Handmade Steam Trains…Where best to sell?

[matt1978]

My parents have downsized recently, with retirement in mind. As a consequence he now doesn’t have the space he once did for some of his collections (Antiques, Clocks, Barometers etc)

He has sold quite a bit off but is now considering selling these 3 hand-built steam trains. I don’t know much about them but they have run in the past, but none of them currently have a pressure certificate, I could find out some history (age etc) for anyone interested.

 

[Ali]

Perhaps worth finding a local model engineering club and asking their advice?

 

[Pete.]

I'd be asking on the model engineering forum. Plenty of steam enthusiasts there.

 

[matt1978]

Perhaps worth finding a local model engineering club and asking their

I'd be asking on the model engineering forum. Plenty of steam enthusiasts there.

Good advice. I’ll find out all the relevant info and put a post up on that forum.

Thanks

 

[Nomad]

Our local meuseum of science and engineering had a live steam scale railway in their grounds before they relocated to a city centre building, maybe worth asking your local places if you have anything similar. Ours for info https://discoverymuseum.org.uk/

 

[Robotstar5]

Try contacting Elmdon Model Engineering Society for advice, they build and operate all scales at the Wythall bus museum just off M42 J3

 

[Dilkris]

Sorry to ask a stupid question - but how big are those engines? (I can see nothing in the photo's to gauge perspective from.)

 

[Brad93]

@Milkybars might know where to ask

 

[matt1978]

I’d be guessing,
Obviously the Green is the smallest and the brown one is the largest by some way.

Sorry to ask a stupid question - but how big are those engines? (I can see nothing in the photo's to gauge perspective from.)

I’ll post the dimensions when I get chance later.

 

[Onthespotwelding]

Not worth much without the pressure certification unfortunately.

Would look nice on the mantle though

 

[fizzy]

Not worth much without the pressure certification unfortunately.

Would look nice on the mantle though

I have seen part complete project locos sell for £1500 without a boiler!
Depends on scale etc of course.

 

[fizzy]

My parents have downsized recently, with retirement in mind. As a consequence he now doesn’t have the space he once did for some of his collections (Antiques, Clocks, Barometers etc)

He has sold quite a bit off but is now considering selling these 3 hand-built steam trains. I don’t know much about them but they have run in the past, but none of them currently have a pressure certificate, I could find out some history (age etc) for anyone interested.

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Measure the width of the track in inches please.

 

[matt1978]

Update.

The Big Ruby one, is a "scratch built model", where someone has made all of the parts themselves. Circa 1950's.
It has a makers plaque L Billingham-Devizes. It is 2.5" gauge. Dimensions 560mm Long (880mm inc Coal Carriage) 130mm Wide 200mm Tall. Solid fuel.

The Medium Black one, is a kit built model. Circa 1930's. Binbrook model kit.
2.5" gauge. Dimensions 500mm Long (850mm inc Coal Carriage) 110mm Wide 170mm Tall. Methylated spirits

The Small Green one, is a kit built model. Circa 1930's. Bowman model kit.
1.25" gauge. Dimensions 310mm Long (490mm inc Coal Carriage) 70mm Wide 130mm Tall. Methylated spirits

They have all been "Steamed" in the past, but never since my father has owned them.

 

[matt1978]

Not worth much without the pressure certification unfortunately.

Would look nice on the mantle though

They have come off display in his old house, but no room in the new unfortunately.

Bit of a Chicken and egg regarding Steam Cert. If you fire them up to get the cert, you also run the risk of damaging the paint work etc. Guess it depends on if you want them for display or for actual use.

 

[fizzy]

Probably 3.5" gauge ?

 

[fizzy]

They have come off display in his old house, but no room in the new unfortunately.

Bit of a Chicken and egg regarding Steam Cert. If you fire them up to get the cert, you also run the risk of damaging the paint work etc. Guess it depends on if you want them for display or for actual use.

I thought they just did a hydrostatic test?

 

[matt1978]

I thought they just did a hydrostatic test?

Dont know.

My dad was under the impression that they had to be fired up?

 

[matt1978]

Probably 3.5" gauge ?

Apparently this was the original “garden gauge” around the1900’s? Although rare now. Unless i'm measuring it wrong which is always a possibility

 

[fizzy]

Try these people

Station Road Steam - Live Steam Models

www.stationroadsteam.com

They buy used models.
Or find out more and list on Ebay.
The LMS loco must be worth a fair bit.

 

[Pete.]

Steam cert or not they make nice conversation pieces especially that LMS 4-6-0.

My old man would have given you chapter and verse on them but he's long since passed.