Celebrating: A Remarkable Model Train Legacy


June 2025

We are honoured to present the extraordinary collection of Dr Mike Brayshaw, a beloved figure whose passion for model trains grew into a lifetime of discovery. Over his lifetime Mike amassed a staggering collection, which we have meticulously currated into over 100 lots, reflecting his deep love for railway realism and craftsmanship. As we approach our Toys & Models Auction on Thursday 3 July, we celebrate both his legacy and offer a thoughtful opportunity for enthusiasts to explore and acquire parts of his remarkable railway world.  

The Man Behind the Models

Dr Mike Brayshaw was more than just an avid model railway enthusiast, he was a respected leader and mentor within the hobbyist community. As chairman of Trainshed, the Bridlington Model Railway Group, Mike guided fellow enthusiasts in what became a much-loved annual showcase at Emmanuel Church. Under his stewardship the event thrived, and his presentations, including awards like the Steve Waring Memorial Trophy, reflected his dedication to nurturing fellow modellers and celebrating their creativity.

Mike’s passion extended far beyond running a club. With an engineer’s precision and an educator’s eye for detail, he carefully researched each prototype before modelling it. He believed that a layout was only as good as its historical accuracy and technical fidelity, and his work reflected that philosophy. Every locomotive, signal, building and accessory was selected or built to reflect true-to-life standards. His collection, amassed over decades, was shaped by this ethos, each piece carrying his attention to detail, his preference for quality makers, and his love of storytelling through miniature landscapes.

To those who knew him, Mike was generous with his time, always ready to advise on DCC setups, provide tips on weathering, or share insights into the period accuracy of liveries and rolling stock. His legacy is not just the trains he collected, but the enthusiasm he inspired, the friendships he forged, and the countless model railway layouts he helped bring to life.

Left to Right: Lot 3013, Lot 3114 and Lot 3062

Highlights from the Brayshaw Collection

Dr Mike Brayshaw’s collection reflects a modeller’s eye and an enthusiast’s heart, it’s not just a set of locomotives and buildings, it’s a world lovingly built piece by piece. With over 100 lots included in the auction, the variety is a testament to decades of dedication and a deep appreciation for the detail that brings layouts to life.

Take, for example, his Heljan HO scale DCC-ready turntable, a beautifully engineered centrepiece, ideal for anyone building an operational hub with real presence. And then there’s the Hornby limited edition ‘Woolwinder’ locomotive in its original box, one of just 850 produced, finished in striking LNER green. It’s the kind of engine that makes a statement both in motion and in the display cabinet.

Mike also had a real love for unique builds, and it shows in the DJH kit-built A2 Raven Pacific ‘City of Newcastle’. Finished in classic apple green, it’s a piece that blends technical skill with aesthetic beauty, clearly built by someone who understood both the mechanics and the magic of the railway.

But it wasn’t just about engines. Scenery mattered just as much, and Mike collected dozens of trackside buildings from Hornby Skaledale and Bachmann Scenecraft, everything from country pubs to stone cottages and arched bridges. It’s easy to imagine the bustling miniature villages and countryside scenes these once populated.

Then there are the special editions, like the Bachmann National Railway Museum exclusive Atlantic C1 ‘3251’, and a wonderfully preserved selection of Triang Hornby locomotives, including classic names like Lord of the Isles and the LMS Coronation in blue. Each piece reflects Mike’s careful curation and preference for models with story, charm and presence.

It’s rare to see a collection that captures so many layers of the modelling experience, from technical builds to collectable releases, scenic detail to nostalgic icons. For anyone with a love of 00 gauge railways, this is a sale full of soul and substance.

Left to Right: Lot 3017, Lot 3118 and Lot 3000

Treasures Beyond the Trains

While Dr Mike Brayshaw’s collection is at the heart of this auction, there’s plenty more for collectors to get excited about. This is a sale that celebrates craftsmanship and nostalgia in many forms, not just railway-related.

One of the standout pieces is a stunning scratch-built live-steam model of a Showman’s Traction Engine, painted in bold red and yellow and packed with working details, from its canopy and chain steering to the brass fittings and dynamo. It's a serious piece of model engineering, full of presence and personality.

There’s also a nod to childhood favourites with a 1995 gold-plated Thunderbirds Are Go collector’s set by Matchbox, a gleaming tribute to Gerry Anderson’s iconic series and a limited edition Steiff bear, affectionately named Leo the 1912 Titanic Mourning Bear, created to mark the loss of the famous ship. It's a moving and beautifully made piece, ideal for collectors of Steiff, Titanic memorabilia or simply meaningful toys.

Together, the sale brings together a rich mix of items that speak to different corners of collecting, whether it’s the mechanical magic of live steam, the comforting charm of Steiff, or the iconic appeal of British sci-fi.

If model railways are your passion, you’ll feel right at home. But if you’re just here for the craftsmanship, nostalgia or the thrill of finding something unexpected, you’re just as likely to leave delighted.

Left to Right: Lot 3221, Lot 3128 and Lot 3165

Dr Mike Brayshaw’s collection stands as a testament to a lifetime of passion, precision and involvement in the model railway world. It’s a rare opportunity to engage with the kind of thoughtful, well-maintained collection that reflects both technical knowledge and genuine enthusiasm. Alongside Mike’s pieces, the sale also features a wide range of toys, models and steam collectables from other vendors, offering something for dedicated railway modellers and general collectors alike. Whether you’re looking to expand your layout or discover something unexpected, this is a sale not to miss.

Bidding is open now and ends Thursday 3 July from 11am.
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