NEWBURY.- This spring, a remarkable collection of fine model engineering and transport related items will be auctioned at Donnington Priory, Dreweatts & Bloomsbury Auctions’ Newbury base. The sale, comprising 141 lots ranging from £20-£25,000, will take place at 12 noon on Wednesday 26th April 2017.

The top lot (lot 31, est. £20,000-£25,000) is a gold award winning model of a 7 1⁄4 inch gauge LSWR Beyer Peacock 2-4-0 Joseph Beattie Standard Well Tank Locomotive No 257, built by Mr John P Dean of Chichester in 2005 after four years work. This locomotive has won several awards, including The Model Engineer Exhibition 2007 Gold Award and the Bradbury Winter Memorial Challenge Cup.

Built in 1996/97 by Great Northern Steam Company as one of a pair, lot 32 is another sale highlight. The exhibition quality 7 1⁄4 inch gauge live steam coal fired model of the 0-6-0T Manx Northern Railway locomotive No.15 ’CALEDONIA’, is estimated at £15,000-£20,000. Similarly, lot 34 is a well-engineered 1 1⁄2 inch scale model of a 'Royal Chester' Allchin Agricultural traction engine, built by the late Mr T Quayle of Plymouth (est. £2,000-£2,500), beautifully finished in green, black and cream paintwork.

Among the nautical offerings, is a fine detailed 1/12th scale model of a Royal Navy Picket Boat ‘Orion’, built by Mr J Whitfield of Morton in Marsh, Gloucestershire (lot 100, est. £1,200-£1,500). Also on offer is a fine model of the Italian Navy’s sailing ship ‘Amerigo Vespucci’ (lot 97, est. £600-£800). From the range of aero related items is lot 101, a well-executed model of a First World War German Scout/Fighter Pflaz aeroplane, with fitted aero engine and propeller (est. £200-£300). The original full size planes came into service in 1918.

Further highlights from the sale include a stunning collection of vintage photographs collated by Amedée Gautier (lots 132-141). Gautier was at the centre of French journalism in the mid-20th century and built up a photographic archive, including photographs from the earliest days of aviation as well as motoring, cycling and motorcycling.