The Low-Tech Times

Model railroading is a wonderful American tradition that I fear is losing ground in today’s world of computers and video games. One key value of model railroading is that it is very educational, teaching design, construction, electronics, history, art, and transportation operations. Additionally, building and operating a model railroad is a lot of fun. I recommend giving a model train set to someone you care about this year.

HO Scale is the most popular gauge for model trains today and is generally chosen by folks with plenty of space. N Scale is smaller and a little more difficult to work with; however, the layouts can fit into small spaces and many modelers find that they can create more realistic displays with the smaller scale.

Check out the links below to inexpensive starter HO and N Scale layouts:

Old-fashioned toy trains are something you might expect to see recommended on the Low-Tech Times site. However, I cannot recommend Thomas the Train products due to multiple recalls this year of Thomas the Train toys made in China due to harmful led paint.

Fortunately, I found a great alternative… hand-made, lead-free Thomas and Brio compatible wooden trains made right here in the U.S.A. Click here to order higher-quality, safer toys.

Sledding is an old-fashioned, low-tech sport that should continue for future generations. Both young and old can enjoy gliding down a good hill in the snow and also get some needed exercise walking back up to the top.  I remember sledding on Flexible Flyers when I was a kid and I am pleased to find these sleds are still available today.  Amazon.com offers Flexible Flyer sleds and saucers that would make great last-minute Christmas gifts or, for that matter, good gifts anytime during the winter: