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My dad used to be really in to model trains, when I was a kid he had a very intricate setup in our basement. He had to take it down and give up the hobby for a number of reasons. Now he is retired and he wants to get back into the hobby.
I don't know the first thing about model trains, to be perfectly honest I don't see the appeal, but most people feel the same about my hobbies.
I want to get my dad a holiday gift related to this hobby but I don't know what to get. I was hoping someone in this forum would have some suggestions.
What would be a great gift for someone returning to this hobby after 20 years?
yeah and you may even want to let him know of this website also if you have a local hobby shop in your area maybe a gift card would be the ticket that way you can be sure he gets what he wants.
I'd vote for a gift card too. I know you'd like to get your dad something in his hands but it will be a real disappointment for both of you if you get the wrong scale or a train he doesn't really like. If you don't have a local train shop, you can get gift certificates on-line at places like www.hobbylinc.com and www.internettrains.com. Both are discount retailers with good selection of all gauges and all types of trains.
The other option would be a magazine subscription.....for example "Model Railroader". That would get him up to date on all the new stuff out there, and give him some ideas for where he wants to go with his new (renewed) hobby. Also lots of ads from retailers so he can do some shopping.
Being a dad....... I would like to find a LARGE suite case full of $100 bills under the tree and Taged," For dad and his Trains!" Or the winning Lotto ticket!!! Either or I'm not fussy!
All great ideas. I always say a gift card if people ask so he can get what he likes. And go to the hobby shop with him sometime if you can dads like that!! Good Luck
There is one more thing. That you show an interest in his hobby. As FunValleyLine suggested join him when going to the hobby shop. Or just listen to him when he talks about trains. Give him a hand when he starts to build and when he needs it. As a father and grandfather I think that it's very rewarding when someone will show a little interest in what I most of all want to talk about.
The gift card and the other ideas is of course great too.
