[Carruthers]

Model train that took 10 YEARS to build and is an exact replica of the Duchess of Buccleuch is set to sell for record-breaking £200,000 at auction

A one-eighth scale model of the Duchess of Buccleuch train is tipped to reach a record £200,000 at auction.
The 10ft model is fitted with hardwood floors, sliding fire doors, pressure gauges and even a copper boiler.
It was made in the 1970s by train builder Harry Powell who used original drawings to create a working replica.
The model is based on the real Duchess of Buccleuch train, which operated on the West Coast Main Line between London and Glasgow for a quarter of a century.

Mr Powell used original drawings to create an exact working replica of the Duchess of Buccleuch, which operated on the West Coast Main Line between London and Glasgow for a quarter of a century

It is a throwback to the era when steam trains set world records. But this model locomotive is tipped to break a record of its own when it goes up for auction.

The one-eighth scale version of the Duchess of Buccleuch, described as one of the finest ever built, is expected to fetch £200,000.

It is one of two models of the loco made by renowned train builder Harry Powell.

The attention to detail is such that it is fitted with a copper boiler, safety valves, regulator, blower, whistle, brake, wheel reverse gear, sliding firedoors, pressure gauges, twin water sight gauges and a hardwood floor.

Painted in the original crimson London, Midland and Scottish Railway’s livery, it belonged to prominent model maker Ted Martin, who died aged 88 in 2010.

It is being sold by his estate at auction house Dreweatts, in Newbury, Berkshire, on March 12 with a pre-sale estimate of £150,000.

Michael Matthews, of Dreweatts, said the model is ‘as close as you can get to the real thing’ and could easily fetch £200,000.

He added: ‘Harry Powell is considered to be the Rembrandt of the model train making world. I would say it is one of the best railway models ever built.’

It's an astonishing level of detail and workmanship.
How does anyone have that degree of patience and dedication?

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