Duncan Laidlaw was born in 1936 and after leaving school he served his apprenticeship in Hull with Messrs C.D.Holmes, Ship Builders and Marine Engineers, building triple expansion marine steam engines. He was called up in 1955 and served two years National Service training as an engine mechanic in the RAF working on Goblin Mk1 turbine engines, Derwent Mk 5 engines and Avon RA14 turbine engines. He spent the next 8 years in the Merchant Navy travelling all over the world becoming an engineering officer. He worked on nine different ships including the 1st original Queen Elizabeth. After leaving the Navy to get married Duncan’s shore-based years were spent working in the engineering world until retirement. During his last 20 years of life Duncan spent many hundreds of happy hours in his workshop in Bristol building his collection of model engines. 

Highlights

Highlights from the collection include Lot 51, a well engineered model of Alyn Foundry half-size Gardner model 0 horizontal internal combustion stationary engine. This model is gas fired, with the engine made to an open crank design. The model is finished in black and red paintwork with polished brightwork and set on a wooden base.

Another interesting model is Lot 66, a part built 3 inch scale model of a 3 ton Wallis & Steevens of Basingstoke, England 'Simplicity' live steam road roller. This model was built to the mid 1920's design by Plastow. There were only twenty full size road rollers of this type ever built and there are six in preservation.

We will also be offering Lot 38, a well engineered model of a 5 n.h.p 'Redwing' petrol internal combustion stationary engine. The engine is again made to an open crank design. The original full size engines were built by the Redwing Motor Company, USA.

AUCTION DETAILS
Tuesday 21 September | 10.30am
Donnington Priory, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 2JE

This is a live online auction with an auctioneer.

VIEWING:
Viewing at Donnington Priory:

• Sunday 19 September: 10am-2pm
• Monday 20 September: 10am-5pm
• Day of sale: from 8.30am

Visitors are encouraged to wear a face covering while in the building, use the hand sanitiser provided on entering and observe social distancing rules. We may need to restrict the numbers of visitors viewing at one time, so if you would prefer to book an appointment in advance, please contact us. To book an appointment to view, please email: transport@dreweatts.com or call 44 (0) 1635 553 553.

Our specialists will be providing detailed conditions reports and additional images as requested. Many of the lots already have condition reports so please check the website first (see text in italics at the end of the description). If you cannot see a condition report on the website, please click the “Ask a question” button to request one.

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