Bing Locomotive and Tender Realises £3,400 at Vectis' Train & Toy Sale

Vectis Auctions’ Train & Toy Sale at The Benn Hall, Rugby, is always a popular event with 100s of fantastic railway items, from locomotives to tenders and even accessories or books. The sale on Saturday, 22nd was no different with numerous lots catching the attention of bidders in the saleroom, online and on the phones.

Several of the highlights came courtesy of model railway maker Bing, with a number of locos reaching four figure sums! A fine example, was lot 3259 a Bing Gauge 1 4-4-0 loco and tender, South East and Chatham Railway. The model was finished in SE&CR green, lined with yellow and white, with the regional crest to front splasher and running number to 516 to cabside. Despite having some overpainting the condition was considered to be generally excellent and, as such, it sold for £3,400.

Another treat from Bing was a clockwork Bing for Bassett-Lowke Gauge 1 0-4-4 Tank Loco, North Eastern Railway, painted in green and running No. 441. The locomotive was over varnished but still realised £1,000.

Elsewhere in the sale, another Bassett-Lowke item proved to be popular. This time it was a Carette for Bassett-Lowke, Gauge 1, North Eastern Railway ‘JT Lowke & Sons’ Boiler Wagon. Considered generally good plus to excellent condition, it almost doubled its lowest estimate to achieve £1,100.

However, it wasn’t just the locos or tenders that sold well and several buildings were also a hit with buyers. For example, a Bassett-Lowke Gauge 1 Single Road Engine Shed sold for £420, while a Bassett-Lowke Gauge 1 Station, featuring enamel signs for Bournville Cocoa, Sun Seeds, Pear’s Soap and Bovril, realised £440.