IN response to Mr S Holmes' inquiry regarding the fate of the Viking ship model at Blackburn railway station, it was removed from the station some years ago and taken back to the Isle of Man, where it can now be seen at the offices of the Steam Packet Company in Douglas.

It was removed for security reason, owing to the station not being staffed for 24 hours a day. Similarly, the King Orry model was removed from Lancaster station and is now on display at the Maritime Museum in Peel.

These lovely models, looking resplendent in their polished wood and plate glass cases, were a joy to behold. It is a pity they had to go, but there are those among us who hold nothing sacred, and we who find pleasure in beholding the beautiful things in life must pay the price.

R GREGSON (Mr), Hoghton.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.