As a Ffestiniog Railway modeller (I must?admit to?having more of a kit collection than model collection), I was disappointed to hear that the 1979 double Fairlie 'Earl of Merioneth' was to be taken out of service due to the fact that many components are worn including the boiler, cradle and side tanks. My understanding was that she was to be scrapped although?some components?such as the bogies which are relatively recent would be used under a new Fairlie to be named 'James Spooner'. I now learn that 'The Earl' will be stored until there is enough time and resources to restore her. I'm glad about this because although she's not everyone's cup of tea in terms of locomotive design, I kind of like the old brick... I'm Just hoping EDM will develop?a kit?to go alongside their model of Merddin Emrys, which will be another?one for me to collect.
