Rod Stewart shows off his jaw-dropping model railway

17 Dec 2024, 10:26 by Charles Elder, Alex Richards · DevonLive

The Devon publisher of Britain’s leading model railway magazine, Railway Modeller, has unveiled an exclusive interview with British rock legend Sir Rod Stewart on his "world class" model railway.

Sir Rod’s passion for model railways is brought to life in his meticulously detailed layout that spans 27 feet by 62 feet. Boasting towering skyscrapers, a 900-foot main line, bustling docks and intricate urban scenes, it is described by the magazine as “both a technical marvel and an artistic masterpiece”.

Railway Modeller, based in Beer, Devon, added: “The January issue provides readers with unparalleled access to the layout’s new home in the UK and a candid interview with the rock icon himself.”

Having relocated the layout from his Los Angeles residence to his English country estate, Sir Rod reveals the immense work involved in rebuilding and enhancing the setup.

“I’m not happy with the lights – we’ve really got to work on that,” he said. “We’re going to add some uplights on some of the buildings and skyscrapers. Then we’re going to have thunder and lightning, everything but rain put in for effects!”

New features include advanced lighting for day-to-night transitions, sound effects, and a computer-controlled automation system for seamless train operations. Rod first revealed his intricate railway layout, called Grand Street and Three Rivers City, based on an American city in the 1940s, back in 2019, which was featured in Railway Modeller.

Railway Modeller editor Craig Tiley reflected on the layout’s impact, saying: “Sir Rod’s dedication and eye for detail elevate this project beyond a simple hobby. It’s a world-class exhibit, blending artistry and technology.”

Sir Rod’s passion for the craft shines through in every detail, and he emphasises the joy of creating the scenery himself, stating: “Nearly all the buildings are either scratch-built or adapted from kits. Nothing is recognisable – everything is unique.”

The project is not complete: extensions to the layout include docks with large-scale ships, mountainous regions, and a dedicated homage to legendary model railway artist George Sellios, plus a significant extension of railway track from the world-leading British manufacturer, PECO.

Sir Rod has also recently announced that he will be performing at Glastonbury 2025 in the Legends slot, and, whilst his life as a global music star is hectic, he finds great solace in model-making, spending up to five hours a day in his workshop. He states: “When I walk into my workshop, it’s like entering the gates of heaven.”

His love for the hobby extends beyond personal enjoyment, and Sir Rod hopes to inspire future generations of model railway enthusiasts with what he has done, and inspire others to follow in his footsteps: “It’s the greatest hobby in the world,” he declares.

In the January 2025 issue, Railway Modeller celebrates his extraordinary achievement, and its 75th anniversary year of publishing with exclusive photos, behind-the-scenes insights, and a deeper look into Sir Rod’s creative process. A spokesperson said: “The feature offers inspiration for both railway enthusiasts and those who appreciate the power of passion-driven projects.”

The magazine’s sister publication, Continental Modeller, will also feature Sir Rod and his model railway layout, along with other imagery, in its January issue, which has also gone on sale.