Sir Rod Stewart says giant model railway took 10 months to get to England (2024)

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Sir Rod Stewart had to charter two shipping container ships to move his beloved model train set to his English home

Sir Rod Stewart says giant model railway took 10 months to get to England (1)

Sir Rod Stewart has revealed it's taken him ten months to move and set up his beloved model train set at his English home - and it's still not running in full.

Stewart had to charter two shipping container ships and specialist freight planes to bring his model train set across the pond last March.

However, after hold-ups in the Panama canal, he is still reassembling over 2,00
square feet of the unique model display.

Stewart told BBC radio show Loose Ends: "It all got flown over here. It’s taken eight months, two containers on a ship that went through the Panama Canal and now we’re rebuilding it here in Britain.

"It really is a masterpiece even though I say it myself."

Rod first revealed details of his incredible train set in 2019 in a cover interview with Railway Modeller magazine.

It took more than 20 years to complete and is a detailed 124ft long x 23ft wide model depicting an American city and its industrial hinterland in the 1940s contains hundreds of buildings, from trackside switchman shanties to vast factories and skyscrapers.

Sir Rod told Railway Modeller magazine that scenery and structure modelling, rather than locomotives, trackwork or electrics, are his forte.

"It's the landscape I like. Attention to detail, extreme detail, is paramount. There shouldn't be any unsightly gaps or pavements that are too clean," he said.

Train enthusiast Rod previously made headlines when he paid thousands to help rebuild an amateur group's set-up after it was destroyed by vandals.

The singer gave £10,000 to Market Deeping Model Railway Club for rebuilding costs in May 2019.

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The £30,000 display, built over 23 years, was destroyed by four teenagers on a pre-exam night out.

Stewart, now an honorary member of the club, said in a statement at the time: "It took me 23 years to build my model railway so I feel their pain.

"The collection was priceless and I am donating £10,000 to help compensate those affected and asking fellow enthusiasts Jools Holland, Roger Daltrey and others to do the same."

The Sailing singer, 76, has spent an estimated £70,000 to take apart his beloved kit in his Malibu home to relocate to his Essex mansion.

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Sir Rod Stewart says giant model railway took 10 months to get to England (2024)

FAQs

How big is Rod Stewart's model railway? ›

It took more than 20 years to complete and is a detailed 124ft long x 23ft wide model depicting an American city and its industrial hinterland in the 1940s contains hundreds of buildings, from trackside switchman shanties to vast factories and skyscrapers.

What is the longest model railway record? ›

The total length of currently 15,715 meters therefore corresponds to 1,367.21 km in real length, making Miniatur Wunderland the largest model railway layout in the world by all measures.

What is the world's largest model railway in the UK? ›

Often known as Heaton Lodge Junction this award winning 200ft (55m) masterpiece has been lauded by the press for its stunning attention to detail, exquisite overall realism and of course, epic proportions!

Where can you view Britain's largest model railway which took over 7 years to build? ›

THE DETAILS
Where:Wakefield Market Hall, Union Street, Wakefield, West Yorkshire WF1 3AD
Times:10am-4.30pm daily
Website:www.britainsbiggestmodelrailway.com
Prices:£5 per person (children under 5 enter for free)
1 more row
Dec 5, 2021

What is Rod Stewart's net worth? ›

Between his musical successes and extensive touring, Rod Stewart'snet worth is $300 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth, making him one of the 50 wealthiest musicians in the world.

Is Tom Hanks a model railroader? ›

Loveable actor Tom Hanks is said to be a huge model railways hobbyist. It's beacuse of his hobby, that Hanks was so excited to sign up to voice the conductor in the 2004 film, The Polar Express.

What's the fastest model train? ›

After watching James May's model train special, I got curious what the world record for the fastest model train is. According to Guinness World Records it was set in 2018, in Japan, with 44.82 km/h. The details on that record are less than sparse.

What was the fastest train in 1969? ›

On 1 March 1969, the first Rajdhani Express was flagged off from New Delhi to Howrah, which reached a maximum speed of 120 km/h (75 mph) and completed the 1,450 km (900 mi) trip in 17 hours 20 minutes at an average speed of 84 km/h (52 mph). In 1980, the WAP-1 electric locomotives reached a speed of 130 km/h (81 mph).

What are the 3 largest railways in the world? ›

The United States has the world's longest railway network, followed by China and India. Railway-technology.com profiles the 10 largest railway networks in the world based on total operating length.

What is the most expensive model railway? ›

1934 Lionel Standard Gauge Diesel Train Set

To date, the most valuable Lionel train set ever sold was the 1934 standard gauge diesel set. It was in mint condition with the original box and sold to an unknown collector for $250,000.

Who has the largest train system in the world? ›

1. United States - 250,000 km. The US rail network, with an operating route length over 250,000 km, is the biggest in the world. Freight lines constitute about 80% of the country's total rail network, while the total passenger network spans about 35,000 km.

Where is the largest permanently operating model railroad exhibit in North America? ›

The San Diego Model Railroad Museum is a model railroad exhibit in San Diego, California. At 27,000 sq. ft., it is one of the largest such indoor exhibits in North America and the world. The museum is located on the lower level of the Casa de Balboa Building on the Prado in Balboa Park.

What is the most popular model of train? ›

HO Trains – The Most Popular Scale Model Trains.

Are model railways still popular? ›

WMRC member and former editor of magazine Railway Modeller Steve Flint said: 'The hobby is alive and well at grassroots level, but the commercial boom period of recent decades has probably run its course, having been slowed by the effects of the pandemic, the cost-of-living crisis and the ever-increasing age of ...

What is the most popular model railroad size? ›

With a track gauge of 16.5 mm and a scale of 1:87, HO is the most common model train size today. Lionel has manufactured HO trains several times in its history. Today, we offer The Polar Express™ locomotive and train cars.

What is the largest model train show in the US? ›

The Railroad Hobby Show is the largest railroad-themed trade show in America. The event occupies 370,000 square feet in four buildings on the Eastern States Exposition fairgrounds.

What is the largest model railroad in North America? ›

The San Diego Model Railroad Museum is North America's largest model railroad museum, with over 27,000 square feet of trains, trestles, and track in the heart of Balboa Park.

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