A Somerset enthusiast’s model train collection is to be sold by Lawrences Auctioneers of Crewkerne.
It was assembled by a Crewkerne man over several decades and the collection has been consigned for sale by his family.
It includes over 50 boxed locomotives by Hornby and Bachmann, mostly in mint condition. Also included are several hundred railway books, photographs, railway timetables, kits and other items.
The collection includes a cast iron locomotive number plate, a rare survivor from the age of steam trains and likely to be very sought after by collectors. This plate was originally from a 61XX Prairie Tank Locomotive, which was built in Swindon in 1931 and withdrawn in 1964. Lawrences has confirmed that the plates from this locomotive have never appeared in auction before.
Auctioneer Simon Jones said, “This is a fascinating collection, with items to suit most enthusiasts. Trains continue to be extremely popular in auction. With the extensive Internet access that our sales attract, we get bids from across the world.”
The trains will be sold in Lawrences Spring Collectors Sale on 22 May, with estimates ranging from £50-£500
