For those who, like me, are interested in maritime history and particular ships, may like to read the amazing history of a fine vessel who had a fascinating history over many decades.
I was reading and researching the following members topic -
http://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=53995.new#new and whilst studying his photo of the Empress of Russia being 'coaled-up' I became interested in the lines of the collier attending her, It was obvious that it had been a square-rigged vessel at one time and I could just make out the name 'Melanope'
A bit of Googling etc produced an amazing story of the lifetime of this beautiful ship which had finished its working life in such a lowly position. This link will lead to the story which will take some time to read but it is well worth it.
http://bbprivateer.ca/?q=melanopeBob.
http://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=53995.new#new