Things have been extremely quiet here at the AB thread. It's a little tough to drum-up interest when there is only one new AB release a year.

A reasonable and prudent person would surmise that Younger & Associates Anchor Bay releases from the past were not big sellers, especially when they were in their high priced cases.

Then the cases were eliminated and the price of the newer releases were around the price of a limited edition HL. I really don't know if sales increased because of that fact, but I'm sure a lot of current and retired Coast Guard Officers bought the newer pieces.

I think the newer pieces are very well made and reasonably priced. I like them, well almost all of them. I wasn't overjoyed with the Rigid Hull Inflatable. I did buy it because I do receive one of each AB release, but never displayed it.

I feel the time has come to come up with a new Lightship release. I sure many of you would love to see a new Lightship from your area of the country, as would I. It's no secret that I would love to see the Nantucket Lightship made. Maybe someday my wish will come true.

I know our CF member from the USCG have their wishes for another Coast Guard boat. That's okay too. Those boats fit right into the HL displays and look nice when displayed with the lighthouses.

I imagine as we draw closer to the end of 2002, and the 2003 HL releases will be announced, we may find out what is in store for the Anchor Bay line. Hopefully, it will be something that appeals to the majority of the collectors beyond those of us who buy one of everything anyways. (Note: except for the GLOW versions)

Note: the opinion above reflects the opinion of the author and no one else from Younger & Associates, our fellow collectors, anyone who wears a hard hat to work, a retiree, someone who may eat Krispy Kremes each day, or Chipper the "Wonder Dog".

Bob

Bob,

I don't have a single Anchor Bay Ship, but if they were to come out with the "Nantucket" Lightship, I would buy it. Now that's one I'd like to see made. Having been in the Navy (SeaBee's) the only ship I was on was an LST and believe me that's an experience I'll never forget as we were in a bad storm off Hatteras. I did enough rock and rolling that day to last a dozen lifetimes. So ships are not my bag, but I would definitely buy the "Nantucket" As long as it doesn't rock and roll. I think its called "listing" in the Navy!

Bert

I also have them all, but have always liked the lightships the best, since they fit better with my lighthouse themes. If I was to get excited for a new ship it would either be another lightship, or a good example of the lighthouse support ship like a tender.

Another lightship(Nantucket would be great) or a 327' High Endurance Cutter or 180' Bouy Tender would be OK with me. I'm with you Bob, the Rigid Hull Inflatable(innertube with a deck) was not my choice even though I bought it. I have all the Coast Guard Vessels and Lightships but none of the make believe ships and I certainly hope that HL does not return to the GENERIC family name vessels.

Rich

I think one of the old steam powered lighthouse tenders would be appropriate as it would fit in nicely with the lighthouses. They're old too!

Unfortunately I really don't care if Harbour Lights continues to produce Anchor Bay. There are to many open editions. This opinion comes from what used to be a diehard Anchor Bay Collector. :-(

Any releases will have to be unique, limited, and a real eye opener for me to spend anymore money on Anchor Bay.

Is there anyone else who would like to share their thoughts about the future of Anchor Bay? Does anyone think Harbour Lights should cut their losses and forget about AB's? Should they continue and release more lightships or more USCG vessels?

Bob

I hope they don't discontinue Anchor Bays until I have used up the remaining 5 empty glass cases that I have. I like the Anchor Bay line and hope that they continue to bring out 1 to 2 a year. I feel they should make 1 lightship a year and 1 Coast Guard vessel a year. That would be a good mix and would keep all ship lovers happy without over taxing the pocketbook. I would greatly miss the AB line, but as with everything else that HL has brought out open editions of, the AB line has also suffered by diminishing the value of the limited editions brought out first.

Rich

Psssst... what should be, deserves to be, I really want it to be here .

T

Harbour Lights brought out three AB's this year...

AB112 USCG Utility Boat
AB113 USCG 44' Life Boat Revised
AB114 USCG Rigid Hull Inflatable

If Harbour Lights wants to sell me an Anchor Bay,
it must meet the Following requirements:
1. Any Lightship or maybe one coast guard tall ship.
2. Limited edition of no more than 4,000 max.
(If a open edition is to follow, than the limited edition should be limited to 1,000
3. Glass case with the first 1000.

If the following criteria are not met, I will not buy any other Anchor Bays.

Sounds great to me!

imho