There are very few model railway enthusiasts in India, and among them, Ranjeev Dubey stands out as someone truly exceptional. Not only has he dedicated himself to modelling Indian Railways, but he has also painstakingly scratch-built most of his breathtaking model railway layout based on the iconic Kalka–Shimla Railway.
So, you can imagine our excitement when, ahead of the Model Railway Open House that had brought many of us together in Gurgaon, we received an invitation to an exclusive pre-event gathering at Ranjeev's home. It was an opportunity none of us could have dreamed of missing.
From the moment we stepped into the room, it was impossible not to be awestruck. Stretching across the space was an incredibly detailed recreation of the Kalka–Shimla Railway, complete with winding mountain tracks, tunnels, bridges, stations, lush scenery, and countless tiny details that reflected years of dedication, craftsmanship, and passion. Every inch of the layout had a story to tell.
The evening wasn't just about admiring the layout—it was about enjoying it.
Before long, a room full of adults had transformed into a room full of children. There was laughter, excitement, and the unmistakable sound of tiny locomotives making their way up and down the mountain slopes. It was coordinated chaos at its finest. Choo Choo!
Ranjeev began by demonstrating how the railway operated, expertly guiding trains across the length and breadth of the layout while explaining the various sections, signalling, and operations. Once everyone had a basic understanding, he handed over the controls.
Working in pairs, we took charge of the Up and Down lines, carefully coordinating movements to ensure trains reached their destinations safely. What initially looked simple quickly proved to be surprisingly challenging. Managing multiple trains, observing signals, timing crossings, and communicating with fellow operators gave us a newfound appreciation for just how complex operating a real railway network must be. It was an immersive experience that was as educational as it was entertaining.
The hours seemed to disappear in no time.
As the evening drew to a close, we reluctantly packed up and headed back to our respective accommodations. We left with huge smiles on our faces, completely satisfied after an unforgettable evening and even more excited for the main Model Railway Open House that awaited us the following morning.
Photographs can certainly capture the beauty of the layout, but they simply don't do it justice. The true magic lies in seeing the miniature world come alive before your eyes—watching the trains weave through mountains, disappear into tunnels, emerge onto bridges, and operate just like their full-sized counterparts.
For every railway enthusiast, experiences like these are priceless. They remind us that model railways are far more than miniature trains—they are living works of art, engineering, history, and imagination, lovingly brought together by passionate people like Ranjeev Dubey.
It was an evening that none of us will forget anytime soon.
