Lighthouses ARE blooming everywhere!
Another of my interests is garden railroads. As I scoped through my lates issue of "Garden Railways" magazine, I can across this fortuitous combination of interests:
The Morris Arboretum, the botanical garden of the UNiversity of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, has for the last four years had an extensive area in which there are garden railroads winding through the exhibits. The theme of this year's exhibit in the railroad garden, is: LIGHTHOUSES!
Twelve scale models replicas of lighthouses from American history. These will be added to the standard 30+ historical buildings from the Philadelphia area already on site.
The most fascinating thing about these structures is, that they are made entirely from natural materials - I mean, acorns, bark, leaves, twigs, seeds, resin, et cetera. It sounds strange, but I have seen some displays by the same artist before, and they are truly amazing!
Anyway, I am really excited about this confluence! My wife and I are making the trip tp Philly on the 21st of July. I'll take some pictures - maybe somebody can tell me how to make them available to the forum members. I think that if I can get good pictures, you will be blown away by the models.

Never heard of garden railroads Dave but sounds interesting. And arboretums are neat places. Will look forward to seeing photos of those "natural" lighthouses!

Dave,

I was half listening to an announcement about the morris Arboretum the other morning and I thought I heard something about Lighthouses, but they did not repeat it and I forgot to check it out later.

I live about 45 minutes from Philadelphia. I'll be waiting for your report. i'm sure my wife would enjoy going , even without the lighthouses.

Dennis

I didn't know you were into "G" scale. For those of you unfamiliar with "G" scale or garden scale, they are the big trains but not big enough to ride.

Lionel even has a "Lionel Lighthouse" this year. It is a replica of Cape Hatteras with dimensions of 12"x8"x18". The beacon rotates and makes simulated fog horn sounds. It sells for $159.95. I'll stick with HLs instead.

Bob

I'm tiptoing around the idea of building a "G"-scale (approx. 1/25) lighthouse of my own. Today I was talking with one of the EEs (Electrical Engineers) at work about the circuitry necessary to be able to approximate, with a 12-v. bulb or LED, the appearance of a rotating beacon. Of course, I want to be able to adjust the duration and frequency of the "sweep". Most G-scale layouts don't simulate a seacoast, but there's got to be a place for a LH somewhere!
ANd you're right about the $$. Why can't I pick a CHEAP hobby - my wife keeps asking...

There's a nice article about this in the latest Lighthouse Digest.

It even includes some pictures.

Dennis

Bob, I can't believe you aren't buying that lighthouse! Since you collect trains and lighthouses, that seems to be the best of both worlds! (LOL)

Dave,

Lighthouse Depot sells a rotating beacon for those of you who are building your own lighthouses, I believe it is around $95 or so. I am not sure if you can set the speed of the rotation though.

Rusty

The rotating beacons at light house depot are one speed only but they are nice in out door lights.Bill O'Brien