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toddalin
09-10-2011, 10:32 AM
Tortoise and Lizard Bash Railroad (T&LBRR)



Sunday, September 18, 2011

1:00 P.M. – 5:00 P.M.

Santa Ana, CA 92705 (The Unincorporated area above Tustin), E-mail for Address
Todd and Linda Brody are pleased to invite you, your family, and your guests to the Last Run of the 2011 Season for the T&LB Garden Railroad. 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.

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 let the towns’ folk “take the waters” for both health and recreational activities. All vegetation is real and to scale. The entire layout is detailed with dozens of structures, over 300 people and animals, cars, motorcycles, etc. all at a scale of ˝ inch per foot.

The major urban area is Tortoise Town and all structures are named for their reptilian counterparts. When sheriff “Chuck Walla” isn’t getting a soda at Dragon Lizard Drugs, he may be getting a haircut at Cooter’s Clip Joint or calling on Ms. Lizzie at Collard Lizard Clothiers. The “Lounge Lizards” jazz band is featured entertainment in the town circle. Many of the wooden structures are now falling into disrepair and this may be their last showing prior to town renovations.

Brody's B&B (Booze and Babes) includes a “red light” district and is next to the Bear Whiz Beer Brewery and the hot air balloon launch facilities. Two farm/ranches operate in the area as well as a feed and grain facility for the chickens, cows, sheep, and horses. An active gold mine is continually conducting blasting. New for 2011, an aerial tramway takes passengers out to the island to view the falls and for horseback ridding at the nearby stables. Additionally, the Bear Whiz Beer Icing Facility is now in full operation. There may even be a visit from the local, loco cholos trying to hoist their beer on the townsfolk.

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 (http://tortoiseandlizardbash.com)

Rolf
09-11-2011, 01:56 AM
Hi Todd and Linda.

I would love to see this! Unfortunately I live i Norway, have a dog, and it is a long journey.

I have never seen (besides your pictures) such large scale railroads in real. As a child I had a small MERKLIN railroad, and a large (60ft+) racing track (for small cars). All gone now for many years ago.

BUT, what you have in far beyond anything I ever had.

If I ever come to the US I would love to see it.

toddalin
09-12-2011, 11:02 AM
Thanks Rolf,

Not everything I do for the railroad is realistic and much is tongue in cheek fantasy. For example, this week I will finish my new project, a Lowrider Train. Maybe the first in existance. (Certainly the first I've seen in 15 years in this hobby.) Maybe someone will get a video and can post it to YouTube.

Lowrider engine has now received a "continental kit." Wheels will be done in gold to match.
http://www.largescaleonline.com/eimages/lsolpics/Team_Member_Pics/toddalin/Low_Rider/Low_Rider_Train_034.jpg

Original beer bottle car. Wheel trucks are now candy apple red and have working strobes that shine on the working spinners.
http://www.largescaleonline.com/eimages/lsolpics/Team_Member_Pics/toddalin/Low_Rider/Low_Rider_Train_038.jpg
Matching reefer (houses the electronics) has been "slammed."
http://www.largescaleonline.com/eimages/lsolpics/Team_Member_Pics/toddalin/Low_Rider/Low_Rider_Train_037.jpg
Lowrider car "dances" on the flatcar. Trucks are now candy apple and will also receive strobes on the spinners.
http://www.largescaleonline.com/eimages/lsolpics/Team_Member_Pics/toddalin/Low_Rider/Low_Rider_Train_035.jpg

My own design electronics to interface with the toy and provide the strobe lights.
http://www.largescaleonline.com/eimages/lsolpics/Team_Member_Pics/toddalin/Low_Rider/Low_Rider_Train_054.jpg

Caboose has been through the "chop shop" too.
http://www.largescaleonline.com/eimages/lsolpics/Team_Member_Pics/toddalin/Low_Rider/Low_Rider_Train_049.jpg

Job applicants. Not all will qualify.
http://www.largescaleonline.com/eimages/lsolpics/Team_Member_Pics/toddalin/Low_Rider/Low_Rider_Train_043.jpg

El Diabo is in the details.
http://www.largescaleonline.com/eimages/lsolpics/Team_Member_Pics/toddalin/Low_Rider/Low_Rider_Train_044.jpg

Rolf
09-13-2011, 01:55 AM
Very nice pictures. The beer bottle ... :rotfl: ... It would have been quite a sight ... in full scale.:)