This very beautiful model train diorama in HO scale was built by Jérémy Hanotiaux and depicts a former train station of the Belgian State Railways. The model railway layout was designed as an exhibition shelf layout with a size of 120 cm x 60 cm. The name of the model railroad layout »Zone Etat« is derived from the building which was known at the time as a small through station.

The model train layout impresses with a magnificently designed landscape with beautiful trees and lots of nature. The fact that the trees look so realistic is due to the fact that they are all made by hand from real wood. Jérémy Hanotiaux was supported by wellknown modellers from Belgium, including Rik Martens, Evan Daes (“Minima Forma”) and Martin Welberg (“Scenic Studios”). They gave him advice, ideas and suggestions on special products for landscaping.

The small train station can be seen in the foreground of the miniature world. To the left of it is a road with a railway crossing. Directly next to it are some houses. The railway line is singletrack, but model trains run in both directions. The rolling stock contains locomotives and trains from railway era III, which corresponds to the time when steam trains were still in service and were gradually replaced by diesel trains.

In the background, there is a staging yard (fiddle yard) in which two model trains are parked. The points and switches are operated manually. Furthermore, the model trains are controlled by a digital WiFi controller made by Roco. Finally, it is worth mentioning that buildings, locomotives and railway carriages are discreetly patinated and weathered. Rust and dirt can be found here and there, which results in a realistic overall appearance.

Jérémy Hanotiaux Facebook
  / 1906210862959467  

Evan Daes
https://minimaforma.com

Martin Welberg
https://www.martinwelberg.nl

Pilentum Television
https://www.pilentum.org