Sir Rod Stewart talks about his model railway + photo slideshow of his model railway

Rod Stewart's secret hit track! After 26 years, the veteran rocker finally lets the world see his breathtaking completed model railway - a 124ft spread depicting an entire US city and inspired by the view from his childhood home.
He has long been known as a model railway enthusiast - even if at times he didn't want to talk about it.
But now Sir Rod Stewart's legendary layout - 26 years in the making - can be seen for the first time in all its finished glory.
The rocker's astonishingly 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.
Called Grand Street And Three Rivers City, it also features a railway station crossed by numerous bridges at rush hour. There are period cars and lorries as well, of course, as trains, and it is all surrounded by lush landscape and dramatically lit in the colours of late afternoon sunshine.
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.
This also extends to soccer fan Sir Rod referencing his beloved Celtic FC in the name of the Celtic Coal & Steel firm building. There is another nod to his Scottish roots with his Great Caledonian Steel & Iron Co.
The 74-year-old's now demolished childhood home at 507 Archway Road in North London overlooked train tracks.
Yet, he was inspired by American railways because that is where he was living when he began the model in 1993. At the time, he had recently built a new house in Los Angeles and included an attic room specifically for the layout.
But he told the magazine, which features Sir Rod as its cover star in its new December edition along with an in-depth feature, he does not think American railways are better than British ones. 'They're bigger, the locos are bigger but not any better,' he said.
While life on the road as a rock musician and its temptations has led to many contemporaries going off the rails, for Sir Rod railway modelling became an escape from the pressures of touring - he would take kits, tools and paints with him and book an extra hotel room for a workshop so he could pursue his hobby in between concerts wherever he was in the world.

[@glendenig9962]

This is nothing short of an artistic masterpiece!

[@pietjepuk9575]

And you think he build this ALL by himself ? If you swim in the $$$$ there are "helpers" around the block 🤦‍♀🤦‍♀🤦‍♀🤦‍♀🤦‍♀🤦‍♀

[@glenbard657]

@@pietjepuk9575 He gets help with the wiring, but most everything else he does himself. When he's on the road, he get a hotel suite and builds models during the day.

[@shirleynitka5030]

nice to see him with his brother. You know they were ready to play. Great man-great hobby & it ain't cheap!

[@everettthepetractionguy4222]

It would be great if Rod Stewart gave us an "in cab" view of his model railroad layout...I've always wanted to see it from a train operator's vantage point. I think it would be nice. 😊

[@motorheadmalc]

The photo at 2:23 is of an N2 tank engine shunting at the yard between Highgate and East Finchley Northern Line tube stations, at Park Junction. It was taken from Park Junction Signal Cabin by the late Owen Smithers, around1956. He was a relief signalman on the Northern Line and he published a book on Google books, “Automating the Northern Line,” which includes details about Park Junction cabin.

[@ianwatts8446]

Rod Stewart lived at 507 Archway Road which on google now looks to have been where an Esso filling station is built, but it over looks what is now Highgate tube sidings.

[@glenbard657]

Forget the fact that money is no object for Rod and realize that he's a very, very talented modeler. With his talent, he could still build a great layout with a small budget.

[@titustracy3342]

Nice to see that a music artist is fascinated with trains specially a big scale like that I condolence salute you about it and I’m glad that you are in in it like everybody else. It’s a good relaxation and it’s nice to have something that you can fall back on with a smile on your face.

[@863rafael]

And he said it's never finished. What an amazing layout!

[@user-qx4pz8dc9g]

Rod Stewart build this entire model train by himself?? 😊❤that’s amazing

[@douglasalan5783]

So cool to see someone with the passion for the hobby AND the financial means to create an astounding layout. More video, please!

[@dewaynejelks9088]

Great looking layout Rod! You should post 1 or 2 vids running trains.

[@strafrag1]

Love Sir Rod. Rock on.

[@user-wk2jj3uu4u]

Wonderful life story & hobby!! You’re a very artistic person!😊 we adore you Sir Rod!! Thanks for sharing it all with us!🙏 Maria

[@HighFell]

Incredibly talented modeller with a real passion for the hobby. I understand he has other interests too!

[@FrozenHero2010]

Indeed! He's been known to sing a song or two.

[@stanleydomalewski8497]

Very, Very Nice Layout !

[@markielinhart]

Same same. Saved my mental bacon during my days in advertising. Went on to win some Best in Show awards✌️

[@paulpotter7188]

Great model railroad!🚂. Pretty good musician too. 😁

[@rp5619toy]

My respect and 💕 to Mr Stewart

[@rickengen5249]

Cool set up thanks rod

[@michaelwelter9509]

What a fantastic layout. Museum quality craftsmanship.

[@erikknudsen9797]

Hi. What a fantastic model build.

[@andrewc4612]

That is awesome. My own model railway layouts certainly pale into comparison, when compared to that masterpiece!

[@adriaanboogaard8571]

Absolutely marvelous

[@LolanGomezlopez-jy3bb]

So cool

[@davebrunette6394]

Awesome!

[@louisp9027]

I love ❤️ model trains

[@apmazurka]

Fantastic Layout Rod, If your ever Near Sutton Mass USA look me up. Andy M

[@ffjsb]

That layout is probably close to a $1,000,000 worth of product, not counting the labor.

[@BarefootCuer]

I have ssen your layout in an issue of Model Railroader. Fantasitc work!

[@ffjsb]

I believe there's actually two issues with articles on his layout.

[@wheelhorseman2306]

Amazing. All props to Rod for building this, but am I wrong to be envious, and a bit, um, well frustrated, maybe, that it seems a little like cheating when you have a wallet as fat as his? His budget is probably unlimited and opens up possibilities that I could only dream of... Yes, this is a dream layout- I love all the different industries he modeled. I appreciate his sharing this video- wow.

[@Flysarse]

Wonderful Hobby. Blonds should be a compliment to your life and not the focus 😊

[@larrythompson7069]

Hey Rod How Was Holyrood High?

[@LindseyTate13]

I’ve literally never seen a Brit model American

[@jonnawyatt]

Why is Mrs Doubtfire in the thumbnail?

[@user-rs7ey1bv5j]

i have in the uk a massive train set for sale of mint die cast wrenn trains, 1st edition trains very rare trains and a huge amount of accesories all boxed and needing a good home if you maybe interested Mr Stewart - thanks

[@Gumbo1970]

Yeah ok 😂but no content of ya railway 😂

[@HighFell]

EBay like everyone else

[@cv507]

bankquo läss ´eavy equallie FvnDärüßz?? he lüx a lil ´löttn?? -.- ´all the best tängyy dräince Folx -:-