Last week I decided to buy the Lightship Relief. My wife and I visited there last fall, and I felt it would make a nice addition to my collection. Over the last couple of days I've noticed how lonely it looks as the only ship amongst all my lighthouses. As luck would have it, while I was out LOOKING today I found the Columbia and the Portsmouth at 50% off. Just when I thought I'd gotten control of the HL itch, it sneaks up and bites me again. I've been battling this for the last seven years to no avail. I don't believe there is a cure.

The only 'cure' is to spend your time among fellow sufferers. That makes our affliction look 'normal.'

You're among friends here!

I'd say that your problem is your smelling too much exhaust fumes from the raceway and that is what is causing you to go berserk, loose all self control and buy those stupid little mounds of molded plaster, but, what is my problem. You COULD attribute it to hurricane fever but what about the rest of these poor souls on the Forums. Oh well, spend it now and let your kids worry about their dwindling inheritance.

It’s extremely difficult to squash this addiction that we all have somehow managed to acquire. Could we have allowed ourselves to become obsessed with a mental craving for just one more lighthouse or ship? Of course, seeing a potential target at 50% off doesn’t help the situation either.

This infatuation for those beautiful ladies has become somewhat of a dependency for some of us, including me. Collecting Harbour Lights can become a fixation that is difficult if not impossible to overcome. But if that’s the case, SO BE IT.

Bob

I don't think I would call it a "stupid hobby". It certainly can be a somewhat of an addictive hobby.

Originally, I was out to get the whole collection. I managed to accomplish that with the purchase of HL 111 Coquille River. The hunt was over and I settled into the mode of purchasing one each of all new LE releases and AB's. I thought that would be it, but it wasn't.

All of a sudden old time collectors were selling off rare pieces you wouldn't have been able to find 5-10 years ago. Lightning rod pieces, extremely low flag# pieces, Canadian pieces, etc., were suddenly available. Needless to say, many fellow collectors are taking advantage of this opportunity to purchase these pieces.

The addiction to purchase even more HL's was once again rekindled. Then came the overwhelming amount of "giveaways" on eBay. HL's were selling for drastically reduced prices and I find myself buying newer releases for rock bottom prices. Do I need these additional non-rare pieces? Absolutely not, but I'm still buying them. I figure that someday they will be sold for more than I paid for them.

The addiction does not stop with a complete collection.

:p Bob :p

I love the Lightship Relief but can't believe HL stopped making the nice cases. I priced one at a local store and would cost $125 to make. Seems kind of steep to me but the Relief won't last long without some protection. It is pretty delicate.
Judy

Bill/Judy,

Make a case yourself using my dimensions or buy a base and modify the dimensions. You can also go out and buy a Cheasapeake, Huron or Portsmouth at a discount and use that case for the relief.

Thanks, Rich. Can I still get the dimensions?
Judy

They're right here in this Forum under "Glass Case Dimensions".

That D-MN itch!!!!! I told myself that I would never buy another HL and Guess what???? This weekend, The George Cobb, Relief and the Nantucket. Dave I wish you had never told me about that HL dealer in Sturgeon Bay. It's all your fault!!!!!

Digger,

Just a suggestion -- maybe you might want to avoid Sturgeon Bay. JUST KIDDING.

Bob

That dealer in Sturgeon Bay has a lot of 'em, and lot's of Anchor Bay as well. Gets 5 of each piece on autoship, and sells them well. And about the nicest people you'll ever meet. Digger, were you up in Sturgeon Bay this weekend? anything at Bay Shipbuilding?
Mike

Mike, Currently they are still working on the 2 VERY large oil barges for the east coast as well as outfitting an ocean tug. No Lakers except for the poor RYERSON and no Salties. The yards looked pretty bare.

I forgot. When she found out we were from Indiana, The dealer (her name slips me)asked if we knew Paul the camera guy and that crazy Dave H.!

That quote says it ALL, Steve! LOL
Bob :rolleyes:

If you went to AMO Gallery, her name is Audrey M. Off (thus AMO).