THOUSANDS of tinplate and plastic model locomotives are expected to fetch more than £80,000 when they go under the hammer this week.

The impressive collection comprising of locos, rolling stock and model railway accessories are set to go to auction in a North-East model train sale hosted by collectable toy specialists.

The 628 lots of Hornby and O gauge models will be sold on Friday, September 29, in Thornaby, near Stockton.

Several locomotive lots carry an estimated value of more than £1,200 each and can be bought complete with stock to carry across model railways.

A miniature train indicator board complete with tiny clocks, platform numbers and destinations is also anticipated to attract at least £100 at auction.

Viewings of the lots will run from 8am until 10.30am on the day of the sale at Vectis Auctions, off Fleck Way, before the auction begins at 10.30am.