What a find!

[Peter Butler]

As many of you are aware, I am passionate about everything associate with Rowland Emett and have been collecting memorabilia for some years now. Some items are very difficult to find and when they do appear you have to be determined to win them. One such was advertised on e-bay last week and I was fortunate enough to win it..... result!!!
Bear in mind that this was produced for the 1951 Festival of Britain Exhibition so is only two years younger than me, it was sold (mainly) to children who possibly didn't look after its many individual parts, all of which are intact here, (more than I can say for my own parts!), so this is a rare survivor.
Also, in post-war years, materials were still of poor quality and not designed or expected to last so that also reduces the number which have made it to the present time.
So..... what is it?

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This is 'Neptune' which ran on the 15" gauge line at the F.o.B hauling paying passengers. The jigsaw is one of three produced at the time, the others being 'Nellie' (also in my collection) and 'Wild Goose'..... out there somewhere just waiting for me!
Nellie.....

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[Dwayne]

Cool.

[FWLR]

Nice Peter, I did have a love of jigsaws when I was in hospital having my double, and I found them to be very relaxing.

[ge_rik]

Wow, Peter, how wonderful! I can attest to the range and quality of your collection of memorabilia, which certainly is impressive. Just in case anyone on here hasn't seen it, here's the video I took of Peter's intricate models of Emett rolling stock.



Rik

[steamer68]

A very nice collectors piece Peter and I do like the video of the Emett rolling stock.

[tom_tom_go]

I guess Emett for most of you is what Thomas the Tank was for me when I was even younger.

[ge_rik]

Emett and Heath Robinson were my childhood heroes

Rik

[FWLR]

Oh yes remember them so well, and watching this video on your channel about Peters wonderful modelling skills.

[bazzer42]

All eyes peeled for "wild goose". You've now got extra eyes looking.

[Peter Butler]

All eyes peeled for "wild goose". You've now got extra eyes looking.

Thanks Bazzer, that's very kind of you and I am grateful..... I wish you luck!

[Soar Valley Light]

Hi Peter,

What a rare and wonderful find. I'm delighted you've managed to acquire it.

Someone has to say this, it might as well be me.......

So you've got us all on a Wild Goose chase now!

I know, I know, I'll get my coat!

Andrew

[FWLR]

Please do Andrew

[Peter Butler]

Someone has to say this, it might as well be me.......

So you've got us all on a Wild Goose chase now!

Andrew

That's wonderful Andrew, thank you too!
I have to admit I didn't see that one coming..... that's a cracker.

E.bay is my usual source but local outlets, e.g Charity Shops are often full of surprises. Not everyone is aware of the potential interest in an ancient, childrens', jigsaw puzzle so one could easily find its way there.
For information, the box only measures about 7" x 5" and is in the form of a sleeve which opens at one end. It is little wonder not many have survived either being crushed or pieces falling out of the open unsealed end.
Thank you to anyone who is willing to make the effort to search..... please don't make it a priority.

[markoteal]

I'll add it to my list of "keep an eye out for"

Mrs H has me looking in Charity shops our for original travel scrabble games - they make great personalised framed pics for families using the letters (so the game doesn't have to be complete)

I of course am also looking at the toys through a 19:1 lens! (and of course the books for suitable train reference material)

[Peter Butler]

Thanks Mark, it all helps.... great idea about the Scrabble letters too, although I expect they are easier to find!