Gift for a 70th Birthday (old fashioned ol lad)

NiceFella

So the old man is turning 70 soon and he is notoriously difficult to buy a present for. He's not into sport or music really. He just loves his work which is in the engineering and machinery and mechanical engines and the like. Loves tractors (I'm not buying him a tractor) and the history and development of them.

But even aside from that which I know is difficult to work with, any suggestions welcome at all. Any idea outside of the box would be great. Cheers

looksee

Think in terms of steam traction engines? https://www.amazon.co.uk/steam-traction-engine/s?k=steam+traction+engine

Take him to the Irish Steam Engine rally https://irishsteam.net/#:~:text=FULL%20STEAM%20AHEAD%20FOR%20THE,and%20vintage%20shows%20throughout%20Ireland. Though that is not till July so it would have to be a promise.

A book about traction engines - there are hundreds.

A flying lesson is always a great present and you get a very good feel of how an aircraft flies even on a stand-alone lesson. You get to climb, descend, bank, do climbing and descending turns at the outset. Eg you can get a 40 minute lesson at Weston for €140.

wildwillow

A visit to the steam museum in Straffan. They run the engines on Sundays.

Maybe combine it with a nice lunch somewhere.

NiceFella

Cheers all, some very good suggestions there!

Graces7

A day out he will enjoy and remember.... My wish as I have a landmark birthday soon ? A chopper ride to all my favourite places. I have a route planned, Rather than something he needs to keep, an experience to enjoy and a lovely meal included of course... Three score years and ten is a landmark birthday,... very special.

ronaneire

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120214379#Comment_120214379

Unfortunately the Steam Museum only opens from May to October. If you wait until then, it well worth a visit.

gipi

Subscription to a magazine on Vintage tractors or machinery? A quick Google had a few suggested titles.

I did this for my late father a number of years ago, got him a subscription to a gardening magazine (his passion). He loved it, and I had a guaranteed Christmas gift for him every year!

tabby aspreme

Depending on the budget, a good head torch or a trip to the great Dorset Steam Fair