Did you know there are many different names for a train enthusiast? These include; railfan, rail buff, trainspotter, gricer, anorak, basher, metrophile and zeds. These rail enthusiast can also take on many forms with a range of interests. Some are more interested in steam locomotives, whilst others have a passion for diesel engines and some even have a particular interest in metro subway and underground systems. And their interest often span to much more than the trains themselves. These interest usually include; visiting disused lines, tunnels and stations, railroad photography, timetable collecting and railway restoration
I grew up in a family of train lovers and my own Dad is a model railway enthusiast. Not only does he have a model railway he has been hand building into our loft for the last 30 years, but he has also built another model railway which he exhibits all over the county with the Elizabethan Model Railway Society. If you, however, are new to the whole model train thing then there is one major piece of advice I can give you - never call it a 'train set', always call it a 'model railway'. Otherwise you may find yourself getting an ear full!
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| ebay |
A great gift for any type of rail enthusiast are these replica customised British railway totem signs. I bought one of these signs from this same ebay seller last Christmas. As Dad is a model railway exhibitor, I thought it would be a nice idea as he could take it to display at his exhibitions. However, you could always buy it for someone to have on display in the garage, in his shed, in the garden, or somewhere in the house.
The great thing with these signs is that you can choose how you want to customise them. My Dad's sign read ANNSTON (the name of his model railway) as the main text, then in the smaller writing at the top I wrote his name, and in the smaller writing at the bottom I wrote E.R.S (the initials of the society he exhibits with). They come as 305mm x 85mm (12 inches x 3.35 inches) and are avaiable in a range of colours. However, you must be careful when choosing your sign colour as you have to make a choice. You may not know that railway signs are colour coded to their region and, therefore, you have to decide whether to order a sign in their favourite colour, or choose a colour relevant to their region. I chose maroon as my Dad's railway is set in the Midlands. Don't worry, if you decide to buy a colour relation to a particular region, the colours and corresponding regions are clearly stated on the webpage. This sign will only set you back £13.95 (£11.95 and £2.00 postage and packing).
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| NRM |
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| john lewis |
Another option could be to buy him this enamel Hornby mug from John Lewis for £8. However, if, like me, you don't have a local John Lewis store you can always order it online for £11 (£8 and £3 postage and packing).
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