I have finally begun to dislike christmas as it now seems that I'll never find a train under the tree. For years I've dropped hints including that it is the thrill of opening a package and finding something to due with model trains that inspires many of us. Instead the pair of sox, wallet, books on politics, etc usually are on the gift docket.No problem as Sandy is quite supportive as my other wives were not, but it sure would be nice again to open a package and find a choo choo.
Any ideas on how to tastefully drop hints on what to get a train nut for christmas. For me it does not matter if I already have a dozen....just the thrill again to find a train under the tree. Oh to go back in time!!
HZ
Howard Zane I have finally begun to dislike christmas as it now seems that I'll never find a train under the tree. For years I've dropped hints including that it is the thrill of opening a package and finding something to due with model trains that inspires many of us. Instead the pair of sox, wallet, books on politics, etc usually are on the gift docket.No problem as Sandy is quite supportive as my other wives were not, but it sure would be nice again to open a package and find a choo choo. Any ideas on how to tastefully drop hints on what to get a train nut for christmas. For me it does not matter if I already have a dozen....just the thrill again to find a train under the tree. Oh to go back in time!! HZ
My wife knows not to buy me trains unless I give here a list to pick from........
Sheldon
I put a selection on my Amazon wish list and usually get sometching.
Rick Jesionowski
Rule 1: This is my railroad.
Rule 2: I make the rules.
Rule 3: Illuminating discussion of prototype history, equipment and operating practices is always welcome, but in the event of visitor-perceived anacronisms, detail descrepancies or operating errors, consult RULE 1!
ATLANTIC CENTRALMy wife knows not to buy me trains unless I give here a list to pick from...
Same here, along with our adult children.
Mike.
My You Tube
Ditto. I tend to only put useful tools I might need on my list, rather than any actual trains, to prevent inadvertent substitutions. Next year I should be well under way - I may include track or scenery materials on my list.
I gave up on a train around the tree, the dogs or the cat would just knock it over anyway, or rain destruction down from on high (the cat, knocking ornaments off the tree after climbing up it). So I took my son's old G scale Thomas to work and set that up around the little tree someone always sets up.
I still have a 2 pack of rather large (meant for G scale I think) birch trees she got me the first year. I'm not sure how I will ever be able to actually use them - because you know that despite being packed away out of sight probably 8 or 9 years now, she remembers giving them to me.
I think I finally convinced people to stop getting me all sorts of Star Wars stuff - I really only like Han Solor and the Millenium Falcon, I'm much more a Trekkie, but never failed, I'd get a figure, or last year it was a Simon type of electronic game built in the shape of Darth vader, with the notes it played being the Imperial March instead of the original Simon beeps.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Howard I think you might be the single "most impossible to buy train stuff for guy" on the planet--and more power to you for it. My Dad loved golf. Would have loved to find some cool golf thing for him, but he had every custom made golf thing you could imagine. We couldn't even buy him a whiz-bang custom painted golf cart because right up until the end he walked 18 (sometimes 27) holes with no problem.
I am gonna over step my bounds here--and everyone and all feel free to scold me for it-- but maybe buy a bunch of Lionel train sets and get em to some under privileged kids or family homeless shelters. Let those little kids experience that joy of seeing a train set under the tree (heck, you and many others in this hobby probably already do this so I should just shut up). Regardless, Merry Christmas! It does put the train bug in overdrive, doesn't it?!
I supply a list complete with part number, price,and vendor. The wife and kids always come through with the entire list for Christmas. Sorry to hear of your dislike for Christmas. In our family, Christmas is the highlight of every year. Always has been and always will be. Be it Lionel or HO, trains are an important part of the season. Fortunately for me that Lionel Christmas layout evolved into a lifetime hobby. With that said.......Merry Christmas to all and may everyone find that dream locomotive under the tree on Christmas morning!
EMDSD40Sorry to hear of your dislike for Christmas.
I don't think anyone who has posted, including me, have expressed a "dislike for Christmas".
mbinsewiI don't think anyone who has posted, including me, have expressed a "dislike for Christmas".
Well let me be the first. I'm not particularly fond of it. I'm told that the real meaning of Christmas has nothing to do with keeping score to see who has the biggest pile of gifts. Beyond that, it is overly commercialized and advertised. Pretty soon the stores at the mall and Amazon will be putting up their decorations the week after the 4th of July.
