Model Railroad Train Collector Gift Ideas for Christmas

If you have a model railroad train collector on your Christmas gift list, you probably know what a meticulous, detailed, and laborious hobby it is. Hours upon hours are devoted to laying train track down, designing coordinating landscapes, and painting realistic train cars. Here's a look at five gift ideas for the model railroad train collector.

Model Railroad Train Collector Gift Ideas: TCA Membership:
If your gift recipient isn't already a member, this makes a perfect model railroad train collector gift idea! Membership to the Train Collectors of America club includes access to members-only areas of the TCA website, model railroad train meet & greets, collection insurance, a toy train library, and much more. Initial membership fees are $60 and can be purchased here.

Model Railroad Train Collector Gift Ideas: Train Cars
If you're familiar with the model train collector's collection, you probably know what piece he needs for his display or what theme he's using. If he's looking for something rare, check eBay or train collecting message boards to purchase (beware: the cars can run in the hundreds to thousands of dollars!)
If you're not sure what type of train car the collector needs, many model train car manufactures put out a special Christmas train design each year. This is a good choice, since the recipient is unlikely to have it in his collection. Again, the cars are quite expensive (Christmas cars and sets usually run $50-$300).

Model Railroad Train Collector Gift Ideas: Decorative Animal or People Figures
If train cars are out of your price range but you still want to get the model train collector something for his display, decorative figures are an inexpensive option. Most figure sets run about $20-$40. Train hobbyists always need these items to make their setups more realistic.

Model Railroad Train Collector Gift Ideas: Paint
Model railroad train collectors are always in need of paint. Model railroad train collectors need paint to restore antique train cars and paint landscape pieces. A set of acrylic paints and tiny brushes from a craft store will work well.

Model Railroad Train Collector Gift Ideas: Books
Plenty of books on train collecting are available in any bookstore. While these books are great, a special model train collector gift would be a book on the history and geography of an area around which the train collector is trying to design his landscape. Most model train collectors try to recreate their landscapes based on a town, and books related to the town history & landscape would be appreciated.

Model Railroad Train Collector Gift Ideas: Lionel Membership
Lionel is one of the biggest names in model train collecting, and chances are your train enthusiast has some pieces in his collection. Members receive special access to the Lionel website, subscriptions to model train publications, access to the Lionel Train Convention, and special members-only Lionel train collectibles. Annual membership fees are $40 and are available for purchase online. Be sure to purchase a "gift membership" if you chose this gift.

For many model train collectors, this is a lifetime hobby and any gift relating to model train collecting is always appreciated.