I'm not going to start beating my breast too soon. The Fry debacle is a shame. However, the preservation in the 50's-60's is a different story. We really do need to appreciate just how utterly broke this country was back then. Go look at Dorothea Lange's photos from '53 to appreciate that. That we have the locos we have is a minor miracle in it's own right. And don't forget we always have had only 6% of the UK population, to put in perspective the amount and volume of donations and volunteers.
Look at how lively the model scene is now though. The sheer breadth of RTR and kits available. Look at the greenways, Westport / Achill, Rathkeale to Abbeyfeale, and Galway to Clifden on the way. Not to mind, the great work done by Jackie Whelan at Moyasta. Watch that baby!
In summary, 'tis a shame, but "we've come a long way baby".
(Any chance Michael O'Leary is a secret modeller? By God, if he sponsored a new home, he'd make it turn a profit....)