The world around us is often considered disappointing.
Too vast, far from our ideal, it sometimes lacks magic or cheerfulness.
Therefore, some decided to create their own universe.
Through models, they reinvent places, set objectives and bring their creations to life.
Passionate about amusement parks since his early childhood, Nicolas Sydor reproduces them in miniature.
Born in Poitiers, in Vienne, he discovered Futuroscope at a very young age before leaving for Troyes (Aube) at the age of 8 with his parents.
“I really fell in love with Nigloland (
the amusement park will reopen this Saturday March 30 for its 2024 season
).
I reproduced the Dolancourt park with my toys,” remembers the model maker, now 39 years old.
Read also Reopening of Futuroscope: we tested “Eclipse” and “Antartica”, the two new attractions
After several breaks to devote himself to his personal and professional life, Nicolas Sydor seriously took up his tools again in 2014 to build the Alpina Blitz (the blue roller coaster from Nigloland) in miniature.
It took two years for a first version of the rollercoaster and 4 months for the second in 2021.
After designing this miniature ride, the artist decided to recreate the landscape around it and place the attractions in the right place.
“Today, we are at a little more than half of the completed fleet.
This represents a surface area of 12 m2,” proudly declares the creator of Nicoland.
For materials, he uses 3D printing to make the rails for the attractions, Fimo clay for the rock, cardboard, wood, modeling equipment on sale on the market or uses tree branches for them. plants.
“A childhood dream come true”
This grown-up child who lives in Châlons-en-Champagne (Marne), today exhibits his models throughout France.
Behind desks, the public can activate certain rides with stars in their eyes.
Thanks to his presence at various events, Nicolas Sydor caught the eye of the Gélis family, owner of Nigloland, in 2022. He is now restoring the models of the museum installed in the amusement park and is going on exhibition with the team commercial in CSE fairs (
fairs intended for companies which want to organize events, offer outings or trips via their works council
)... Le Marnais also created the model of the future
Cabayana
hotel .
“Working with Nigloland is the Holy Grail, it’s a childhood dream that has come true!
» he exclaims.
Currently a project manager in logistics for mass distribution, Nicolas Sydor created his company to present his passion in schools and leisure centers.
The goal is to organize creative workshops with children and to prove to them “that if you are really motivated, you can succeed in turning your passion into a profession,” specifies the model maker. His passion job allows him to draw a small income to visit parks located in Europe (Fantasiland, Portaventura, etc.)
Also read “No impact linked to inflation”: new attendance record at amusement parks in 2023
In addition to the artistic aspect, the creation of models allows young people (and older people too!) to let go of their screens to discover a new intergenerational activity.
Young and old can imagine another world or recreate a place.
“Modeling allows you to discover a lot of areas,” assures Nicolas Sydor.
This passion allows you to take on the professions of sculptor, electrician and even landscaper!
Find Nicolas Sydor’s creations on: http://www.nicoland.sitew.com/