Community
BY KAMERYN GRIESSER
A building is on re within the tiny Georgetown.
The railroad garden is free for the public to view from the walking path by the pond.
The 3,800-square-foot display has its own Williamson County Courthouse and over two dozen structures.
PHOTOS BY KAMERYN GRIESSERCOMMUNITY IMPACT
Sun City becomes home to Georgetown replica, train
In the heart of Sun City, behind Mulligan’s Restaurant, a tiny, old-fashioned replica of Georgetown is growing in the garden. The overview A 30-inch-long and 6-inch-tall toy train engine snakes through a miniature version of the Downtown Square, complete with its own Williamson County Courthouse and over two dozen structures. The Red Poppy Community Garden Railroad was created by Sun City residents with a simple goal: to bring people together. So far, the project is only about half done, but it’s garnered over $60,000 in community dona- tions, head train technician Bob Bischo said. The background The railroad was pitched, designed and constructed by the Radio Control Modelers Club, a 250-member group composed of hobbyists and retired professionals who volunteer their expertise. “We have a lot of talent here in Sun City, ... former Disney architects, electricians, carpenters and even professional painters,” Bischo said. Each building in the garden is handmade and highly detailed, with some inhabited by toy peo- ple and others decorated with faux landscaping. Bischo said the 3,800-square-foot George- town is meant to be set in the mid-20th century.
A trolley accompanies the train through the square on occasion, and a drive-in movie theater sits on the outskirts of downtown. Other buildings and “quirky” details are still being added, Bischo said, including a house that’s caught on re and Batman’s Batcave entrance. “I have people tell me they come eat [at Mul- ligan’s] every week just to see what new thing pops up,” Bischo said. He hopes the town will be fully built out by spring 2025. Quote of note “[The railroad] not only brings back memories for the Sun City people here, but their kids and their grandkids can learn about the things that we grew up with and share that,” Bischo said. Get involved The train typically runs during the day on Thursdays and Sundays. Customers at Mulligan’s can view it from the large windows overlooking the golf course or outside. In the future, Bischo hopes to run it on Tuesday and Saturday nights as well. Donations for the project are still being accepted, and sponsors can have an adver- tisement or business name created within the display.
Train technician Bob Bischo has been creating replica trains since he was 8 years old.
Wolf Ranch farm is depicted as it may have looked back in the 1950s.
DOVE HOLLOW TRL.
DEL WEBB BLVD.
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150 Dove Hollow Trail, Georgetown www.sctexas.org
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GEORGETOWN EDITION
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