Behind the Backscene
Model Rail fires the questions at former semi-pro handball player and Heljan head honcho Kim Nannestad.
Kim Nannestad is the owner and Managing Director of Heljan A/S
1 What was your first train set/model?
It was a ROCO ‘HO’ starter set. Shortly after that I got a Bachmann train set and I’m pretty sure it was a gift from my father, who got it from Graham Hubbard [former Bachmann Europe MD], but this must be more than 35 years ago.
2 Are you working on a layout now?
No. I have never actually worked on a layout before.
3 What model have you’ve always longed for?
As I’m not a modeller myself, I have to listen to what other people want.
4 Favourite trainspotting location?
Odense Banegaard, Odense’s main station.
5 Favourite locomotive?
I have many, but my top three are the DSB ‘MX’ A1A-A1A (which we’ve produced in ‘HO’), the ‘Hymek’ and the Class 47 (both of which we’ve made in ‘OO’ and ‘O’).
6 When did you start working in the model railway industry?
September 1997.
7 What did you do beforehand?
From 1995-1997 I lived in Germany and was working for the plastic kits division of Revell Gmbh. I could have stayed for longer, but was homesick, so went back and started to work in the family business – Heljan!
8 What modeller has influenced you the most?
There are a few, but it must be Martyn Sanders and Brian Daniels.
9 What is one of the things you would put on your ‘bucket’ list?
To scuba dive with my son.
10 Strangest thing you’ve ever eaten?
Frogs, snake and chicken feet.
11 What is one of your weird quirks?
I’m not sure this translates into Danish very well…
12 What book are you reading at the moment?
A book written by the Danish National Coach of Handball.
13 What is your favourite song?
Anything by AC/DC… but I listen to all kinds of music.
14 If you were stranded on a tropical island, what two things would you want with you?
Just my family.
15 What are you most proud of?
My children – my 21-year-old daughter and my 18-year-old-son. I’m very proud of them both.
I’d go back and visit my grandparents
16 First record you bought?
An LP by Europe.
17 What is the best advice you ever had?
From my father – always tell the truth.
18 What is one food you wouldn’t want to give up?
Meat. I love meat.
19 If you had access to a time machine, where and when would you go?
I’d go back and visit my grandparents.
20 What was your favourite cartoon show growing up?
Bugs Bunny.
21 Favourite film?
The Green Mile.
22 Temptation you wish you could resist?
Ice cream.
23 What is your favourite childhood memory?
I have so many good childhood memories – there isn’t one that stands out.
24 The hidden talent that would surprise people?
Semi-professional handball player. I played in Germany for a few years and, of course, in Denmark. But I haven’t played for 15 years as I suffered an injury and needed a knee operation.
25 If you could pass any new law, what would it be?
Good question… I honestly don’t know.
26 What do you drive?
A Toyota.
27 Perfect Sunday?
Playing golf and spending time with my family.
28 What character would you like to play in a film?
Either a police officer or a firefighter.
29 How would you like to be remembered?
As a good/great dad/husband/friend.