Model trains and classic rail signs on track to make £80k at auction
PERFECTLY-PRESERVED LOTS UP FOR AUCTION IN COUNTY
A RARE and wonderful model train and railway collection is set to make its owner up to £80,000 at an auction being held in the county this month.
The vast collection represents a lifetime’s love of toy trains and historic railway paraphernalia from across Europe and as far afield as Japan.
It features a wide array of model locomotives and continental railway signs that are due to go under the hammer in an auction taking place over two days starting on Tuesday, February 22.
The auction, run by Gildings Auctioneers of Market Harborough, includes 710 lots and is reportedly the collection of a London-based owner.
Andrew Smith, the firm’s resident model railway specialist, described it as being among the most impressive of its type he has seen, in terms of size, range and quality.
“We are delighted to be auctioning this colossal and perfectly preserved collection of locomotives,” he said.
“This is a really exciting chance to acquire as-new locomotives, passenger coaches and accessories, many of which are now out of production and very hard to find.
“The quality of these models is exceptional, with full detailing. Many even have fitted working lights or sound.
“The quantity of European railway signage gives the sale an added dimension, with collectors able to bid on pieces to dress the walls of their own homes, railway yards and layout sheds.”
Day one of the auction will feature continental railway items, with day two focusing more on Japanese railways and the original continental railway station signs.
Andrew said: “The collection of
HO and N gauge model railways and signage was amassed by the owner on the many trips he took across Europe and in Japan, both for his hobby as a scale model railway collector and in the capacity of his job as a train designer for London Underground.
“The collection ranges from the 1970s to the late 2010s and almost all the locomotives are offered in unused mint condition in the original boxes.”
Standout lots featured in the auction include an impressive Acme Eurostar-City Italia set, with “very fine detailing” and in boxed, as-new condition.
It is joined by what Andrew describes as being a “wonder of the modern world” – a cased ninecar Kato Type E5 Shinkansen – the iconic Japanese streamlined bullet train. Both are estimated to fetch between £300 and £500.
Another highlight is a huge original enamel sign, pictured below, from the Champs Élysées – Clemenceau station on the Paris Métro, measuring 2m x 0.7m (6ft 6in x 2ft 3in).
Offered in great condition and estimated at between £1,000 and £2,000, Andrew said it is “ideal for any layout shed or as a modern interior piece”.
Andrew, who said excitement was already growing among model collectors, added: “This auction is a wonderful opportunity for collectors to acquire sought-after items from the globally-sourced collection of this highly prolific and knowledgeable collector and railway expert.
“Based on the high levels of interest we have seen at recent scale model railway auctions, we expect to see high demand across the two days.
“Owing to both the size and quality of the collection, we anticipate it will realise between £60,000 and £80,000.”
The sale will be conducted as an online-only live auction, with detailed condition reports available to prospective buyers.
■ To view the auction, or to discuss the sale of a similar collection, call 01858 410414, or visit the auction website: