Sir Rod Stewart chartered seven shipping containers to transport his beloved train set from the US back to the UK

A source told The Sun newspaper: “It’s no secret Rod is mad keen on his model railway.

“He treats them like the crown jewels.”

Another insider added: “The kids go to school in the UK and he wants to see them grow up so wants to spend more time here.”

Rod previously revealed he spent 26 years creating his incredible WW2 Manhattan, New York, replica called 'Grant Street And Three Rivers City' in the attic of his Los Angeles home.

He said: "It's the landscape I like. Attention to detail, extreme detail is paramount. There shouldn't be any unsightly gaps or pavements that are too clean."

The intricate display features a running railway station, period cars, lorries, along with several classic American city scenes, including a 1940s inspired Pennsylvania Railroad scene, making the model 124ft long and 23 ft wide.

Rod also added a tribute to his British roots with an ode to his lifelong support of Scottish soccer team Celtic FC by incorporating a Celtic Coal & Steel firm building on the tracks.

Rod - who is married to Lady Penny Lancaster-Stewart - began his model railway when he first moved into his Beverly Hills mansion in 1993 but he admitted he would never have embarked on the project if he'd realised how long it would take.

He added: "I have to give it 110 per cent. For me it's addictive. I started, so I just had to finish. But if I had realised at the start it would have taken so long, I'd have probably said No! No! Nah!"

The 'Sailing' rocker also admitted he takes his passion on tour with him as he books extra hotel rooms to store his prize possessions while he puts together kits and paints parts.

Rod said: "We'd tell them in advance and they were really accommodating, taking out the beds and providing fans to improve air circulation and ventilation."