Looking into adding Portland Head to my collection. Can anyone tell me the difference between the 404 and 404R versions?

You can see the difference in your Collectors Guide that John published. The only real difference is size. The original 404 was smaller then the 404R.

And here I always thought that one had a "R" in the release number.

bobo

Thanks for the info, Rich. That's why I posted my question. I was hoping someone had both. When I looked at the pictures in the Collectors Guide, it make it look like 404R is bigger, but they're both listed as 6 x 4.

The other difference between the two is the later Portland comes with a postcard picture of it that was taken by Paul Brady.

The first GLOW version was discontinued because it was two small. A larger version then was produced with the R tacked on its number. They both probally have the same dimensions because they were both rounded to the nearest inch. So it is possible that they could be as much as an inch different from each other but have the same size.

There was kind of a 'sweep' of major lighthouse GLOWs forced into retirement around 1997-98.

My memory is a bit fuzzy on this, but part of it might have been related to a shift in manufacturer (not necessarily country, but factory.) Perhaps the inability to get more pieces done from one place and not able to move the master molds to another, etc.

These included Boston Harbor (HL402/HL402R)page 73 and Portland Head (HL404/HL404R)page 260.

A year earlier, Barnegat went through a quick change after the first GLOW was way too "skinny". p.61

The only other GLOW that went through a "Revision" was Cape Hatteras, but this was primarily due to the move of the lighthouse. (HL401/HL401R) p.88-89

At one time, Kim said that ALL the GLOWs would eventually be redone as lighted pieces. Of course that never happened.

John..Southeast Light on Block Island also was reissued as 403R because of several model imperfections...fscjr NELL

Thanks, Frank... I thought I remembered 4 GLOWs reissued, but couldn't come up with that one late last night. p.311 in the Guide. I even looked at the checklist of GLOWs and completely missed the listing.

Re the revised GLOW version of Portland Head, I believe that there is one glaring difference between the earlier and later versions.

The later version has the dormer windows positioned way too high on the roof, almost on a level with the third story. You will notice, in comparing the two versions, that the dormers are more correctly placed in the original version, with their bottom edges closer in proximity to the edge of the roof.

I am working from memory, here, but I recall writing to Kim about the matter, sort of asking just HOW they could have gotten the revised version so wrong! I have no way of knowing, but I rather suspect that the LE Winter version was brought out partially as a means to correct this.

My feeling is that the revised versions of the GLOW Boston and Barnegat also suffer in comparison with the earlier versions.

Gee...just what you all wanted, an opinion!

Danny

Sounds like the HL317 version is the best to get.

I agree... HL 317 is surely the way to go especially if you like snow scenes. the piece is done very well!

I own both HL317 and a HL404R, and until I find a HL125 to purchase, the HL317 is my favorite Harbour Light Portland Head version. I am a sucker for "wintery" pieces. Hum, I wonder why?

I own both the HL404R and the HL317. I like the HL317 very Much. Being a Maine native, I think I really like the ones with snow. As long as it's not real!