Tortoise and Lizard Bash Garden Railroad (T&LBRR)
Saturday, June 16, 2018
1:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M.
Santa Ana, CA (e-mail/PM for address)
Todd and Linda Brody are pleased to invite you, your family, and your guests to the 2018 running of the T&LB Garden Railroad. This marks our 21th year of operations. The railroad was the winner of the Garden Railways Magazine 2013 competition for garden railways and has been featured in numerous publications and videos. The landscape covers about 1,200 square feet with about 600 feet of track and six bridges, including a 14-foot long trestle. Using simple track power, the railroad can run itself fully automated with up to seven trains that slow and/or wait for each other as necessary to avoid collisions at crossing points. Additionally, the railroad incorporates a high degree of automation and special effects into the multitude of vignettes that adorn the landscape.
The layout is built around two volcanic areas that spew into various lakes through waterfalls. The volcanoes also result in geothermal activity and the Chameleon Caverns hot springs area lets the towns’ folk “take the waters” for both health and recreational activities. All vegetation is real and the miniature garden is completely to scale. The entire layout is detailed with dozens of structures, over 300 people and animals, cars, motorcycles, etc. all at a scale of ½ inch per foot.
There are always new things to see on the T&LB as well as old favorites to enjoy, much of which includes “tongue in cheek” humor. This year the town received a new bridge leading to the aerial tram, replacing the old covered bridge that has fallen into disrepair. The new bridge provides a shortcut to the overlook and will allow for new vegetation where the old path ran. “Willie the Wonder Horse” just joined us and has been demonstrating his acrobatic/balancing ability to power a rail car “treadmill-style.” Also, fairly recent are the fueling platform along Lizard Lane, the meteor strike just off Feather Mountain, the outdoor amphitheater at Gila Bend, and the Ernest and Julio Gallows. This latter structure allows/encourages the public to “take the law into their own hands” as they actively try to hang the outlaw by throwing balls at a target. Don’t forget to bring your camera!
Todd & Linda Brody
The following link will take you to our web site showing the railroad and its history.
http://tortoiseandlizardbash.com
This included video shows the railroad in operation.
