Rod Stewart Often Dreams Of (Model) Trains

kater | October 26, 2007 12:45 pm
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The inevitable onset of elderly insanity is usually pretty depressing, though in its early, hobby-centric stages it can be the stuff of cheeky entertainment features. The Guardian reports that Rod Stewart is a “model-rail freak.” It’s Rod Stewart, so at first you think, “Model-rail freak? Some sort of rail or pole for fashion models? What?” No, no, no. Miniature railroads.

It’s unlikely that Rod himself, in his early days with the Faces, ever imagined that he would one day own and operate a 1500sq ft, 1:87 scale model of Grand Central Station and environs (circa 1940), complete with 5ft skyscrapers and 9,000 feet of track. Nor, perhaps, would he picture it appearing on the front cover of a popular model railway enthusiasts’ magazine, or himself saying, “It means more to me to be on the cover of Model Railroader than to be on the cover of a music magazine.”

Forever Young” just took on a whole new level of irony. But when you think about Rod’s career trajectory, it kind of does make sense. The adult-contempo hits? The Great American Songbook album? We should have seen this coming, though perhaps nothing can prepare you for the dorky minutiae of model railroads.

The article goes on to call out several other rock musicians-turned-crazy-old-coots:

Johnny Cash favoured Lionel trains, and appeared in their advertisements in the 1970s. Neil Young is even more deeply involved in the hobby; he owns a 20% stake in Lionel LLC. Roger Daltrey, Phil Collins, Lionel Richie and Bruce Springsteen have also, at one time or another, dabbled.

Rod seriously needs to start a club with these guys. But what would he call it? “Rock ‘n’ Roll Railways?” That’s pretty lame, so as a service to Rod leave your suggestions in the comments.

The truth about Rod Stewart’s rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle [The Guardian]

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