Rod's rock 'n' rolling stock

Star making his set even bigger after UK switch

- MARK JEFFERIES and TOM BRYANT

ROD STEWART has hung out with his share of models over the years and he admits it has taken over his life.

The legendary rocker has even flown his latest obsession across the Atlantic so they can spend more time together.

But wife Penny Lancaster needn't worry Sir Rod, 79, is hopelessly devoted to his model railway layout.

It is a far cry from the typical rock'n'roll lifestyle and that's how Rod likes it.

He said: "When I walk into my workshop, it's like entering the gates of heaven for me. It's just, 'Ahhh... this is my time'.

"I would say I spend, on average, four or five hours a day if I can.

"Even if there's 20 minutes, I go over to my workshop. In 20 minutes I can get quite a lot done.

"And it has really taken over my life somewhat in a wonderful way."

His creation, Grand Street & Three Rivers Railroad, measures 27ft by 62ft and features 900ft of track which goes around the baseboard before four times returning to its start.

It is based on the New York and Pennsylvania railroads of the 1940s.