Antiques PR Publicity Announcements News and Information
Antiques PR Publicity Announcements News and Information

Gateway Gallery Auction to Offer Burkholder Train Collection

“I never thought I’d sell them” said Willliam Burkholder of his train collection, “but my sons and grandsons just aren’t interested.” Due to health considerations, Burkholder and his wife are relocating to Florida. Faced with the decision of what to do with his massive train collection, Burkholder decided auction was the answer. His collection will be sold at Gateway Gallery Auction in Chambersburg on January 2, 2010.

Over the last 10 years, Burkholder spent 400+ hours perfecting his 8’x21’ layout. With shelf after shelf of Lionel, American Flyer, MTH and Williams model trains as a backdrop, Burkholder and his “brakeman” Bandit (one the family Shitzus) operated the 3 train sets that zigzagged across the meticulously maintained landscape.

The Burkholder collection includes pre & post war, engines, dummies, tenders, passenger cars, transformers, cabooses and working accessories such as Mel’s Diner, Ford sales, Sinclair gas, a car wash, oil derricks and more. The collection, in working condition, has been cataloged for auction with a total of 440 lots + accessories.

Burkholder’s love affair with model trains began in his childhood and has only grown through-out the years. Will he miss them? Matter-of-fact as always Burkholder notes “Who knows? Once we move, I may decide to start again.”

The cataloged public auction of Burkholder’s trains will be January 2 at 10 AM at Gateway Gallery Auction located at 643 Kriner Road, Chambersburg, PA 17202. Preview for this auction will be Friday, January 1 from 2 PM – 5 PM. Complete photos and catalog listing available online at www.GatewayAuction.com or by calling 717-263-6512. Video of Burkholder’s running layout can be viewed on YouTube.