Not a miniature train diorama, but a large model railway layout in HO scale (1/87) had to be built to recreate the railway station of the Belgian municipality of Kontich in the Antwerp area. Model railway enthusiast Paul Celis had set himself the goal of faithfully recreating Kontich railway station with its buildings and platforms on his model train layout.

Kontich is located on the railway line between Mechelen and Antwerp. This railway line was opened in 1836 and is one of the oldest train stops in Belgium. The train services are operated by the National Railway Company of Belgium (NMBS). Model railroader Paul Celis constructed all the buildings himself. Therefore, he used original plans, historical photos and own measurements.

For Paul Celis it was also important to present proper railroad operations on his miniature world: There is always a lot of train traffic. Two model trains each run in parallel from the left and right side of the fiddle yard onto the model railway layout. This means that four model trains are regularly circulating through the Belgian model railroad layout. Paul Celis’ model rail layout has never been exhibited in public before and made its debut at the “Modelspoor Expo 2024” in Belgium.

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