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The legacy of model railways brought to you by Christophe Hendriks Franssen
What I love most about model trains is their versatility. They aren’t just for collecting – they’re for creating, designing and tinkering.
Trains were never just machines to Christophe. Growing up near the railway yards of Nijmegen Central, he spent hours watching trains thunder past, memorising their routes. His grandfather nurtured this fascination with weekly walks to the station, followed by a small treat at the petrol station. At home, a Märklin train set in the basement became his playground, while his grandfather’s legendary collection—locked away in the attic—took on an almost mythical status. These moments shaped a lifelong passion for model trains. That passion became expertise. With over 40 years as an enthusiast and more than a decade working professionally, Christophe has handled everything from rare pre-war Märklin models to the latest digital locomotives. He understands not just the craftsmanship but the mechanics and history behind each piece. The thrill lies in discovery—whether unearthing a forgotten gem or tracking down an impossible find, he relishes the hunt as much as the trains themselves. Now, as an expert at Catawiki, Christophe ensures every auction meets the highest standards. Part curator, part gatekeeper, he connects collectors with rare and exceptional pieces while preserving the heritage of model railways.
Trains were never just machines to Christophe. Growing up near the railway yards of Nijmegen Central, he spent hours watching trains thunder past, memorising their routes. His grandfather nurtured this fascination with weekly walks to the station, followed by a small treat at the petrol station. At home, a Märklin train set in the basement became his playground, while his grandfather’s legendary collection—locked away in the attic—took on an almost mythical status. These moments shaped a lifelong passion for model trains. That passion became expertise. With over 40 years as an enthusiast and more than a decade working professionally, Christophe has handled everything from rare pre-war Märklin models to the latest digital locomotives. He understands not just the craftsmanship but the mechanics and history behind each piece. The thrill lies in discovery—whether unearthing a forgotten gem or tracking down an impossible find, he relishes the hunt as much as the trains themselves. Now, as an expert at Catawiki, Christophe ensures every auction meets the highest standards. Part curator, part gatekeeper, he connects collectors with rare and exceptional pieces while preserving the heritage of model railways.
- 10+ years professional experience
- Specialises in Märklin
Trains were never just machines to Christophe. Growing up near the railway yards of Nijmegen Central, he spent hours watching trains thunder past, memorising their routes. His grandfather nurtured this fascination with weekly walks to the station, followed by a small treat at the petrol station. At home, a Märklin train set in the basement became his playground, while his grandfather’s legendary collection—locked away in the attic—took on an almost mythical status. These moments shaped a lifelong passion for model trains. That passion became expertise. With over 40 years as an enthusiast and more than a decade working professionally, Christophe has handled everything from rare pre-war Märklin models to the latest digital locomotives. He understands not just the craftsmanship but the mechanics and history behind each piece. The thrill lies in discovery—whether unearthing a forgotten gem or tracking down an impossible find, he relishes the hunt as much as the trains themselves. Now, as an expert at Catawiki, Christophe ensures every auction meets the highest standards. Part curator, part gatekeeper, he connects collectors with rare and exceptional pieces while preserving the heritage of model railways.
Trains were never just machines to Christophe. Growing up near the railway yards of Nijmegen Central, he spent hours watching trains thunder past, memorising their routes. His grandfather nurtured this fascination with weekly walks to the station, followed by a small treat at the petrol station. At home, a Märklin train set in the basement became his playground, while his grandfather’s legendary collection—locked away in the attic—took on an almost mythical status. These moments shaped a lifelong passion for model trains. That passion became expertise. With over 40 years as an enthusiast and more than a decade working professionally, Christophe has handled everything from rare pre-war Märklin models to the latest digital locomotives. He understands not just the craftsmanship but the mechanics and history behind each piece. The thrill lies in discovery—whether unearthing a forgotten gem or tracking down an impossible find, he relishes the hunt as much as the trains themselves. Now, as an expert at Catawiki, Christophe ensures every auction meets the highest standards. Part curator, part gatekeeper, he connects collectors with rare and exceptional pieces while preserving the heritage of model railways.