THROUGHOUT most of his life Doug Watson of Portskewett was an enthusiastic model-maker – and now following his death his huge collection is up for auction.
"It's a fantastic collection, especially the boats and trains," said auctioneer Ken Hayward at his Mitcheldean saleroom, where the models come under the hammer on Monday, July 24.
"There must be more than 800 lots altogether, including some 28 radio-controlled model boats and a narrow-guage diesel engine he used to take children for rides on at Glebelands, Newport."
The sale is expected to attract the attention of model enthusiasts from all over the country, with the radio-controlled boats being special items of interest.
Doug started like many youngsters making plastic model kits before becoming interested in model railways. He joined the Newport Model Engineering Society and started to accumulate models, later starting the Caldicot Car and Model Club.
His next enthusiasm was model boat building and he made many from scratch including tall ships and warships.
For many years he attended the Weymouth Festival where he held workshops for youngsters taking an interest in model-making.
He has appeared on television with his models and was known by model-makers throughout the country.
"The auction of his collection will be a fitting memorial to Doug's many years of work and devotion," said Mr Hayward.
Viewing for the sale takes place at the Mews saleroom in Mitcheldean on Sunday July 23 from 1pm-4pm and from 11am on the day of the sale.