by Nick Lillitos
nlillitos@thekmgroup.co.uk

Fears that a stunning model railway would be smashed up in a loft after taking over 30 years to build have receded.

The miniature railway was lovingly constructed by the late Fred Lucas, 87, at his Bearsted bungalow in Weavering Street. He died last month leaving no next of kin.

It was feared the intricate model railway would have to be broken up after his executors handed over the property’s keys to the equity release company which now owns the bungalow.

But so far that has not happened, says Mr Lucas’s executor Peter Scobey. It is up to the equity release company and the new tenants what happens to it.

"I've now handed over the keys to the company,” said Mr Scobey. “It may be they will find a buyer who wishes to keep it in the loft. But so far I can say the railway is still there."