Something to spend your pocket money on

Some nice models in the latest Derweatts auction.

WOW! what a fantastic sale. I had a look at everything, and noticed the large number of models made by the late Duncan Laidlaw. Also for sale were the lathe and mill they were made on. It is proof that you do not need hugely expensive equipment to make wonderful things, just skill.

Some beautiful models there. Could be some piggy banks getting emptied with these.

Just for awareness, the Canadian National Railways 8342 0-8-0 locomotive design by Mr M Evans and shown in the auction brochure is not faithful to the prototype CNR engine at all. If the buyer does not care about the accuracy of the details and appearance being close to the real engine, no problem, but be aware this model is NOT true to prototype. I have been told before that Mr Evans modified the design to suit loading gauge, etc. but as far as I know he never mentioned it was not accurate to the real thing (not even close) and maybe was counting on the mainly UK audience not to be familiar with CNR equipment details. As a Canadian and lifelong CNR fan and having some knowledge of the real engines, Mr Evans "freelancing" the model design is offensive. When I see this model I imagine feelings are much the same as they would be for a GWR fan seeing a vandalised King painted bright yellow with a cowcatcher and woodburner smokestack tacked on, or an LNER fan seeing a model of The Flying Scotsman done up like Thomas and painted bright blue.

I have no doubt it will pull well though, as the auction brochure mentions Mr Peter Dupen worked on it. His models were amazing, in general.

I did notice that there were a number of models of radio controlled aircraft.

I didn't realise that that was a thing.

I always find collections at auctions a somewhat bitter/sweet affair. It invariably means that someone with a passion and/or skill has passed on and what they have made/collected is being split up, hopefully to buyers who really appreciate how much effort and skill that went into assembling that collection in the first place.

That said there are some superb models there which deserve to go to a good home.

Thanks for the pointer Jason

Martin W

Always a great auction to have a look around as they only tend to accept the best. Unfortunately it's only online again. From my experience prices are always high at the hammer, and don't forget the buyer's premium (25% + taxes)!!

I think you are being a trifle unfair to the late Martin Evans here - not that he, like some other designers - didn't frequently play fast and loose with prototypes to produce his published designs, but rather that the model is freelance being based on his interpretation of a CNR 0-8-0 locomotive.

This may well have not been an accurate representation of a CNR prototype, but the 2-8-0 was a totally freelance adaptation to provide a leading truck to answer suggested criticisms about the trackholding of the 0-8-0

If anyone is to blame it might be the builder for putting a prototype number on a non-prototypical engine.