£100k success as heavyweights battle it out at Stoneleigh
AS an example of mathematical symmetry, it was nigh-on perfect. Each of the top five nameplates sold at Great Central’s September 1 auction at Stoneleigh recorded five-figure realisations – and their combined hammer prices totalled exactly £100,000.
The quintet was headed at £30,000 by 603 Squadron with matching squadron badge, from SR Battle of Britain Pacific No. 34077, followed by The Prince of Wales’s Volunteers South Lancashire from LMS Royal Scot No. 46137 (£26,500), and Knight of the Thistle from GWR Star class No. 4012 (£19,000).
Fourth was Loch Arkaig from LNER K2 No. 61764, whose £14,500 price resulted in more symmetry, in that the top selling quartet came from each of the ‘Big Four’railway companies. It was then the turn of the diesels, for the final member of the five-figure union at precisely £10,000 was Carmania, carried by Class 40 D218/40028 from 1962 until 1973.
BR made it onto the scoreboard thanks to from Britannia No. 70023 (£9600), after which it was from majestic Pacific to humble tank engine, for next up at £9000 was a nameplate from Isle of Wight O2 class 0-4-4T W31 A close-knit selection ensued, led by from LNER A3 No. 60080 and from GWR Star No. 4052, each at £8000, and from LNER B1 No. 61027 (£7700).
