Russian enthusiast builds his own mini-railway

ULYANOVKA, Russia — For Pavel Chilin, building his own railway was the fulfillment of a childhood dream.

It took the 62-year-old electrical engineer more than 10 years to build a 383-yardlong narrow-gauge railway twisting through the grounds of his steads some 30 miles outside St. Petersburg. It has various branches, dead ends, circuit loops, and even three bridges.

The design of his steam train is based on a classic example from the early 20th century. Chilin built it with the help of a few other enthusiasts and railway fans, and some neighbors who brought him metal parts and other materials.

“I’ve been excited about railways and trains since my childhood and always wanted to have my own one,” he said. “Finally, my dream came true.”

His railway quickly became a hit with both adults and children, who are eager to test the train and enjoy a slow journey.

One of the visitors, 9-yearold Alexei Lebedintsev, was delighted to find that the train was “like a real one.”

“It was very interesting for me to try this train because I also want to become an engineer,” he said.

Chilin said it took him a lot of resolve and determination to complete the project.

“Another little secret is to switch off your computer and a smartphone for a while in order to be able to concentrate on one important thing,” Chilin said.

He said he and his friends are now busy building a steamboat and are also planning to make a steam plane.

Chilin explains to children how his steam locomotive works.

(AP/Dmitri Lovetsky) A miniature steam train runs across a bridge on Pavel Chilin’s miniature personal narrow-gauge railway twisting through the grounds of his home outside St. Petersburg, Russia.

A man plays accordion while riding on the miniature steam train in Ulyanovka, Russia.

Chilin drives his steam locomotive along his own miniature personal railway. It took Chilin more than 10 years to build a 350-yard-long mini-railway twisting through the grounds of his cottage home, complete with various branches, dead ends, circuit loops, and even three bridges.

Chilin’s assistants Sergei Terekhov (center) and Vadim Gukov drive a locomotive on Chilin’s personal railway.