Vilvoorde (Brussels Morning Newspaper): The model railway club De Pil, founded in 1974 in Mechelen, moved to Vilvoorde in the 1980s. Board member Robbe Vandingelen, age 26, promotes creativity and technology to attract younger members and celebrate 50 Years of Creativity and Community.
The model railway club De Pil was started in 1974 in Mechelen by train enthusiasts. In the 1980s, they moved to Vilvoorde for more space, allowing them to create larger model layouts and attract more fans. Since then, De Pil has become well-respected in Belgium’s railway community, known for its detailed models of old and modern trains. The club hosts exhibitions, workshops, and events to promote the hobby and share knowledge. Now, it continues to be an important part of the model railway building in the area, supported by the community.
How is the model railway club De Pil attracting younger members to the hobby?
According to Board member Robbe Vandingelen, the model railway club De Pil is not just about trains, it’s about building a complete world with detailed landscapes and buildings. They use creativity and technology like painting, electronics, 3D printers, and laser cutters. At their anniversary exhibition, visitors can see steam trains and big models in a special setting. The event also includes workshops, talks, and a market for used parts. The club wants to attract younger members because many model-building clubs are having trouble getting young people involved.
According to Robbe, the youngest member of the club at 26, model railway building isn’t just for older people, even though most members are around 60 to 70 years old. He says the hobby needs technical and creative skills and uses modern tools like 3D printers and laser cutters. The club hopes this will attract younger members. People can visit the clubhouse at Rondeweg 3 in Vilvoorde this weekend until Monday, from 10 am to 5 pm.
