First of all, how about a membership to one of the many great Nickel Plate related groups? Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society, Nickel Plate Historical & Technical Society, and Indiana Transportation Museum are just a few. But, hey, don't forget the Mad River & NKP group either.

I also recently revisited my copy of the Symphony of Sound compact disc (CD) and find it to be outstanding. I had forgotten how clear and wonderful it really is. Therefore, I recommend it whole heartedly. The CD recordings were made by Brad S. Miller in 1987, 1989, and 1991 on C&O rails using a Colossus™ MS-4 microphone for completely distortion free recordings. What you get is a clear and accurate reproduction of real, live, super-power steam. Because of this, the CD comes with an appropriate disclaimer:

Also worthy of mention is the new Life-Like Proto 2000 Heritage Steam Collection Berkshire in NKP numbers. This plastic HO scale model is of first rate quality with many detail parts already added. The model is also typical of Proto 2000 with smooth running characteristics and fine pulling power. While it may not be available until January, 2004, any NKP modeler would be more than happy to get an advance order under the tree this year.

And, in case your Nickel Plater doesn't already have them, books and videos provide the most thorough representations of that by-gone historical era.

Kalmbach Publishing has the definitive Nickel Plate book. The Nickel Plate Story by John A. Rehor is simply the most complete representation of the Nickel Plate Road's corporate history, locomotive roster, and also of those that became a part of the original NKP system. This book covers the beginning of the line right through the N&W merger of 1964. This is a must have! 471 pgs. B&W photos.

TLC Publishing has also put out several great NKP books that provide a great look at the product of several NKP corporate photographers. With assignments ranging from system documentation to advertising photographs, the corporate photographer was kept busy and John B. Corns has brought to us several volumes of Nickel Plate Road Publicity Photos.

TLC along with Kevin J. Holland have also brought us several books detailing NKP passenger service, the diesel locomotive roster, and also the story of the famous NKP berkshires. Titles include: Nickel Plate Road Passenger Service: The Post War Years, Nickel Plate Road Diesel Locomotives, and Berkshires of the Nickel Plate Road. All have great supporting documentation and many great color and black and white photographs.

Morning Sun Books has released on of my favorite collections of NKP photography. Nickel Plate Color Photography of Willis A. McCaleb Vol. 1 & 2 and the Nickel Plate Color Photography: The Railfan Perspective are fantastic color captures of time before the end of the line came. McCaleb's talents with the camera are clearly shown with some of the most memorable shots of NKP life. These are also a must have item for any fan.

Hopewell Video Productions have a complete line of NKP 765 videos. Documenting the restoration and the rebirth of the 2-8-4 giant and subsequent adventures on the rail, these videos provide up close and on board footage as well as classic chase scenes. You're also likely to see 765 teaming up with other notables such as the beautifully famous N&W J 611.

In fact, Trains magazine wrote that Hopewell's Runnin' That New River Train was the best rail video to date. This is the perfect collection to get you ready for the re-emergance of 765 in 2004.

Herron Rail Video has a wonderful collection of film from Donald J. Krofta. Steam & Diesel on the Nickel Plate Road has several volumes that are broken down into system districts. The work Herron has done on the 16mm originals is outstanding. The colors are great and Krofta's footage is exceptional.

We musn't forget Revelation Audio-Visuals' The Late, Great Nickel Plate: 1950's High Speed Steam Freight. While the sound is canned, the footage captures some great shots of yard goats in action, high speed running, and accident clean up. Still there are great views of NKP facilities on the east end, too.

There are literally thousands of NKP gift ideas for the NKP fan. Search the web and you may be surprised at what you find. Search Ebay and see what else you will find. These are just a few of my favorite suggestions but just the tip of the iceburg.