Daniel - thanks for your comments. I have an OVA loco which I know was available in 1959 (thanks to the catalog from that year that you sent me) and I have a PO type electric which apparently (at least according to my Hornby ref book) was available until 1954. I think these would be aga appropriate, but what do you think?
Oh you are right about sending the car the way the seller did but no damage was done and the shipping cost was very inexpensive, maybe he found a way to by-pass the e-bay shipping charges.
Best wishes
Don