A 26-year-old man from Hereford has fulfilled a childhood dream by spending a fortune from his lottery win on an impressive collection of Thomas the Tank Engine models.
From Millionaire to Model Train Enthusiast
Neil Leighton scooped a £1 million prize in 2023 after playing a Cash Bolt Christmas Millionaire game on the National Lottery app, which he had downloaded just two days prior. The railway fanatic initially considered purchasing a full-size locomotive but ultimately decided on a different track.
He has since invested a staggering £40,000 of his winnings into acquiring memorabilia from the beloved children's television series. Neil describes this decision as a 'wise investment,' with the collection now valued as much as a real-life train.
Building a Dream Collection
Neil's extensive collection isn't limited to just the engines. He told the Mirror that it 'includes models of the carriages, main sheds the trains live in and many of the buildings you see in the background of the series.' Some items required restoration, a task he happily undertook with the help of friends to polish them up to display standard.
His passion for the show is evident throughout his four-bedroom home, which is decorated with pictures of characters like the station controller, Sir Topham Hat.
More Than Just Trains
While the model trains are a centrepiece of his new life, Neil has also used his windfall for other experiences. He treated 14 friends to a luxury five-star villa holiday complete with a yacht and has taken his family on amazing trips. He also owns a lovely home fitted with his beloved train gear.
His connection to railways extends beyond collecting. Neil volunteers at the original Talyllyn Railway in Wales, which is believed to have inspired Reverend W. Awdry, the author of The Railway Series that Thomas the Tank Engine is based on. Neil also supports projects that keep the memory of the author alive.
Reflecting on his unique purchase, Neil said, 'It’s not the obvious choice for a National Lottery millionaire but if winning is about making dreams come true, it 100 per cent has made my dream come true.' He added that he is pretty sure his Grandad Bynon would approve of his choices.
The Thomas the Tank Engine TV show, which aired 584 episodes since the 1980s, is based on books first published in 1945 and follows the adventures of trains with human characteristics on the fictional island of Sodor.
