The Michael Foster Reference Collection of British Toy Trains

The likes of Hornby, Bassett-Lowke, Trix and Triang are well known to toy train enthusiasts and much has been written about them. However, several other British manufacturers also made toy trains from the 1900's to the mid 20th Century. Their products, ranging from the "cheap and cheerful" to Good representations of their prototypes, are important elements of the history the British toy train industry. Lack of research meant that there was little information available to collectors and some of these makers were, regrettably, neglected. Fortunately, after many years of research, Michael Foster has addressed these shortcomings with the publication of his series of books on British Toy Trains. Now the standard work of reference, the books are certain to generate an increasing and justifiable interest in these other makers. The series is being produced in four volumes. So far, three have been published. The following lots include many of the actual items that are featured and illustrated in the first two volumes and, as such, are significant and desirable artefacts representing the history of the British toy trains. (The reference in brackets at the end of each lot description is to the relevant pages in Michael's books)