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Railroad Car/Clock Trick by Craig Petty and Alakazam

Created by: Craig Petty, Alakazam

The 'Railroad Car/Clock Trick' is a mental selection routine that forms part of the 'Toys' magic trick collection by Craig Petty, released through Alakazam. This close-up mentalism trick involves a spectator mentally choosing an object from a selection, with the magician revealing a corresponding prediction. The trick is part of a larger routine that includes four distinct effects, all integrated into a compact, portable package. The props include a folded piece of paper and a credit card-sized prediction, making it easy to carry and perform. The routine is designed for table or parlor settings and is noted for its high production quality and engaging presentation.

Key features

  • Portable and easy to carry, consisting of a folded piece of paper and a credit card-sized prediction.

  • Four distinct effects integrated into one routine, including the Railroad Car/Clock Trick, Bundle Selection, DVD Number Prediction, and a Gossip-Style Effect.

  • High production quality props, especially the magazine-style catalog.

  • Easy to learn, with the core tricks teachable in approximately 90 minutes.

  • Not easily repeatable for the same audience, making it best suited for single performances or new audiences.

Pros

  • Portable and easy to carry.

  • Clever assembly of familiar effects into a fresh and entertaining routine.

  • High production quality props.

  • Good value for the price.

  • Easy to learn, suitable for beginners.

Cons

  • Not easily repeatable for the same audience.

  • The first three effects share the same reveal, limiting variety for repeat performances.

Effect

The Railroad Car/Clock Trick is a mental selection routine where a spectator mentally chooses an object from a set of options. The magician then reveals a matching prediction, creating the illusion of mind reading. The effect resembles classic routines like those performed by David Copperfield, where the spectator's unseen mental choices lead to a precise revelation.

Full Details

The trick is part of Craig Petty's "Toys" routine, which includes four distinct effects. The Railroad Car/Clock Trick uses a folded piece of paper and a credit card-sized prediction device. The spectator mentally selects an item, and through a structured process, the magician reveals the correct choice. The props are portable, durable, and designed for casual handling, making them practical for real-world performances.

The routine integrates seamlessly with other effects in "Toys," such as bundle selections and DVD number predictions, allowing magicians to build a cohesive performance. The visuals are consistent with Petty's "Mind Blocks" trick, enabling performers to combine both routines for a more layered presentation.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This trick suits magicians who want a portable, easy-to-carry routine with strong mentalism elements. It works well for close-up or table performances and is ideal for single-use situations with new audiences. Beginners will find it accessible, while experienced performers can incorporate it into larger routines.

Information on How Difficult It Is to Perform

The Railroad Car/Clock Trick requires no advanced sleight of hand. The method relies on routining and memorization rather than technical skill. David from Magic Orthodoxy notes that even beginners can learn the core routine in about 90 minutes, though the full tutorial runs over three hours for those seeking additional variations and ideas.

What Magicians Say

David from Magic Orthodoxy praises the trick for its clever assembly of familiar concepts into a fresh routine. He highlights the portability and production quality, stating, "The catalog feels more like a magazine than cheap promotional material." He also appreciates the value, calling the $39 price reasonable for the quality and quantity of material.

However, he notes a limitation: "The first three tricks share the same reveal, making it unsuitable for repeat performances with the same audience." Despite this, he recommends the routine for its engaging presentation and ease of use, calling it "fun and well-assembled."

The Railroad Car/Clock Trick offers a straightforward yet powerful mentalism effect, making it a strong choice for performers seeking a compact, audience-tested routine.

What people are saying about Railroad Car/Clock Trick

magicorthodoxy says...

This is a fun little effect that you'll be able to carry around with you because it's simply a folded piece of paper that it doesn't need to stay pristine in fact probably the more wear and tear you give it the more authentic it'll look [...] I love the Assembly of all the different tricks together I love having it all contained in just the card and the the magazine page.

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