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Do ya think I'm sexy now? Rod's latest model isn't tall and blonde - it's a railway set
Last updated at 07:08am on 24.10.07It's no secret that Rod Stewart has a thing for models.
But it may come as a surprise that his passion extends beyond the blonde, statuesque variety.
The raspy-voiced rocker has created an impressive model railway featured in an American magazine.
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Cover version: Stewart's model of Grand Central Station in the Forties
Laid out at his Beverly Hills mansion, the 1:87-scale version of New York's Grand Central Station in the Forties boasts 100ft of track, period locomotives, skyscrapers, advertisement hoardings and lots of tiny passengers in period hats and coats.
Model Railroader: The magazine features the 62-year-old rocker's American model
Its appearance on the cover of this month's Model Railroader realises a lifelong ambition for 62-year-old Rod, who has said that such an honour would "mean more to me than the cover of Rolling Stone".
Stewart is clearly proud of his achievement. A copy of the magazine, the world's most popular model railway monthly, was spotted on the back seat of his limousine as he dined with wife Penny Lancaster in London.
On the cover, under the headline "Exclusive: Learn how rock 'n' roller Rod Stewart built this city" is the photo of his extraordinary train set.
Stewart, whose biggest-selling song was the 1978 disco hit Da Ya Think I'm Sexy?, has spoken in the past about his hobby and how he squeezes it into his busy lifestyle.
"I'm a great model railway enthusiast and I'm building a huge layout over there in California so that takes up a little bit of time and football takes up a little bit of time," he said.
"And then there's the children and I like to go out with the lads two or three times a week and go completely mad and sometimes I get my barnet done. It's still all my own hair, you know.
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The latest model: Stewart with wife Penny Lancaster
"Which is more than can be said for Elton (John). Bald bugger. And in between all that, I sometimes try to fit in a bit of music."
Quite what his wife thinks of his hobby is anyone's guess.
But Miss Lancaster, 34, a former model, and Stewart's past loves - among them blonde models Rachel Hunter and Kelly Emberg - would have found it impossible to ignore.
As well as the Beverly Hills masterpiece, Stewart has created a model railway at his mansion in Epping Forest, Essex. That layout is based on the English East Coast line in the British Railways days.
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In print: Stewart spends car journeys reading about his two passions (other than music) - football and model railways
As Stewart revealed in a recent U.S. interview, his life could have gone down a very different track if his parents hadn't tried to broaden his horizons a little.
He told chatshow host Larry King: "My old dad, bless his cotton socks. He bought me a guitar, a second-hand guitar and he said, 'Son, I think there might be some money in this.'
"I actually wanted a railway station for my model railway. I was 13 or 14, maybe at the time. He bought me a guitar and the rest is history."
Reader views (4)
I've always sort of liked Rod Stewart's music, but never really was an ardent fan.
Now that I've seen photos of his impressive HO layout (it's really first-class), I see that he's a much deeper, more disciplined, more thoughtful guy than I first thought.
People like to laugh at us model railroaders but it takes real talent and patience to construct a convincing 3D world in miniature.
Rock on, Rod!
- Steve Baldwin, Brooklyn, NY
I have 2 layouts in my basement, thanks to my late father who built models from the early 40s to the early 90s. I inherited the lot he built, bought 2 layouts, rewired to DCC and spend all my waking hours down there. My wife loves it. Keeps me out of the pool rooms and off the streets. Of course, I have no money left, either.
- Jim Mangum, Charlotte, NC, USA
Model railways are a fascinating but also informative and practical hobby. It uses so many skills such as building (e.g. the baseboard or model houses), electrician (for operation) and artistic abilities in recreating realistic scenery with seaside locations, other water features and mountains! It can be broadened to travel not only in the UK but abroad and then returning home to make a model of a favourite location.
As my mother used to say, "playing with trains" is much better and healthier than going out smoking , boozing and causing trouble!
The hobby should not be treated as something to be ashamed of.
- Andrew James, Wareham, England
A great hobby that bridges the generations and will be around for ever, why be ashamed of a great relaxing hobby?
- Alan Millward, Swindon
