Model Trains in Paris

The model trains of Gare de L’est Paris France.

Many Railway enthusiasts indulge in their passion, miniature trains, at the famous Paris France train station, Gare de L’ est. For many model train enthusiasts, it is a lifestyle, not a hobby. Everything must be perfect. All dust must be off the lines. The network of trains belongs to the society of model trains at the Gare de L’ est. The members take their trains in their bags. Most have never driven in a train. They have a book shop and videos in their library and members pour over the books and movies devouring every detail about the trains, the tracks, the stations, and the timetables. There are more than 200 members. This devotion to model trains can be physically tiring.

There is miles of track to maintain and keep in good shape. Four or five trains can run at the same time. They leave from the departure stage and it is modelled on real tracks. The lights indicate the point switches. They go through tunnels and lights. The trains are always on the move but it is no game - it is all for real. Every saturday everyone is involved in the life of the model railway.

Some started making signal beams and supports and they are based on those used in the French Railways. The members bring life to the tracks by running the trains around the track. Each part of the track has its own atmosphere. It is built around a real country town in some cases. There is a main shopping street and a business on the corner with scale model houses and people. Even a man at a pissoir. They do not play with trains they reproduce railway systems and itineraries. All the towns that the trains will stop at are laid out and they have to be on time. The model train members are totally absorbed in it. You can see all the little figures seated in the trains. And the members feel like giants. Scale models are an extension of trains that they cannot drive. There is always something to do. Their aim is not to miss the train.

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