Smoke billows from a smokestack. Train tracks vibrate. A beam of light comes into view as a train, cars and all, rounds the corner. As it’s coming straight towards you, a bellowing shriek expels from the whistle, and the brass bell clangs. But then, it takes a sharp turn and disappears around a baby barrel cactus which looms over the passing cars like a towering saguaro. The train is as long as your arm and you could probably pick the steam engine up right off the tracks. This train and other miniature wonders are the newest exhibits at the Tucson Botanical Gardens.









