Tis' The Season.....
For many of us, model railroading is a year 'round hobby. Yet, winter and especially the days leading up to Christmas will bring many new people to the hobby. The relationship between toy trains and Christmas extends back through all of the last century and into the late 1800's. Virtually every toy catalogue printed in the second half of any year has a toy train on the cover. Kids like toys that move and make sound. While today nearly every toy fits that category, for many years, trains were the only answer. Almost every boy has had a train on his list for Santa in one year or another. Many of those boys were lucky enough to have Santa and the Elves come through. Those that weren't sometimes fullfilled their wish years later through their own sons or daughters.

It may be your turn now to be Santa's helper. If someone near to you has a train on their wish list, try to help make that dream come true. It could be the start that leads to years of enjoyment, imagination and creativity.

TIPS:
If you're working from a wish list, try to stay close to that. If your five year old wants Thomas he is not going to have as much fun with a 2-8-0 steam locomotive. If your teen has shown interest in "N" scale, stay with that even if YOU prefer something else.

Be reasonable with your budget. Don't spend a fortune on a grand setup with miles of track, too many trains and lots of buildings and scenery. It could be overwhelming for a beginner . Your best bet is a good quality set that will last beyond the holiday. It sets up fast, is fun right away and you can add on later.

Find a hobby store that specializes in trains or at least has a substantial train department. Talk to the staff. They need your repeat business so they won't be selling you junk. All train sets are not created equal so buy from a reputable dealer .

If you're not buying for a beginner, do you homework. Find out what scale they are into and if they model a specific railroad. Also make sure your hobby shop knows it's a gift and will honor an exchange or give store credit. If in doubt there's always gift certificates but in my opinion it's not as much fun to open and hold.

This time of year many model railroad clubs invite the public to see their model railroads. Go. See. Talk to the members. Listen to their advice. They can usually recommend good sources for model trains. They can also recommend publications and videos that you can buy (or sometimes rent.) Don't be intimidated by the size and complexity of club train layouts. Every club member was once a beginner. They learned from their predecessors and each other.

Remember, not all beginners are kids. Adults may want to rekindle an interest too. So, give a train to someone or give one to yourself!
Happy Holidays and I hope you enjoy the world's greatest hobby.