Beeson perfection in auction house ‘special event’

EM 18mm gauge models of LMS Class 6P5F 2-6-0 No. 2706 and Class 7F 0-8-0 No. 9547, built by James Beeson, who to this day is universally regarded as one of the greatest model train makers ever, sold for £7000 each at a live online auction held by Gildings of Market Harborough on March 27.

Willesden-born Beeson (190690) had links to the film industry, including making model trains for the 1932 movie Rome Express and the 1938 Alfred Hitchcock classic The Lady Vanishes. The two models that went under the hammer were commissioned in 1966 by Leonard Bramson, who designed film posters and advertising leaflets for Columbia Pictures.

Beeson’s models are referred to as the Fabergé of model trains due to the unsurpassed metalcraft he achieved using jeweller’s tools.

In a 55-year career that began in 1924, he strived for perfection and insisted on making every part of each model himself, including the wheels, mechanisms, and castings.

Gildings’ toys and model railway specialist Alex Bradbury said: “A

Beeson model coming to auction is always a special event, and the prices achieved are testament to his incredible craftsmanship and unrivalled reputation among collectors. It is a trend we are seeing across all areas of collecting – when the real rarities emerge, collectors are there and willing to bid strongly for them.”

Although Beeson’s models were the stand-out headliners for the LMS in the sale, three Gauge 1 live steam models by Aster of Japan put on a determined show.

The leader of this three-strong selection at £2700 was GNR Stirling single 4-2-2 No. 1, ably supported by GWR No. 5027 Farleigh Castle (£2300), and the most famous of them all, LNER A3 No. 4472 Flying Scotsman, which fetched £2100.

Completing the four-figure realisation line-up were two O-gauge models, LMS Jubilee

No. 5593 Kolhapur (£1700) and a live steam Talyllyn Railway 0-4-2ST No. 4 Edward Thomas, which went to a new home for £1300. Prices exclude buyer’s premium of 20% (+ VAT).