Sir Rod Stewart reveals his breathtaking model railway masterpiece

In BEER, England, on December 9, 2024, Railway Modeller, Britain's leading model railway magazine, published an exclusive interview with rock icon Sir Rod Stewart regarding his extensive model railway project. This layout, named the 'Grand Street & Three Rivers Railroad,' is a labor of love that took over thirty years to complete. It reflects the vibrant cityscapes and industrial designs of 1940s America and spans an impressive 27 feet by 62 feet. Sir Rod's dedication to this hobby has resulted in an elaborate setup featuring towering skyscrapers, a 900-foot mainline, and detailed urban scenes, making it an impressive display of artistry and engineering. Sir Rod Stewart relocated the model from Los Angeles to his English country estate, a move that involved significant effort to rebuild and enhance the layout. In the interview, he expressed excitement about planned improvements, particularly concerning lighting effects, which include adding uplights and sound features to create an immersive environment. Sir Rod emphasized the joy he finds in the creative process, stating that nearly all buildings were either scratch-built or modified from kits, highlighting the uniqueness of each element of the display. Expectations for the model go beyond a simple hobby, as highlighted by Craig Tiley, Editor of Railway Modeller, who noted that Stewart’s work elevates the project to a world-class exhibit worthy of international attention. The layout not only shows technical skill but also embodies Sir Rod's artistic vision, showcasing his commitment to realism and beauty in model-making. In conjunction with his upcoming performance at Glastonbury 2025 in the Legends slot, this hobby provides a comforting contrast to his hectic life as a global music star. As 2025 marks the 75th anniversary of Railway Modeller, the magazine celebrates this extraordinary project, including exclusive imagery and insights into Sir Rod's creative process. The feature aims to inspire both model railway enthusiasts and those passionate about dedicated personal projects. Additionally, Sir Rod's layout will also be presented in the January issue of Continental Modeller, promising even more visual appealing content for readers. Through these publications, the interview seeks to provide deep appreciation for the hobby, offer insight into the significance of personal passion projects, and inspire others to find joy in creative pursuits that might start as a simple interest and develop into something much grander over time.