And everyone who has to buy a gift for someone who has a hobby racks their brains and finally ends up with something that the recipient thinks is a piece of junk. I think the landfills expand a percent or two every year in the weeks just after the holiday.
Might as well give me a fruit cake. I'm sure I can re-gift one of those to someone I really don't like. Or throw it through the front window of the train store to do a smash and grab.
And Howard. I don't think that you're exactly a spring chicken. I can't understand why you haven't learned that the best way to get a train item for the holiday is to buy what you want, steal some wrapping paper from the better half, wrap the item yourself, label it "from Santa", put it under the tree, and act surprised the following morning.
Stronger negative opinion to follow!!!!
Regards
The Grinch
My wife and I are well on in years, have more than we know what to do with. We have learned that being loved, and being with those whom we love, is the most precious thing at any time it can happen, especially at Christmas.
If I want train stuff, I inform my wife, she gives me the thumb up (as I do when she wants something a bit spendy), and it appears in my hands soon enough. That way, we are both pleased with the results. And don't have to fake it.
I find that I have to be incredibly specific if I want to get trains, otherwise people will be too confused and not get me trains!
Exception is my grandpa, he usually knows what to get me seeing as he is also in the hobby!
Regards, Isaac
I model my railroad and you model yours! I model my way and you model yours!
My problem with getting train stuff for Christmas is that invariably every year I have already bought what I want well before December. Dianne gets ticked that I do that, so she has taken to confiscating whatever items I have purchased and wrapping them to put under the tree. This year it will be a subtlety weathered True Line Trains Canadian Pacific slab side hopper in an Athearn blue box from eBay. These hoppers are as rare as hen's teeth so when one came up I bought it immediately. It's unfortunate that it didn't come with its original packaging but I will still be thrilled to open it (again) on Christmas morning.
My other model train 'gift' will be a Digitrax DT500 throttle for use at the club. It hasn't arrived yet so when it does I will give it to Dianne unopened.
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
Howard ZaneAny ideas on how to tastefully drop hints on what to get a train nut for christmas. For me it does not matter if I already have a dozen....just the thrill again to find a train under the tree. Oh to go back in time!! HZ
I never did drop hints.. I didn't want to end up with junk train set cars and locomotives never to be used..
My late wife knew that and my Christmas train gifts from my wife and closest family members was cash so,I could buy what I needed.
Of course I do have a Model Power RS11 my late wife got me for our first Christmas together. I consider that RS11 priceless.
Larry
Conductor.
Summerset Ry.
"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt Safety First!"
Very early in my marriage of 35 years now, my wife and all my relatives learned not to give me any train related stuff for Christmas without asking me before. It worked quite well over the years! As we have become older (and maybe a little wiser - hopefully) we have given up on exchanging gifts for Christmas, but enjoy the season for what it is - time to be thankful and time to enjoy with the family.
Happy times!
Ulrich (aka The Tin Man)
"You´re never too old for a happy childhood!"
Drumguy Howard I think you might be the single "most impossible to buy train stuff for guy" on the planet--and more power to you for it.
Howard I think you might be the single "most impossible to buy train stuff for guy" on the planet--and more power to you for it.
Yes, what Howard said is probably something that most model train nuts wish would happen but is generally pretty rare. My ex gave me a couple of Proto 2000 box car kits for Christmas many years ago - a one off that was cool. But the irony of it all was she ultimately was antagonistic to the hobby and it was one of several reasons we parted ways. My 2nd wife is more train friendly, even to the point of making it a priority to find a house with a basement suitable for trains and did a lot of work to get it finished and ready. She even interacts enough to know my time frame and favorite RR but hasn't gotten any trains for me for Christmas or Birthday; leaves it up to me.
Not over bounds at all. That would be a nice idea!
Rio Grande. The Action Road - Focus 1977-1983
My wife tells me purchase what you want train wise and we will put it under the tree (or Menorah in this interfaith family)
Joe Staten Island West
mbinsewi EMDSD40 Sorry to hear of your dislike for Christmas. I don't think anyone who has posted, including me, have expressed a "dislike for Christmas". Mike.
EMDSD40 Sorry to hear of your dislike for Christmas.
I also have a dislike for Christmas, so he's not alone.
As for a train under the tree, here's a novel thought - buy your own. No one knows better than you what you want.
