For Clarke and Barbara Dunham the owners of Railroads On Parade, who faced losing their prized miniature train attraction at auction last week, the ending to the odyssey was straight out of Hollywood!

Against all odds, they somehow came out as the top bidders last Tuesday, and got to keep their amazing exhibit. But in order for them to make their dream a reality, they must produce a whopping $75,000 by December 20, according to a report in today’s New York Times.

That’s the sum the couple will need to raise -- most likely in a Kickstarter campaign -- organized by one of their biggest fans: Lucius J. Riccio, a former New York City transportation commissioner in the Dinkins administration.

New York Times writer Paul Post keeps they Hollywood theme going by drawing comparisons of the Dunham’s current scenario  -- that takes place in the real town Pottersville --  to the fictional town of the same name in Frank Capra’s, “It’s a Wonderful Life”. From The Times:

“It’s a Wonderful Life,” the main character, George Bailey, lived in fictional Bedford Falls, which, under a scenario presented by a guardian angel, would have become sinister Pottersville had George taken a different path in life.

In the end, of course, all ended well: George’s friends came forward with enough money to save the day, if not the town. The Dunhams would welcome a similar Hollywood-type ending, but they recognize that it may not come easily”.

According to Facebook posting by Clarke, if the money is not raised by December 20th “the whole House of Cards collapses”

Read more in our Kids and Family Section.