Railery and Drew, you guys are right on the money.
For years I recieved train theme gifts from the family that had nothing to do with the exact train theme's that interested me. Conveniently, some got lost in moves. Most have been worked into the decor of the train room.
The wierdest one in recent years came from a gorgeous woman I wouldn't say no to. For my birthday about seven years ago, she presented me with one of those stupid Trollkin dolls, revived from the 60's. It's about 4-5 inches in height with a conductors cap, overalls and a lantern. Yes, it has that silly face and long hair too. I was graceous, thanked and praised her for her thoughtfulness, as we all should do. And she seemed quite pleased with herself as well! Afterwards, I grumbled to myself in private; "What the bloody ding-dong am I going to do with this retarded thing since she'll be back and looking for what I did with it!?!"
I placed the doll on top of an oak railroad clock, next to a sterling teapot from the New York Central, and a few other knick knacks. When I unpacked after the last move, I came across it and it was my big chance to give it the coup de grace! To my own surprise, I quietly and tenderly restored it to it's place on top of the clock by the teapot. You see, these things can grow on you sometimes. You will get over the shock of what it is, and associate the object as a kind gesture from someone you like, who thought enough about you...And TRIED.
Santa's best for getting your trains. I'm lucky enough to have a wife who enjoys the hobby and has wheeled and dealed extensively over the years, including making some brass purchases unknown to me. Get what you want for yourself, and lower your expectations of others around you. That's probably a good overall lesson for life. This way, you will never be disappointed, and you will be able to enjoy and even laugh at the strange things the infidels come up with!
Remember, there aren't very many train stores around that the masses know of, and most people have never seen a train magazine, nor would even have the first clue of what to buy from it's pages. One year, my mother gave me a load of inexpensive freight cars that you wouldn't get upset with if they hit the floor and shattered. She didn't know from Athearn, and found them at Christmas time in a Toys R Us. I was delighted at the thought, and will use them to experiment with weathering!
Enjoy that noisy clock that looks fit for a three year olds room. Soon enough like my silly little troll, you won't trade it for anything in the world.
George.