LOSTMACHINE DESIGN
Original artwork · Design · Fabrication

Lawn
Dart

A 22,000-pound full-scale locomotive sculpture conceived to look as though it had fallen out of the sky.

Artist · Designer · Fabricator: Andy Tibbetts / LostMachine Design
Originally commissioned for the Skunk Train · Fort Bragg, California
Project overview

An impossible accident, built at full scale.

The original direction was simple: create a full-scale locomotive that appeared to have fallen out of the sky. The client originally intended the work for Fort Bragg, California. From that premise, Andy Tibbetts developed Lawn Dart as an original sculptural work centered on a custom-built steam locomotive and an extraordinary near-vertical installation.

LostMachine developed the artistic design, 3D models, fabrication strategy and physical sculpture, while coordinating with a structural engineer to establish a viable approach for supporting approximately eleven tons of steel in the intended orientation.

Fabrication of the locomotive is complete. The client is now considering other locations in California for the permanent installation.

ArtworkLawn Dart
ArtistAndy Tibbetts
ScaleFull-scale locomotive sculpture
WeightApproximately 22,000 lb
RoleArtist · 3D design · Fabrication · Engineering coordination
StatusFabrication complete · California installation location under consideration
The completed locomotive

Built as sculpture, not restored as a rail vehicle.

Lawn Dart locomotive sculpture
Completed locomotive · shop view
Lawn Dart front three-quarter view
Front assembly and running gear
Detail view of the completed Lawn Dart locomotive sculpture
Completed locomotive detail
Bell detail on Lawn Dart
Bell detail
1885 decorative number detail on Lawn Dart
Decorative number work
Concept development

Designing the aftermath, not simply the locomotive.

The locomotive was only one part of the original idea. The proposed Fort Bragg installation treated the surrounding site as part of the artwork, using the near-vertical train and disrupted ground plane to sell the illusion of a recent, impossible arrival.

Digital model of Lawn Dart
3D development model
Original near-vertical installation concept for Lawn Dart
Original Fort Bragg installation study
Cutaway digital model of Lawn Dart
Digital development and internal arrangement
The near-vertical orientation was not a display decision added after fabrication. It was a defining part of the artwork and had to be considered during design, fabrication and structural coordination.
Fabrication

Eleven tons built one system at a time.

Although it reads as a familiar steam locomotive, Lawn Dart was fabricated as a sculpture. The frame, boiler form, wheels, running gear, cab and ornamental details were developed as an integrated physical object rather than as a restoration of an existing locomotive.

Boiler structure during Lawn Dart fabrication
Boiler fabrication
Lawn Dart frame and wheel assembly
Frame and running gear
Fabrication work on top of Lawn Dart
Full-scale metal fabrication
Custom detail assembly for Lawn Dart
Custom component development
Engineering coordination

Making the impossible orientation physically possible.

At approximately 22,000 pounds, Lawn Dart is remarkably light for a full-scale locomotive. A real locomotive of comparable visual scale could weigh roughly 300,000 to 500,000 pounds. Even at a fraction of that weight, the near-vertical installation creates substantial structural demands.

LostMachine worked with a structural engineer to develop the support strategy for the intended orientation. The installation is expected to require approximately 100,000 pounds of concrete in the footing alone. The project brings artistic intent, fabrication sequencing, weight, structure, lifting and site installation into a single design problem.

Telehandler moving Lawn Dart during fabrication
Handling the completed large-scale assembly
Scale and detail

Monumental from a distance. Deliberate up close.

Andy Tibbetts holding a child beside Lawn Dart, showing the scale of the locomotive sculpture
Human scale against the locomotive
Close-up of the custom front lantern
Front lantern detail
Art · Design · Technical development · Fabrication

From an unusual premise to a buildable full-scale object.

LostMachine develops ambitious physical work from concept and digital modeling through fabrication, technical coordination, logistics and installation planning.

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