i had the boxes delivered to work, and they arrived about 20mins before home time. dad had an appt after work so took the car. good thing, as theres no way i would have got them on the bike!
opening them was like 1000 christmases and birthdays all together. the photos on the listing werent the best, so all i knew was there was quite a bit of stuff, plus the monorail.
the first box i opened was track. i found a decent amount of double track curves, which was a great start! i also found a 3-way auto point track and a 4 way junction. mixed in amongst was a the special curves for the monorail, 8 in all.
the second box was girders and stations. there were a number of double width girders in grey! also some single and step ups in the same color.
the special supports for the monorail were there too, along with 2 large bridges and a number of stations and instruction sheets. these will be scanned and posted on here at some stage.
a yellow crossing with a bell was in this box too.
the third box was road track and tunnels. included was a road/rail over pass bridge and a turntable with japanese writing on it. 2 "action stops" were in as well, one with harold and the other with a windmill. when an engine stops, the blades turn. a bell station was also included.
the fourth box was more road track from the sellers mum. this wasnt part of the auction, and i am going to pay $20 for it, as it has some good stuff like sloped road, a tunnel over pass and a beat up instruction sheet.
the fifth box was the best! there was a bag in the top which contained a number of bullet trains. i was excited when i saw them... and nearly cried when i saw what was underneath! a blue time station!! this piece is rare and can run 4 tracks. it opens on both sides, like wings. they lay flat and each side has a track on it. the boiler door and a rear panel both open, with a third track running there. attach two arms, and you can hook up the monorail!
i had hoped the seller would have this, but when i asked about the monorail, the two photos she added didnt have it in. a wonderful surprise.
in the same box was a pile of blue track and also the green for talking thomas.
the last and heaviest box was trains, trains and more trains! mostly thomas, but a bit of japanese as well. also trees, signs and other assorted bits and bobs. three motorised tomica vehicles where also included, which is something i didnt have any of before.
so glad they came today, as when we asked the truck driver yesterday, it sounded like they wouldnt get here til monday. means i can spend tomorrow taking photos, testing engine and sorting things into their proper boxes. most of the thomas engines will end up in the parts box. some of the better ones i may try and sell, but will see tomorrow.