The last time I visited the Science Museum just before the gallery was closed, I found it to be quite dated really, Yes, the models were of interest especially the working engine models - to me, but not to many others from what I could see. From what could find out the gallery had changed very little since it was opened in the sixties I think, and a lot of the models especially, the older ones were in need of a lot of TLC. It must also be faced that a majority of the exhibits had no relevance whatsoever to the lives of the younger, and not so young, generations. That of course might change in the future but if it does it will be a long way off.
Whilst on the subject of disappearing maritime collections, does anyone recall the "Oakhill Manor" Museum in Wiltshire? It was widely advertised in Model Boats in the seventies and I visited it in the mid seventies. It was crammed full of models especially maritime subjects including show case models from the shipping company's. One of which was, probably, the builders model of the Campania; the same vessel that can be seen in the pictures above, but before she was refitted with the extended forecastle and after deck extensions early in her career. This model I might add, was kept in the semi outdoor café with no glass in the case and just covered with tarpaulin!
LB