O gauge from Overland

For starters, there was a large quantity of boys’ comics of the Marvel genre, which included those valiant US heroes Spiderman, the Avengers, Thor, the X-men and Captain America: some very early examples turned up in the lots, so bidding was keen. Several lots of dolls’ house furniture in 1/12 scale also went under the hammer and doll collectors were well served by the number of Pedigree dolls that appeared.

However, particular items of note included the Overland Models 0 gauge 2R factory painted brass Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway 1790 Class 2-8-8-2 articulated loco No 1974: this was finished in black livery and was complete with a six axle tender and Lookout. Made by Ajin, this combination featured superb detailing and was fitted with both headlights and directional lighting. In a good box, this desirable lot finally sold for £950.

But really, it was the road transport that dominated. Leaving aside the heaps of diecast that featured in the room, a highly desirable Meccano Two-Seater Sports Car stood out. This clockwork-powered model was painted in red and blue livery and was complete with a steering wheel, headlights and a plated radiator and windscreen; it also bore the famous Meccano decal on its rear bodywork. At 21cm long, this impressive vehicle was described as good to very good condition and came with a key (although the auctioneer noted that the clockwork motor required attention). The car was set off by a good box and achieved a creditable £700.
Finally, homes for vehicles! The Lines Bros Tri-ang Minic A Garage took the form of a round-fronted, two storey building, which was fashioned from hardboard and featured a printed paper front. It retained a Tri-ang Minic illustration to one corner, as well as a plastic window display, and was fitted with an original plastic door and included a ramp to the interior. Measuring 48x30cm, it was described as good, in a better than good box, and was finally knocked down for £75.