THE CARMICHAEL COLLECTION TRIUMPHS AT AUCTION

In a remarkable display of passion and dedication, the model railway collection of Andrew Carmichael, a Wakefield enthusiast, has made a spectacular mark at an auction held last week. This collection, nurtured with love over fifty years, not only highlighted Andrew's affection for railways but also showcased an impressive array of model locomotives, capturing the hearts of many in the model railway community.

Andrew Carmichael's journey into the world of model railways was fuelled by his childhood memories and a hereditary passion for trains, his wife, Evelyn shared with us. His early experiences with steam locomotives, especially during his visits to his uncle, the stationmaster at St Neots, sparked a lifelong admiration for the majestic A3 and A4 Pacifics that traversed the East Coast Mainline. 

Unlike many enthusiasts who venture into running train sets, Andrew devoted his time to collecting and building locomotives, creating a treasure trove of model trains that were proudly displayed in his home's large basement, transformed into a dedicated train room and workshop.

After being lovingly preserved for nine years following Andrew's passing, Evelyn decided it was time for this extraordinary collection to find new homes. The auction, held exclusively for the Carmichael Collection on the 22nd of March, featured over 300 steam locomotive models, presented in 104 lots, each telling a story of meticulous craftsmanship and a deep-rooted passion for the rails.

Just a few of our favourite highlights included...

Lot 3526 (pictured above, left)  introduced three DCC ready locomotives by Bachmann ‘00’ gauge, in pristine condition and each in their original packaging. The trio went for a well-deserved £140.

Lot 3516 (pictured above, right) showcased three ‘weathered’ Hornby ‘00’ gauge locomotives, each in its original box and presenting a slice of British rail history. They sold for £150, celebrating the rich legacy of British railways.

Lot 3566 (pictured above, left) showcased six model railway locomotive building kits, including rare and meticulously designed pieces from DJH Models, Caley Coaches, Mallard Models, Tru-Cast, and Pro-Scale, in their original boxes. Illustrating the diversity of model railway engineering and design, the collection achieved £220 on the day.

Lot 3500 (pictured above, right) offered a DJH Model ‘00’ gauge kit-built K40 Class U1 LNER Garratt and a similar LMS Beyer-Garratt locomotive, both showcasing the innovative engineering of the Garratt locomotives. The pair sold for £180, underscoring the historical and mechanical intrigue these models hold for collectors.

Lot 3603 (pictured above, left) featured six shelved cabinets designed for displaying ‘00’ gauge locomotives, accompanied by a collection of tools essential for model locomotive building. This lot fetched £320, underscoring the importance of practical elements and the craft behind model railway building.

Lot 3592 (pictured above, right) comprised seven kit-built steam locomotives in various numbers and wheel arrangements, each meticulously finished to represent different British railway companies. Showcasing the depth of the British steam era and the intricacies of kit-built models, this lot achieved £190.

The success of the auction not only commemorates Andrew Carmichael's exceptional collection but also celebrates the enduring attraction of model railway and the communal spirit it fosters among enthusiasts. This event stands as a testament to a hobby that transcends generations, weaving together memories, craftsmanship and a shared love for the rails. You can find the full sale results in the auction overview.

If you have something to sell simply get in touch with our team and see what your items could be worth!