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]
Must…resist…Mighty Wind jokes.
Hey, if I hit the lottery tomorrow, I am so getting all Wilford Brimley and sh*t with my childhood model train hobby.
Cuz I am HARDCORE baby!!!
P.S. It’s been a good week for the [Small] Faces on Idolator, eh? I’m looking forward to your “F*ck Keith Richards! Ron Wood totally made Tattoo You the brilliant record it was!” post.
Wow an HO sized grand central station, that must be pre…ah…umm…cough.
To be bluntly fair, these guys were probably all trainspotters when they were younger and have merely gone back to their roots.
I will add that Neil Young’s interest in Lionel trains, and his bailing them out from Bankruptcy has to do with his son’s interest in them. I recall seeing an article back in the 80’s about that, and if I do recall correctly, Neil’s son has Cerebral palsy and it’s something that they can do together and they both enjoy.
(Tiny) Trains Keep a-Rollin’?
Do Ya Think I’m CSX-y?
Is it sad that I want to see a photo of his set-up?
@On the Spot: Do ya think I’m CSX-y
I think you’ve got the winner right there. That’s outstanding.
Thanks for the Robyn Hitchcock reference….I have to go listen to Uncorrected Personality Traits right now!
gallons of semen railways