Railways score big in Oz

In Australia, the Trains, Planes and Automobiles auction in December had its usual interesting array of lots that ran from live steam engines, railway collectables, aeroplanes and aircraft kits, boats and ships, Norwegian trolls, French diecast soldiers, television and movie collectables as well as antique games and puzzles.

In particular the railway buff was well served. An ACE Trains C26/AS O-gauge Metropolitan Railway 150th Anniversary Set, comprising a Met Vickers Bo-Bo Locomotive "Dick Whittington" No.13; a first bogie coach and third brake bogie coach came up for grabs. This had been modified for high third rail running and was sold untested. In excellent condition and in a good box, against an estimate of AU$700–1,000, the group settled on the lower figure.

Two Maurlyn O gauge locomotives, one clockwork and one electric, plus a passenger coach also came under the hammer and despite being in pieces, the audience was interested enough to bid AU$260 against a guideline of AU$100-200. Another bargain was the ACE Trains O gauge LNER A3 Pacific 4-6-2 locomotive and tender, the "Flying Scotsman." No.4472, in green, the model appeared unrun, and so was excellent in an excellent box. The auctioneers were expecting in excess of AU$1,000 for this beauty but bidding petered out at AU$800. Expectations were back on track with the Hornby O gauge LMS snow plough, though. The model exhibited light paint loss on the rear of the wagon and the edges of the roof but was described as very good/excellent nonetheless. The wagon rolled away to make AU$220.

Bassett-Lowke needs no introduction and a Bassett-Lowke 2 gauge (two inch) three rail electric 4-6-2 tank locomotive, the "Great Central", in green, caused a lot of interest. Dating from around 1914, some detail parts were missing and some paint loss and rust were noted. Despite this, the upper estimate of AU$600 was exceeded, the train finding a new owner at AU$700.
Rarities? How about the Ernst Plank Stationary Gas Engine, with water tank? Around 230mm high, it had been modified, and lacked some parts. With instructions (barely legible!), it was classified only as fair yet despite its condition and guideline (AU$400), this item was deemed very interesting indeed, with the winning bid totalling AU$1,600.