By Todd Brody

Author  Bio "How about we give the gophers something else to tear up for a change?"

Born in Southern California in 1954, Todd grew up amongst the glitter and glamour that was Las Vegas through the 60's. He returned to Southern California in 1972 and subsequently attended California State University, Northridge, graduating Cum Laude with a degree in Environmental Biology in 1978. Later that year, Todd began a career in the environmental consulting field first working at a major firm through EPA contract on the Federal Clean Water Act. Right out of college, Todd was in charge of a nation-wide water sampling program, hired staff, and traveled all over the country two to three weeks a month for almost three years. Waste water samples were obtained from all types of manufacturing and chemical plants and he got to see all kinds of products being built ranging from televisions, to automobiles, to jet aircraft. In addition to seeing really cool stuff being built, Todd got to see some of the most gorgeous areas and monuments in the country.

This is also where he met Linda and they were married in 1981. He went on to work at other environmental consulting firms doing work on the Federal Clean Air Act, methane recovery from landfills, and hazardous waste assessments and remediation efforts. Approximately 17 years ago he began doing air quality and noise assessments for compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). These assessments are required for any type of major, and not so major, development proposed in the State of California or that are subject to federal funding. Ten years ago Todd was laid off from the firm he was then working for and went into business for himself. Now this former employer, as well as their competitors, use his services on a regular basis at a substantially increased rate. Furthermore, as a sole proprietor, Todd is able to work out of his home located in the hills of unincorporated Orange County in Southern California. Being a self-employed consultant affords a lot of leeway in scheduling allowing time for the more important things in life; such as garden railroading, Corvettes, and high-end home theater.

Todd and Linda have been active in the collection and restoration of Corvettes for the last 20 years and have had five at once. His favorite is his first acquisition, a '64 that he still hot rods around town regularly. He and Linda are active in the second oldest Corvette club in the world (established in 1956) and have been board members on several occasions. Todd's favorite position is the Race/Rally Chairman, and he and Linda are fierce competitors in these areas.

With respect to garden railroading, it all began in the fall of 1996. Linda had to go to Sacramento on business and they decided to make a weekend of it. While in Old Town, they stumbled upon the "Underground Railway." This basement H0 layout covers the old route from Southern to Northern California passing through the major cities along the way. Unfortunately, they were too late to stop at the Sacramento Railway Museum, but did wander into the Great American Train Store located in the proximate mall.

While strolling through the store, they happened upon the G-scale equipment. Todd picked up a copy of Robert Schleicher's The Large-Scale Model Railroading Handbook and started leafing through. He showed it to Linda and they both decided that this was pretty cool. At the time (and to this day), they had a gopher problem in the front yard and the lawn was continually under (over?) attack. Todd said to Linda, "How about we give the gophers something else to tear up for a change?" Looking at the price of the LGB moguls, Linda said, "Looks like a lot of work, you get to do it all including the gardening and weeding." Like that would dissuade Todd, he agreed and they purchased the book and a copy of Garden Railways Magazine.

Todd became fanatic reading everything related to G-scale that he could get his hands on. He would buy up stacks of old issues of Garden Railways Magazine and Finescale Railroader and pour over them for hours on end. He also located the various devoted web sites, such as LSOL, and spent many hours in the forums. Along the way he met knowledgeable people and began to visit the local established garden railroads.

Philosophy

The Tortoise and Lizard Bash (T&LB) railroad was constructed and is operated at reasonable cost and as simply as possible, while ensuring reliable long-term operation. Most volcanic rock, the construction medium of choice, was donated or trapped in the wild. Track power with block control was chosen as the cheapest and easiest method of operation. Track was purchased during the annual sale. Used equipment (especially modified and/or weathered), was purchased when possible. Electronics supplies such as transformers and switches were bought as surplus. Much equipment is bought and sold to defray costs on other things. With exception, all engines and rolling stock are purchased at discount prices and on close-outs, were obtained in raffles, or were given to Todd for one reason or another. Some pieces were even obtained in auctions.

Another aspect of Todd's philosophy is that while things and situations don't need to be real, they do need to be plausible. If a structure is to sit on a hill, the hill must have a ramp for access. It doesn't much matter that the grade of the ramp would make it impossible for anything but a Hummer to get up, so long as the ramp exists. Additionally, Todd strives for originality, creativity, and innovative thought. For example, he has two volcanoes that feature dramatic "smoke" and lighting effects. This was done using an ultrasonic misting unit placed within the cauldron. For one, the lighting was created using flashing bulbs enclosed within clear plastic tubing that lines the inside of the cone. The other cone contains a halogen bulb enclosed within a small, heavy jar that is painted inside. Both produce very dramatic effects (especially in the evening) at a minimal cost.

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