Railroad hobbyist Percy Leigh had probably the costliest railway system in the world. It was designed by Lucas and Davies for him in the late 19th century. Now a six inch gauge model steam engine, which was part of this railway system is up for auction at Bonhams. It will be part of the Bonhams Veteran Motor Cars and Related Automobilia sale that will take place on 5 November 2010.
The pre-sale estimate is an impressive £25,000 – 35,000. This model has been described as ‘an exact duplicate on a small scale of an express of the London and North Western Railway.’ The original cost of this exquisite piece was £320 (not so cheap when you consider that it was built in the 19th century) and had taken nine months of hardwork to make.
The other highlights of this auction will include a 3 ½ inch gauge model of the London, Brighton & South Coast Railway 2-2-2 Locomotive, that is supposed to have been built in Brighton Loco Works alongside the main item in 1874 (estimate £5,000 – 8,000); a 5 inch model of the Great Northern Railway Stirling Single 4-2-2 Locomotive, that comes from the estate of the Duke of Argyll (estimate £5,000 – 8,000); and a 6 inch gauge model of the East India Railway 2-2-2 Well Tank Locomotive ‘Express’ that was commissioned by the East Indian Railway boardroom in London (estimate £15,000 – 20,000).
Via: ArtDaily
