This loco is described as ‘Near Mint’ condition because it looks perfect and appears to have no damage, nor any missing parts. There is little or no evidence that the loco has ever been run, save for the track-testing prior to listing.

It is in perfect working order.

It has been track-tested and is running perfectly.

The only reason that I haven’t described the loco as ‘Mint’ is because the box has some storage wear, but the loco is perfect - a very good collectors piece.

Provenance

This Loco was part of an extensive private collection, started over 50 years ago. The collector, John, served in the Royal Engineers from 1959, in over 26 countries around the world. During this time, he saw numerous steam locomotives still in service and this is where his love affair with train modelling began. He began his model collection shortly after leaving the Army in 1968. Years later, he found himself working in a model shop, taking models in lieu of payment. Much of his collection of over 400 locomotives remained in their main packing box, untouched and unopened.  When he did open anything for inspection, he would always wear white cotton gloves.  He often told his children “the box is as important as the model inside”.  

On 24th March 2020, the day after lockdown, in what was to become a year that nobody would ever forget, John went up to the loft to get some items and to put some boxes away.  Sadly, that was the last thing he did, as tragically he fell and died, aged 82.

Following such a terrible tragedy, John’s family felt it would be fitting that his entire life’s collection should be auctioned and open to other enthusiasts and collectors, and will hopefully form part of their treasured collections and maybe passed down to future generations.  They hope it is loved and appreciated for many years to come.

This locomotive is in mint condition because of the care that John took over his models and, in many cases, the loco has never been run, except for track testing..

The loco will be bubble wrapped and then cardboard wrapped for dispatch.

Dispatch is usually done on the following working day.

Please note that, because of their value, I am only dispatching these locos by Royal Mail Special Delivery or UPS next day, in order to provide enough insurance cover.

If you are buying two or more items within 3 days, please ask for a postage discount before paying for your items. Provided your total parcel size is within size and weight limits for small parcels, you may only have to pay one postage fee.

Any questions, please ask.