IRON MAN may be dominating the cinema box office but it was the “iron horse” that held sway in Forfar at the weekend.

A major sale of vintage steam engines once owned by a Kirriemuir collector made close to £500,000 at a sale on Saturday off the back of massive interest from across the UK.

Willie Smith, president of the Scottish Traction Engine Society, amassed a veritable treasure trove of steam engines and parts during a lifetime of avid collecting and restoration work before his death in October.

His dedication was recognised at the highest level in 2005 when he received a Transport Trust lifetime achievement award from Prince Michael of Kent.

The pride of his collection was three Fowler traction engines in varying states of repair—and they made well over £400,000 between them at Saturday’s sale after enthusiastic bidding from the large crowd.

The top sale on the day was a pristine Fowler Class A9 single cylinder traction engine known as Sam which had been rebuilt by Mr Smith and which, in a fitting twist, is set to return to its native Northern Ireland after its new owner paid £175,000 for it.

Willie’s widow Margaret, who shares her husband’s lifelong love of steam, was left almost speechless by the scenes on the day.

“I really don’t know what to say. I didn’t think they would make money like that,” she said.

“It’s a very sad day in a way and I would’ve kept them but his wish was that they be sold.

“I just hope they are as loved at their new homes,” she added.

“It was the first time that all of his collection has been together as a lot was dotted around the country.

“Everyone knows he had enormous enthusiasm for steam and now everybody will know just what he did have.

Another big seller on the day was a Fowler Class A9 compound road-roller which was partially restored.

It made a whopping £140,000 courtesy of an Aberdeenshire bidder.

The other big sale was a Fowler Class B4 compound locomotive on springs.

Although it is a non- runner at present, its status as one of the earliest complete machines of its kind ensured it still went for a huge £115,000 after a north Yorkshire bidder proved successful.

The sale took place at Forfar Mart and its managing director Graham Burke said, “It has been a tremendous sale and an excellent day. Even the small items inside the mart were sought after by collectors nationwide.

“There were a lot of folk here but then it’s an unusual sale to have in Scotland, so things like this will generate a lot of interest.”

The bulk of Willie’s collection may now be in other hands but those living on his doorstep will still get the chance to marvel at his handiwork over the years to come.

For Margaret still has one engine—known as Oor Willie—which she plans on showing at Glamis later in the year.