Train Collection pulls into Final Station Russell Spear Jr. Lifetime Collection of model trains and railroad memoraibilia to be sold at Gateway Gallery Auction on April 4, 2009 & May 2, 2009.
Chambersburg, PA – The Russell Spear, Jr. Collection of model trains and railroad memorabilia represents a fabulous journey through one man’s lifetime passion. From his teen years in the 1930’s to his death in 2008, Russell Spear amassed a unique collection of model trains, railroad signs, lanterns, switches, semaphores, locks, stoves, relays and more that represents the steam, diesel, and electro-motive eras of railroads. The collection will be auctioned in two sales at Gateway Gallery Auction on April 4, 2009 and on May 2, 2009.
“His dream was to work on the railroad,” wife Martha Spear said when asked about her husband’s collection, “His granddad worked on a train. He loved trains all his life.” While Spear will be sorely missed, the display and sale of his collection will be a special time to honor Spear’s passion.
An open house preview will be held on April 3 from 2:00 – 6:00 PM and bidding will begin April 4 at 10:00 AM at Gateway Gallery Auction. A second auction of the un-inventoried items will be held May 2, 2009.
Married 61 years, Spear’s love of trains spilled into all aspects of their life, even overtaking their laundry room. “He had so many trains in the basement,” she jokes, “I had to go to the laundry-mat to do laundry!” They took trips to places like the Horseshoe curve; went to auctions, yard sales and flea markets; and rode trains whenever they could. Spear’s daughter, Nancy has a cherished photo of her father, taken April 14, 1978, on the “head end” of mail train 10 from Harrisburg, PA to Croxten, NJ. On the back of the photo he wrote “A trip to be remembered.” [PHOTO ATTACHED]
As the Spear collection pulls into its’ final station, Mrs. Spears hopes that her husband’s passion will plant the seed in the heart of another young collector and a new generation of train-lovers will be born.
Gateway Gallery Auction is located at 643 Kriner Road, Chambersburg, PA. A complete catalog may be previewed online at www.GatewayAuction.com. Additional, auction information is available by calling 717-263-6512 or visiting the company’s website.
