Author's collection goes under the hammer

The recent model train auction at Vectis brought some fantastic results. The event, which saw over 600 lots entered, included The Sussex Collection of Hornby Dublo 2-rail plus further HO, OO and N Gauge items. There was also a terrific offering of Hornby Dublo 3 Rail, Tri-ang, Wrenn, Trix, Kitbuilt and Live Steam. Meccano and other constructional toys featured plus a varied selection of general trains, train related books, magazines and catalogues.

The auction also incorporated the much-anticipated Michael Foster British Toy Train Collection. Michael is the celebrated author of a series of four books on British Toy Trains, which are recognized as the ultimate reference guides for this sub section of model trains. The auction featured the models included in Volumes One and Two of these compendia.
Several of the auction lots went for well over their initial estimate, with a DJH Kitbuilt OO Gauge 4-6-0 loco and tender Claughton "Breadalbane" No.6017 doing exceptionally well. Professionally built and painted it was missing one nameplate to one side otherwise it was in near mint condition. Fitted with a portescap or similar motor. It sold for £1400 against a predicted £150 - £200
Lot 3005 came from the Michael D Foster Collection. The Whitanco WW1 "Barney E1" was a very early tinplate clockwork tank in tan with embossed rivet detail. It came with its original black metal tracks and the hatch at the rear opened to reveal a substantial clockwork motor. Although it had a non-original key the motor still worked when tested. Generally in good plus condition it did reveal some light surface wear and finally sold for £580.

Another impressive item from the collection was a Marx 351P over-painted locomotive with 351 tin-printed tender and two coaches. This clockwork O gauge locomotive was factory overpainted in red with a black smoke box with a tin printed tender in red and cream with "Mar Lines” logo to the sides. Two red and cream bogie coaches also featured the same "Mar Lines” logos to sides. The clockwork motor was working when tested and there was some light wear to finish but overall the item was in a good plus condition. The hammer dropped at £400 against a low estimate of £60 – I bet someone went away happy! ■