Behind the backscene
Model Rail fires the questions at master modeller Pelle Søeborg, creator of some of the most realistic miniature US railroads ever.
1 What was your first train set/model?
My first train was a blue Märklin sleeping car. For my tenth birthday I received a locomotive to pull it!
2 Are you working on a layout now?
No. Unfortunately, I don’t have space in my apartment in Copenhagen. I have built a module on top of a book case but it’s finished and I don’t have any new projects planned.
3 Have you ever finished a model railway?
Yes, I have built and finished four layouts.
4 What model have you’ve always longed for?
Models of modern cars – Hondas, Toyotas, Nissans, Hyundais – that you see in the US – and, of course, some American cars!
5 Favourite trainspotting location?
Rochelle, Illinois where the Union Pacific and BNSF (formerly Burlington Northern & Santa Fe) main lines cross.
6 Favourite locomotive?
EMD ‘F-units’ in Santa Fe ‘war bonnet’ livery.
7 When did you start working in the model railway industry?
I had my first layout published in Model Railroader magazine in 1996. My first book for Kalmbach Publishing Co was published in 2006.
8 What did you do beforehand?
The same as I do now – run my own graphic design business.
9 What modeller has influenced you the most?
It’s hard to say. Chuck Hitchcock with his ‘Argentine Division’ layout and David Barrow with his ‘Cat Mountain & Santa Fe’ come to mind.
10 Strangest thing you’ve ever eaten?
Generally I don’t eat strange things, but I have had snails in France. It’s not something I became addicted to.
11 What is one of your weird quirks?
I never go outside without wearing a felt hat.
13 What book are you reading at the moment?
Kids’ books… to my grandchildren.
12 If you were stranded on a tropical island, what two things would you want with you?
My phone and an old fashioned cocktail.
13 What piece of modelling are you most proud of?
The grain elevator complex on my Midwest layout. That layout is now owned by model shop Trainlife, in Provo, Utah.
14 What have you done that you are most proud of?
Created a family… but in relation to model trains, it is definitely my first cover of Model Railroader magazine.
15 What is your favourite song?
Mozart’s clarinet concerto.
16 First record you bought?
I don’t really remember. It might have been an Elvis Presley single.
17 What is the best advice you ever had?
Never spend money before you have it in your hand.
I never go outside without wearing a felt hat
18 What is one meal you wouldn’t want to give up?
Salmon with new potatoes and green asparagus.
19 If you had access to a time machine, where and when would you go?
Back to when my son was four years old. I remember it as the best time in my life.
20 What was your favourite cartoon show growing up?
Disney Show. We had to go to the cinema to watch it as we had no TV when I was little.
21 Favourite film?
Gladiator.
22 Temptation you wish you could resist?
Expensive red wines.
23 What is your best childhood memory?
Day trips with my dad, sitting at the front of his bike
24 The hidden talent which would surprise people?
I have written short stories… but I’ve never tried to have them published.
25 If you could pass any new law?
That only politicians with at least some work experience can be elected to the Danish parliament.
26 What do you drive?
A parking spot is a rare commodity where I live now so I don’t drive a car any more. I gave my car – a Mazda 6 – to my son.
27 Perfect Sunday?
A summer day in the park with my son, daughter-inlaw and the grandchildren.
28 What actor would you like to play you in a film?
Not a clue. It will not be easy to find someone who looks even a bit like me – and it wouldn’t be the most attractive role to play.
29 How would you like to be remembered?
As a good father and grandfather.