The whole business of "old stuff" being saved ... but then being an ongoing headache to look after ... has worried me for years.
...and the
GWR▸ before you. According to the minutes of the GWR Locomotive, Carriage & Stores Committee:
21st December 1905
18. Referring to minute No.19 of the 22nd of July 1903 the Locomotive Superintendant reported that the old broad gauge Engines "North Star" and "Lord of the Isles" which occupy much valuable space in the shops at Swindon have been offered to several institutions without success and upon his recommendation the committee approved of the same being broken up."
Later on, however, they did manage to find somewhere to store their old iron:
12th March 1931
Under circumstances which were represented the Committee approved the presentation, after renovation at a cost not exceeding £65, of the engine "City of Truro" (No 3717) and tender to the London and North Eastern Museum at York, on the understanding they would be returned if required in the future.
Source:
https://www.devboats.co.uk/