modelling space.
It's not the most important thing, but something I miss about the Desert Wind is the ride through Meadow Valley, Nevada, (north of Las Vegas) and Afton Canyon, California, (north of Barstow).
Those aren't two of the most famous spots for train-riding scenery in the U.S., but they're both a treat. Access by motor vehicle is not a snap--4WD highly recommended!