WATCH: Sheffield auctioneer sells “fantastic piece of engineering” as model train bid to £13,400

Announcing the lot from the rostrum, John Morgan of Sheffield Auction Gallery said: “Lot 43, the star of the show. One of the most wonderful engines anyone’s ever asked me to handle.”

The model steam locomotive of an LMS 2-6-0 Hughes Crab that sold for £13,400 at Sheffield Auction Gallery.

Estimated at £10,000-15,000, the scale replica of an LMS 2-6-0 Hughes Crab steam locomotive was built in fine detail over many years by modelmaker Thomas Tegg, who embarked on the project in the 1990s. When finally completed, the model won a silver medal at the Model Engineering Exhibition in 2008 and was greatly commended the level of detail and the outstanding care taken over the scale.

Another view of the model steam locomotive of an LMS 2-6-0 Hughes Crab that sold for £13,400 at Sheffield Auction Gallery.

The Original Crab Locomotive was designed by George Hughes and built between 1926 and 1932. Of the 245 built in Harwich and Crewe, 3 are left in preservation, including the first locomotive in the national collection at York.

Tegg’s model is built to 5inch gauge and was offered at the auction complete with the medal, certificate and plans.

The certificate and medal from the Model Engineering Exhibition in 2008 awarded to the model locomotive on offer at Sheffield Auction Gallery.