“Little train goes far.” There media library of Margny-lès-Compiègne hosts an exhibition of railway model making thanks to the enthusiast Philippe Lebeluntil January 18.
“When I was very young, I played train on a circuit designed with Jouef and Hornby equipment, the famous brands of the time,” remembers the organizer. Philippe Lebel, son of a railway worker, played until the age of 17. Before pursuing a career in the entertainment industry.
“I realized that the train carried a certain addiction,” admits Philippe. When Covid forces everyone to live cloistered, the desire to see oars rolling again on HO scale (1/87th) reappears. “My brother-in-law brought me a TGV,” he continues. On this basis, I created an imaginary train by integrating the bodywork of an old Dutch machine.”
Thus, he translates the creations of his imagination into incredible engines and trains. “Most often, I make apocalyptic trains,” he describes of a Mad Max-style locomotive, but without a machine gun. A model designed with a CC 6500 to which he added a sleeping car roof and fitted a mini Bluetooth speaker capable of streaming music through my phone.
Reality and imagination
The modeler uses his 3D printer. Like this two-lane bridge. As well as “all the barriers which run along the main track here or even these horns for the machines”.
A know-how that allows Philippe to fully indulge his passion. “I often go to recycling centers or flea markets,” he explains. I find old broken trains or wagons with missing parts there. It gives me ideas.”
The majority of trains on its circuit are operated with traditional analog and current digital controls. From the Hornby or Jouef “Champagnole” collections. But nothing prevents them from crossing trains entirely designed by Philippe Lebel. He constantly combines reality and imagination. “I plan to offer the public a game based on guessing,” he concludes. A game whose answers are to be found in the details of my network.”
The exhibition “Little train goes far” by Philippe Lebel will be visible until January 18 at the Margny-lès-Compiègne media library. Tuesday and Friday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
A meeting with the public takes place on Saturday January 11 at 4 p.m. at the Media Library.
