>>If it could be done right without compromising their current quality standards the idea sounds interesting. <<

Right. Real glass in the lantern room panes and a miniature fresnel lens inside with rotating and/or periodic (oil-fired?) beacons as appropriate.

Its come up a couple times, but I'll vote again for a model of a fresnel lens. Glass or high quality lexan (or some nice clear plastic) with brass fittings. Probably require different production facilities.

I'll pass on blinking flashlight bulbs.

Do you ever wonder what the Chinese workers talk about as they paint these things?

Rgds,
__
/im