Tonka sells well down under

The Trains, Planes and Automobiles August sale in Australia wasn’t the biggest ever but nonetheless it attracted plenty of interest, even if most of it was from the Antipodes.

Typical of the fare was a Tonka 1950s pressed steel semi-trailer, the Green Giant. At 560mm overall and with some paint loss and a few dents, it was only in fair condition, but still made AUS$260. Exactly half that amount was the winning bid on a Walther & Stevenson Playthings catalogue, which even included two mail-order forms. In good condition, this sold well. For rail buffs, the Eureka HO-gauge NSWGR 4-6-0 locomotive and tender, with number 3801, was appealing in green. It was fitted with a rear Kadee coupling. In excellent condition with an excellent box, its upper estimate of US$600 wasn’t reached, the duo being knocked down for AUS$490.

Two early Robilt (Australia) empty wooden set boxes appeared in the sale, along with five lengths of track. Surprisingly the lot realised AUS$220, way over estimate. Still on railways, a Hallmen (again Australia) O gauge bogie passenger coach was deemed very desirable, although it bore some minor scratches and blemishes. Overall, put at very good, this was bid all the way to AUS$1,700.

As for Meccano, a spinning illuminated shop display certainly caught the eye. Around 500mm high, this was complete with 240V AC transformer and a 12VDC motor, which were both tested and working. The auctioneer noted that a few light globes needed replacing: it sold for AUS$310.

Finally, a Corgi Aviation Archive (reference 47502) 1/144 scale diecast Qantas Lockheed Constellation with box was in excellent condition and thanks to the livery, attracted several bids, before it closed on AUS$90.