Model Maker and themed entertainment professional James A. Powell joins us for the final episode of the Thunder Mesa Limited’s 1st season. Our talk covers everything from Malcolm Furlow’s San Juan Central, to Magic Wheelchairs, to dream projects and the joys of making.
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Inventing a Fictional Railroad
Join me as I chat with Robert Kurner, creator of the Adventureland themed Typhoon Lagoon Railway. We get insights into the art, science, and all-around madness of inventing a model railroad prototype like Typhoon Lagoon – plus some startling late night discoveries working 3rd shift with Disneyland’s horticulture department. We also learn what’s cool about N scale, and much, much more!
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The Art of Model Railroading
Jake Johnson is back for a second appearance on the Thunder Mesa Limited, and this time our conversation is all about the art of model railroading! We talk about how and when to use forced perspective, color choices for scenery and structures, backdrops, how to choose a scale that’s right for you, the detail threshold, and so much more.
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Former Disney Imagineer Ray Spencer is back for a second appearance on the Thunder Mesa Limited. This time we talk everything from pirates on Tom Sawyer Island, to Tomorrowland, the PeopleMover, and the value of aspirational “edutainment.”
“I like projects that are responsible; that people can take something away from… in terms of knowledge and, hopefully, inspiration.”
– Ray Spencer
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Brandon Kleyla is a former set decorator and creative for Walt Disney Imagineering, where he helped to create the now famous “Trader Sam’s” brand with locations in both Anaheim and Orlando. I had a great time laughing and chatting with Brandon about Trader Sams and the other projects he’s had a hand in, as well as the new Jungle Cruise changes, the enduring magic of Disney trains, and the invention of D&D cocktails. Have a listen!
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Join me for a wide ranging conversation with former Disney Imagineer Jim Shull! Jim is a 33 year veteran of Walt Disney Imagineering and we delve into the highlights of his career from Mickey’s Toontown to Shanghai Disneyland. Along the way, we tackle questions like why Shanghai doesn’t have a railroad, what it’s like to be on an Imagineering team that works mostly behind the scenes, and learn about a Tomorrowland that could have been.
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Let’s talk about Disneyland! The host and creator of Fresh Baked Disney joins me for an insightful discussion about the Happiest Place on Earth. David has been covering the ins and outs of Disneyland for 9 yeas as a near full-time Disney vlogger and gives his unique perspective on the park and where it might be headed in the future.
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Join me for episode 5 of the Thunder Mesa Limited Podcast and a great conversation with Disney Railroading historian, Michael Campbell! Michael is a leading authority on Walt Disney’s railroading interests and has produced museum exhibits, presentations, and collectables on behalf of Walt’s Barn and the Walt Disney Family Foundation. We talk everything from Disneyland locomotive builder’s plates, to models of the Lilly Belle, and the final home of former Fort Wilderness locomotives. Don’t miss this one!
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Join me for a fun and informative conversation with professional model maker, Sam Towler! Sam is the multi-talented young man behind the Nature’s Wonderland model at Walt’s Barn in Griffith Park, and has worked with Walt Disney Imagineering on recent high-profile projects like Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Pixar Pier, and Tokyo’s Fantasyland expansion.
Here’s a look at Sam’s Nature’s Wonderland model railroad on display at the 2016 Fullerton Railroad Days: Thunder Mesa Studio YouTube
You can follow Sam’s creative projects on Instagram: @fabricatednonsense
Facebook or his NWRR blog
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Join me for a fun and candid conversation with retired Disney Imagineer, William Tyson! From Epcot World Showcase, to Disneyland Paris, Animal Kingdom, Hong Kong, Shanghai, and just about every Disney Park in-between, William has some amazing stories to tell from a 37 year career with WDI. Listen in on how the magic was made real working with some of the very best in the business!
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