Models are perhaps my favorite of all liner collectibles, as they are a way to truly enjoy the magnificent lines of these extraordinary vessels.  My first model was of the original Queen Elizabeth, acquired at a Christie's Auction in the late '90s.  This was followed by perhaps my favorite model which was purchased from SS United States memorabilia dealer Brian Minetree. It's an illuminated model of the SS United States, 42"X5"X7" complete with faux sea.  From another Christie's Auction, I acquired several models, including a European molded plastic illuminated SS United States, 46" X 4.5" X 6.5", which serves as my TV light.  Also in this lot was a magnificent 6' scratch built model of the first Queen Elizabeth which makes a gorgeous nightlight. With the help of model artisan Tom Nicolai, I had a custom built plexiglass case made to protect this one.  An Art Model Studios model of the SS Normandie came with this lot, and it was missing several pieces which Tom was able to expertly and lovingly reproduce.  One of the things I adore about Tom's restorations is that they are done in such a way that you simply cannot tell what was original and what was restored/reproduced.  He tries to preserve as much of the original patina as possible, so that his model reproductions retain much of their vintage appearance.  Check out his website here.  From this first lot, the obsession continued with the acquisition of models from Christie's Amsterdam and Kensington.  Three of these models by an unknown model maker also make the list of my favorites:  Mauretania, Aquitania, and Queen Elizabeth.  Each one of these is built in the same style, and while not high on detail, they display gorgeously nonetheless.

A fabulous 6-footer of the Big U turned up on eBay, and ended up on the credenza in my office where it took up every available inch of space.  This model came from Cabin Class Collectibles and had been beautifully restored -- its origins supposedly from the Popular Mechanics model plans which were popular in the ship's hey-day.  Ultimately, owning this model proved to be impractical as this was the only available horizontal space left in my home, so I re-listed it on eBay and sold it for almost three times what I paid for it!  It now graces the collection of a fine gentleman in Lisbon, Portugal, and a smaller Art Models Studios France occupies its former home.  The Italian liner Leonardo da Vinci was another eBay score, and this, too, was perfectly restored by Tom who also rewired the lighting inside.  I love how this model illuminates the entry to my bedroom.  While I don't have any of the Italian ships featured in my top ten pages, I do have a soft spot for their impeccable Italian mid-century modern design.  I recently picked up a book of large format black and white shots of the Raffaello -- not a favorite on the outside because of her inverted wastebasket-like funnels, but her interiors are simply to die for! From the collection of Ms. Jean Kroger Wiemeyer (referenced on my Normandie memorabilia page), I bought a very fanciful 6' model of that ship which had been in the travel department of their local bank and was purchased as a gift for her by her aunt.  The life-rings on this model are actual Life Savers candies.  Once again, Tom brought his artistry to the rescue, and when fully aglow at night, she makes a fine console table in my TV room.  Another beautiful model that arrived having seen better days was also brought back to life by you-know-who.  She's the Sitmar Cruise Lines' Fairstar and she looked as if she'd been sitting too long in a very sunny travel agent's window.  Some of her plastic pieces had buckled, and Tom was even able to return these to their original appearance.  When I redid one of my guest rooms as the SS United States room, this model made her way to my office at work.

I've always had a soft spot for the French Lines' Liberté, so when this model appeared in a Christie's catalog, I put in a telephone bid and won.  She's a lovely little vessel, and while not illuminated, she does ride proudly on a faux sea, looking for all the world as if she's alive and well.  This one required minimal restoration, and with her sleek lines, remains amongst my favorite models.  Having traveled aboard the Rotterdam V in her last incarnation as the Rembrandt, I was anxious to acquire this Dubbleman model which came up for auction on eBay.  Once again, she looked as if she had sailed some pretty rough seas, and Tom expertly brought her back to life with new decking, rigging, and rewired fluorescent lighting inside.  This model positively glows at night, with all her portholes alive, and serves as a beacon in my upstairs hallway.  I love this vessel so much that when Ken Schultz offered this smaller illuminated version, I snatched it up as quickly as possible.  For once, I managed to score a model that didn't need work!  The Dominion Monarch is not a particular favorite of mine as she is rather dowdy both inside and out.  Still, having acquired the collection of maritime historian Gordon Newell, who in his capacity as Port Commissioner of Seattle during the 1962 World's Fair in that city had brought the ship there to serve as a hotel and exhibit before her final trip to the breakers, I feel a sentimental allegiance to this particular model.  Scratch built and unfinished when it arrived, Tom took this project on and finished her in the style of her original builder -- including illumination which was not part of the original plan!  Finally, the old butler's pantry in my house has a huge built-in display case where I display my fleet of "ships under glass."  These are just a few of my models, but they represent an even larger part of my ship fascination!

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