Best gift for an old school steam engine lover?

Question

My grandfather used to work on the railroad and my father still loves trains. He's over 60 now and I want to surprise him with a neat train related gift (other then a trip!). What are your ideas?

Answer 1

try going to the local model railroad clubs and seeing what they have for sale. where i live, the local model RR clubs have a couple of meets/shows a year and there is wonderful stuff there. i like the old photos

Answer 2

Hey I found this .. try Schrader's ... you can request a catalog (which appears to be free ) or just order online I guess. They have a lot of railroad items I'm sure he would like. Depending on your income some items may be a bit pricey but they look really nice. I'm sure you could find something there that would be perfect for them.

Have a good one.

Answer 3

Very thoughtful of you, your Grandfateher is a lucky man to have a Grandaughter lilke you.

Go into ebay, type the name of the railroad he worked for in the search window and you will be amazed at the amount of memorabilia you will find.

From tools and implements he would have used, signs, videos and photo collections, it is interesting as heck.

You can find things for any budget and I guarantee he will be impressed.

Answer 4

Well, you didn't suggest a price range or identify your general location, but the ultimate gift to an old school steam lover is a trip to Ely, Nevada, to the Nevada Northern Railway.

Not merely a "tourist line", as they do have regular freight operations.  Not merely a train ride either.  The program is called "Rent An Engine," and for around $600 your father (or anyone else who coughs up the dough) gets to actually run one of two restored steam locomotives.  The main line trip is the most expensive, but running in the yard can be done for around $400, and running any of the restored diesels can be rented for even less.

www.nevadanorthernrailway.net

This  would be the ultimate gift.....  the gift of a lifetime for a lover of steam, and sure to be remembered as long.

So, Highball, and  Skid 'er back...........

Answer 5

A book or some rail DVDs might be good.

Answer 6

Being a train buff and a railfan myself, I suggest you see about getting him some DVD's with steam locomotives as the subject. You might want to check this website....

http://www.pentrex.com

I hope my answer helps you.

Answer 7

An old (antique) piece of equipment used on the railroads such as a signal lantern, log books, tools, etc.

Prices can range anywhere from around $20.00 to hundreds.