Mumbai: 25-year-old railway fan creates cardboard replica of CSMT in 12 days

Aakash Kamble with the model of CSMT. Pic/Rajendra B. Aklekar

An Ambernath-based rail fan Aakash Kamble has created an authentic replica of the World Heritage site Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT). The work will soon be put up on permanent display at CSMT itself.

"The magnificent marvel by 19th century architect F W Stevens has always inspired me and this model took about 12 days to make. It was made using sun board and cardboard, including the minutest detail of the building and was completed on Sunday," Kamble told mid-day.

"I first started with cardboard and foam-based train and engine models, but later moved on to aluminium-based ones. I keep on reading about trains, their specifications and drawings. During the lockdown, I focused more on this hobby to sharpen my skills," said 25-year-old Kamble, a mechanical engineer.

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He has also been involved in making models and replicas of trains and engines and has been a part of many railway exhibitions. "But this work on CSMT was the most challenging one, given the intricacies of the architecture involved," he said.

"I have been witnessing the legendary architectural marvel, the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, right from childhood and have a deep connection with the place even today. It was a challenge to cover all the details, proportions and architectural profiles, etc. I referred to some drawings and figures obtained from the Heritage Museum at CSMT itself and also personally captured some images and started the work. "It is a matter of pride for me as the work will be placed at the divisional railway manager's office at CSMT itself," he added.