Showman Robert Willey's trains to sell at Lloyd Ralston Gallery Jan. 16

SHELTON, Conn. – Lloyd Ralston Gallery’s next auction, the sale of the Robert Willey train collection on Jan. 16, is taking on the buzz of a Broadway premiere. Willey, who died last year at age 88, was a director, actor and theatrical producer. He was married 54 years to actress Helen Wagner, who has played the role of matriarch Nancy Hughes on the daytime TV drama As the World Turns since it debuted in 1956.

Live Auctioneers will provide Internet live bidding.

Over 40 years Willey assembled an outstanding collection of mostly European trains with an emphasis on Marklin and Bing in HO, O and 1 gauges. The collection also features terrific Bassett-Lowke, Hornby, Elettren and Lionel in O gauge along with Aster and Fine Arts Models.

Three rare Marklin Gauge 1 Rheingold passenger cars are among the most anticipated lots.

“These cars are rare. There are probably less than 10 in the world. They were special order, not listed in the catalog,” said Glenn Ralston, noting that when the cars were made in the late 1930s Germany was shifting production to war materials.

In C8-9 condition, the three cars will sell as one lot with a $25,000-$35,000 estimate.

Another top lot in the auction is a Marklin 2651 Station that is expected to sell for $10,000-$15,000.

“I just learned today that I sold (Willey) this same station in 1998. It came from Ohio where it was on a layout for 30 years,” said Ralston.

The hand-painted tin station was made about 1905 and designed to be lit by candles. It measures 17 inches long by 12 inches deep and 12 1/2 inches high.

Slightly smaller, a Marklin Central Station Model 1941, features a cupola and English signage. This early 1900s station has a $4,000-$5,000 estimate.

Moving to the locomotives, a 2 gauge Bassett-Lowke Highland locomotive and tender is as close to the real deal a collector can get.

“It’s a live steam engine. Just fill it with water and light the alcohol burner at the bottom. Mom’s loved that toy,” said Ralston.

The auction catalog notes some paint flaking on this engine, which has a $4,000-$6,000 estimate.

An O gauge Marklin ME12920 locomotive and tender in hand-painted tin, C7-8, with its original box, has a $5,000-$6,000 estimate. The same model Marklin locomotive and tender is also available in a distinctive gray paint scheme.

An rakish Marklin SK800 locomotive and tender in HO, 16the version, has a $300-$400 estimate, but already has generated a dozen preliminary bids. The original box is included.

Preliminary bidding has been active for a 1 gauge Bing 11/8105/1 locomotive and tender, which is 28 inches long. With distinctive red trim and wheels, this set has a $1,500-$2,000 estimate.

A Marklin 2442 Double Lamp Post of painted cast iron with its original glass shades has an estimate of $2,000-$2,000. The 15-inch-tall lamp dates to 1910 and is designed to be lit with candles.

For details phone 203-924-5804.

To view the fully illustrated catalog and sign up to bid absentee or live via the Internet during the sale at www.LiveAuctioneers.com.

Click here to view Lloyd Ralston Gallery's complete catalog.