A one-off collection of some of the world's most desirable "miniature" locomotives , based on classic American designs , has gone to auction in the Westcountry (link below.)
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For more than 35 years , the eight steam and diesel locos have tooled along two mile-long tracks at the Dobwalls Adventure Park , near Liskeard , one of the Westcountry's first tourist attractions.

For owner Malcolm Southern , however, the auction is tinged with sadness. It was his father , a farmer named John , who commissioned engineers to build the first loco after buying his son a mini-railway set. It prompted a shared passion for trains.

The first replica loco ran in the Southerns' back garden and was the foundation stone on which the well-known adventure park was built.

But with a new dawn at Dobwalls - plans are moving ahead for a multi - million - pound arts centre and holiday homes - most of the trains had come to the end of the line.

It will not be the end of an era , however. One steam train - General Palmer , one of the first in the family - has been held back. After a refurbishment , it is intended the loco will circle the new arts centre.

Details of the sealed auction can be seen at www.locomotiveauction.com