Modeling the Baltimore waterfront in HO scale
Howard ZaneAny ideas on how to tastefully drop hints on what to get a train nut for christmas.
.
My wife's family (which is now 100% MY family), has a simple rule.
You do not buy adults presents for Christmas... children only.
It makes the holidays so much more happy.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
SPSOT fanI find that I have to be incredibly specific if I want to get trains, otherwise people will be too confused and not get me trains!
Mike
JumijoAs for a train under the tree, here's a novel thought - buy your own. No one knows better than you what you want.
Drumguy I am gonna over step my bounds here--and everyone and all feel free to scold me for it-- but maybe buy a bunch of Lionel train sets and get em to some under privileged kids or family homeless shelters. Let those little kids experience that joy of seeing a train set under the tree (heck, you and many others in this hobby probably already do this so I should just shut up). Regardless, Merry Christmas! It does put the train bug in overdrive, doesn't it?!
Drumguy,
I did this last year. Someone was cleaning out their house and had 4 or 5 train sets in new boxes. I took them to the local Toys For Tots drop off in my town (along with a lot of other toys), and it felt great to donate them.
As for me, we don't swap and gifts around the holidays. We only buy for nieces and nephews, and my cousins kids, that's it! My wife knows not to buy me anything and she will ask around a birthday or anniversary. I really don't need anything for the train layout, so I tell her to save it when we go on vacation.
Christmas is my favorite holiday. Because we all become kids again. Having something fun to play with after getting all excited to find out what it is, is great.
I either give a list to girlfriend/significant other, or I buy what I want and put it under the tree. Hey look what santa brought me, wonder what it is (trying to act suprised is fun too).
To the OP, just tell you wife exactly what you want. No need for hints. Make sure you tell her that getting socks, well sucks! lol
Michael
CEO- Mile-HI-RailroadPrototype: D&RGW Moffat Line 1989
Original post, first sentence.
Ed
My wife and I exchange names with her siblings and spouses for a gift exchange at Christmas. We write our names, with what we would like, on a piece of paper and draw them out of hat at Thanksgiving. I usually get a gift card from Lowes or Home Depot. One year I decided to write down the website of one of the big online model railroad retailers - for a gift certificate. I heard a complaint that the website was buggy, and ended up with a HD gift card again!
Despite my result, and how some might feel about gift cards or certificates, I think they are a nice compromise for us that are picky about what we want. Our loved ones give us something related to the hobby. We get what we want!
Frank
Quick note on charitable donations of toys.
Some organizations have a policy that they do not distribute high dollar gifts. If a gift with a retail value over a certain amount is donated, it will be auctioned off, and the money will go into that charity's operating fund.
Ask before you donate.
I buy my own Christmas trains and my wife wraps them and puts them under the tree. In fact, my Trainworld order is due today!
I use Walthers "Share Wishlist" feature. It sends an email to interested parties...
Marlon
See pictures of the Clinton-Golden Valley RR
freeway3 mbinsewi I don't think anyone who has posted, including me, have expressed a "dislike for Christmas". Original post, first sentence.
I detect whimsy and humor.
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
BigDaddy freeway3 mbinsewi I don't think anyone who has posted, including me, have expressed a "dislike for Christmas". Original post, first sentence. I detect whimsy and humor.
whimsy is modus operandi in this forum.
As for dislike of Christmas, to those who find it incredible that anyone might dislike Christmas, there are reasons that certain people can find Christmas a downer.
For people down on their luck and struggling, Christmas can be associated with hard times. Even after a period of hard times is over, it can take time to shake the negative associations.
For those who have broken families or marriages, or divorce, Christmas, which is normally associated with getting together turns opposite and family strife seems to turn Christmas into a time of bad feelings and dread. I know that from personal experience.
Add to that, there is often can be a lot of pressure to buy gifts for a circle of people and for those who find shopping stressful or just plain hate it, especially if you don't know what the heck to buy, that aspect can be really make you be glad when the holidays are over.
SeeYou190 Howard Zane Any ideas on how to tastefully drop hints on what to get a train nut for christmas. . My wife's family (which is now 100% MY family), has a simple rule. . You do not buy adults presents for Christmas... children only. . It makes the holidays so much more happy. . -Kevin .
Howard Zane Any ideas on how to tastefully drop hints on what to get a train nut for christmas.
Same here Kevin.
- Douglas