Railway buffs forked out record amounts for historic nameplates from the iconic Intercity High Speed train fleet, including Spirit of Sunderland, raising £41,000 for charity.
The online auction organised by London North Eastern Railway (LNER) on Saturday attracted interest from around the world as seven nameplates went under the hammer.
Highland Chieftain proved most popular among enthusiasts, selling for £13,900, with Craigentinny and one Crest fetching £6,500. Auctioneers claim these are record prices for Class 43HST nameplates. The proceeds from the auction will go to LNER partner charity, the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM).
David Horne, managing director at LNER, said: “We are delighted these symbols of rail history have generated such interest and raised much needed funds for CALM.
“CALM has seen record demand for its helpline services this year with teams answering more than 70,000 calls and chats since lockdown in March. This money will help support even more people during these uncertain times.”
Also snapped up by collectors were National Railway Museum 40 Years 1975-2015 which sold for £6,100 and MTU Fascination of Power which went for £4,600.
Meanwhile Spirit of Sunderland sold for £4,100 as did Bounds Green while Lincolnshire Echo was bought for £1,700.
The proceeds of the auction will be added to the £230,000 LNER has already raised for CALM since the start of the partnership in October 2018.
The charity works to prevent suicide, the single biggest killer of men under 45 in the UK and the cause of 18 deaths a day.
Simon Gunning, CEO of CALM said: “LNER has been absolutely brilliant championing the CALM cause and raising funds for our vital helpline services. This auction is another example of its generosity.
“A lot has happened over the past eight months and the pandemic has affected our lives in many ways, which is why people are needing CALM and our helpline services more than ever."
