Rare locomotives to go under the hammer

The sale, at Leicestershire-based Gildings Auctioneers, is a large multi-owner model train auction featuring over 500 lots. The standout lots are fourteen O gauge model locomotives from the collection of the late collector Paul Dowley, dating from the 1940s - 1970s. This collection includes three models by James Stanley Beeson (1906 - 1990).

The Beeson models in the auction are 2-rail examples of scratch-built Fine Scale O gauge locomotive and tender. An LNWR 4-6-0 136 'Minerva', built by Beeson in the early 1940s is estimated at £1,500 - £2,000. A scratch-built Fine Scale O gauge locomotive, LNWR Ramsbottom 0-6-0T 'Special Tank', circa 1963 is also estimated at £1,500 - £2,000. A scratch-built Fine Scale O gauge locomotive and tender, 'Belted Will' dating from around 1958, is estimated at £2,000 - £3,000. The latter two locomotives were ordered directly from Beeson by Dowley.

“We’re delighted to be offering these rare examples of the extraordinary craftsmanship of James Stanley Beeson in our Nostalgic Trains auction,” comments Gildings’ model railway specialist, Andrew Smith. “Due to the scarcity of these locomotives, we expect them to attract a great deal of interest from discerning collectors. Just like buses, you can wait a long time for one and then three turn up at once! Indeed, the fact that similar examples have sold for more than £10,000 when they have come up at auction means they could significantly exceed their estimates on the day.”

The auction also includes trainlines from the UK and across Europe and Japan. A wide range of gauges is represented including N, HO, HO3, OO, O and Gauge 1. From locos to rolling stock, to buildings and figures to complete the railway layout, the general condition of lots in this auction is very good given they have come from caring and discerning collectors.

Prospective bidders can register to receive an alert when the sale is available to view online or visit the website to arrange a viewing appointment.

Your weekly World of Railways newsletter

Are you subscribed to our weekly email newsletter? Don't miss the latest news, reviews, modelling advice and competitions.

Not subscribed to World-of-Railways Plus yet?

Don't miss great magazine archive content from Traction, Garden Rail, Engineering in Miniature and BRM magazines, plus bonus videos, trackplans, member-only competitions and RMweb Plus. See more here.