Lionel Model Trains As A Gift

As older youth draw away from the simple board games and toys, to the more advanced electronics of today, there still seems to be a fascination for the pre-teens to be drawn to the simple pleasures of Model Railroading and scale model trains. You might think that it won't be appreciated. A boy (or girl) may surprise you - especially if you show an interest in model railroading and work on a track layout together.

Let's talk about what you get:

Durability: As electronics constantly change and become outdated, having to be replaced with the next "better" version, Lionel model trains retain their value. If not their monetary value (which most do, certainly their sentimental value. What better way for a young child to remember you, than for him as an adult to remember the both of you setting up your scale railroad.

Task Skills: The best way to make a child understand goal achievement is to not let him realize that he was being given a task. Make that task an enjoyable one and he'll realize that when completed, the accomplishment is worth effort and patience. Setting up a model railroad set is a process that has its rewards when completed.

Family Values: It may seem campy, or even sound like an image from a Rockwell painting, but a model train set does draw a family together as they gather to watch the miniature engine and cars travel through the tiny countryside with the lights and smoke, passing over bridges and through the city. Add a Christmas tree and you have the makings of a Hallmark card.

Monetary Value: Few model railroad trains have lost value. Earlier Lionel model trains have actually gained value - extreme value as a collectibles item with an estimated half a million Americans now collecting them. Lionel train sets have been manufactured since September 5th, 1901. The model train set you buy your child - if cared for - could well be an investment, and not only a gift.

Now, the biggest reason?

YOU GET TO PLAY WITH IT!

How can Mom get upset with you for buying a model train set when you've given her all the reasons above. For anywhere from $100 (for a good set) to $300 (for a great set) for a new purchase, you've given yourself the ability to actually enjoy "giving" a quality gift to your child. If he doesn't play with it, or gets bored with it - even better! Put on your Engineers Cap and lets go model railroading!