As an August treat, Linda and I would like to invite all LHF members and their guests to night and day runs of the Tortoise and Lizard Bash Garden Railroad.
Open houses will be held on Saturday, August 25 between 4:00 pm and 8:00 pm, and on Sunday August 26 between 12:00 pm and 4:00 pm.
We are located in the hills of unincorporated Orange County, CA above Tustin/Santa Ana/Orange. E-mail me for directions.
Tortoise and Lizard Bash Rail Road
This garden scale, front yard layout is quite innovative and incorporates features not seen on other garden railroad displays. The landscape covers about 1,200 square feet with over 600 feet of track and six bridges, including a 14-foot long trestle. Twenty-one turnouts allow multiple trains to navigate the landscapes simultaneously.
The layout was built in a volcanic area that was thought to be inactive. However, recent eruptions have been noted at two of the craters in one area. These craters spew “lava” into upper, then lower lakes through two waterfalls. All vegetation in the miniature garden is real and to scale. The entire layout is detailed with structures, over 300 people and animals, cars, motorcycles, etc. all at a scale of ½” per foot.
Trains can run fully automated, or “hands on” with as many as four simultaneous engineers, all in contact by wireless control. The automation system is of our own concept, design, and construction and allows seven trains to run simultaneously, pausing and waiting for each other as necessary. Fully automated signals accompany these train movements. And best of all, no more unexpected “corn field meets” at the crossing point!
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. 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 - day and night. The locals may take a train to Lizard Lake to engage in some fishing, or to Chameleon Caverns Mineral Springs to take in the hot tubs and ever-changing, multi-colored mist that waifs out of the cavern. All buildings and major structures (three dozen) have lighting for night operations. Additionally, the volcanoes and caverns put on their best displays after dark.
The OC Home Magazine has a write-up at the link.
http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister...le_1548744.php