If you have a friend or family member addicted to model training, you know how time consuming and painstaking the work can be to produce a realistic and detailed scene. Yards of track wind around an oval surrounded by landscape, towns, buildings and industrial areas, perfectly rendered in tiny scale. Sometimes a outdoor garden layout is used but usually the model railroader prefers to keep his work of art indoors and out of the elements.
Some model train enthusiasts limit their obsession to a relaxing hobby while others build elaborate scenes for showing at state fairs, exhibitions and special events. Some even turn their passion into a living by charging admission to a grouping of lovingly created train layouts.
My father falls into the category of passionate model railroader, maintaining two separate buildings for his trains and scenery – one at each of his residences. He also helps create a portion of an elaborate railroad layout with fellow hobbyists at local events. Through the years, I have found the following gifts to be useful for anyone obsessed with model trains. Make sure you know what scale is being used, however, before starting your shopping.
1. Tools of the Trade
Because so many of the pieces of the train setup are tiny, special tools come in handy. A magnifying glass with attached alligator clip helps older eyes see diminutive pieces for painting or applying decals. A pair of tweezers with pointed ends and a set of small screwdrivers are also useful. Try your local flea market for the best bargain prices.
2. Paints
An acrylic paint set with a large variety of colors and a set of good quality, tiny camel’s hair brushes will help your model train enthusiast color his world as desired. Many of the landscape accessories are sold unpainted.
3. Buildings and Sets
While the model railroader in your family may already have a large variety of buildings and sets, certain styles and types are rare. I make it a habit of checking every antique and thrift store I walk into for older pieces that I know my father will not have. A particularly nice find was a set of old Tombstone, complete with Big Nose Kate’s Saloon at a local antique shop. If your model train enthusiast is trying to recreate a particular town or geographic area (in my father’s case, he was using an Arizona theme), anything you can find related to it is a real gem.
4. Train Signs & Memorabilia
Your local antique or thrift store is again a good place to find vintage train items. A metal railroad sign, china from the dining car of an old passenger train, railroad spikes or even a painting depicting an old railroad are all good bets. The model train hobbyist usually extends his passion to the real thing!
5. Train Crossing Light
These range in size from a small tabletop size to a large free standing light. All have flashing red lights and some even have sound. This is the perfect addition to a model railroader’s hobby room.
6. Books
Head back to the antique or thrift store to find old books on the history of your area. Look in particular for tomes with a wealth of pictures showing landscapes and train routes so your hobbyist can easily recreate a local scene for his train layout. It will also help him determine what types of stores and buildings were in the area in bygone days. Alternately, a book on creating realistic landscapes or a history of model railroading also makes a nice gift.
7. Cars
Locating a rail car emblazoned with the logo of a former business or company your model train enthusiast was involved with is a great gift. For instance, if he used to work for Shell Oil, finding a tanker with the Shell logo will be a great addition to his train setup. Again, an antique store is your best bet although you may be able to find specific cars online.
8. Tour Tickets
Is there a local train yard, rail museum or outdoor train attraction nearby? Tickets to tour the facility or admission passes for your model railroader will be welcomed. If you can set up a tour of the local attraction with a personal guide, it would be even better. Make sure you include a gift certificate for the gift shop, if applicable.
9. Scenic Railroad Trip
Is there an old locomotive in your area that offers a ride through scenic landscape? Here in Arizona there are several with Grand Canyon Railway being the most popular. Two tickets to board the train for a day or an afternoon are a wonderful gift. You might want to include a disposable camera so he can easily capture all the scenery and wildlife during the trip.
10. Magazine Subscription
Not sure what your model railroader needs or wants? How about a subscription to Toy Trains or Model Railroader magazine? This gift will keep on giving throughout the year and give him something to look forward to in the mail each month.
Reference:
- Google listing of online model railroad vendors
