So, Jasper Inlet Light is slated for breaking ground probably when I retire from the day job. :D But, I’ve been thinking about the lantern room from the beginning, figuring that would be one of the more difficult things to do.
While I was searching around online for options, I stumbled across the Harbour Lights Fresnel lens collectible series from the early 2000s. Most or all are retired, from what I’ve gathered, but there is always the secondary market to consider. There were a few I liked from the series, so I started keeping an eye out for one.
I lucked out and found this particular model new at City Lights Collectibles for a great price. This is the Third Order Beehive Fresnel Lens from Big Bay Point Lighthouse Michigan. It is roughly 8 1/4″ high including the wood base.
The glass itself measures 5 5/8″ tall. The glass portion is attached to the dark green plastic base, so the entire removable unit measures 7 1/8″ high. The model here is 5 3/4″ tall.
I found a reference stating that third order lenses are roughly 4′ 8″ tall, though I’m not sure if that means only the glass or the metal base as well. Even if this replica isn’t exactly 1:12 scale, I think it would make for a beautiful lantern room, which I’d likely end up scratch building to get the right fit. Greenleaf makes a 1:12 scale lighthouse kit, which might be worth looking into as well…it’s often easier to bash something than to start from scratch.
For size reference, here it is in the Heritage kitchen, which measures 8 1/8″ high by 10 1/8″ wide. I could easily make a lantern room 8″ square. If you’ve ever been in a lantern room of a lighthouse, you know how tight the quarters can be.
Yes, it lights. :D It’s a steady light, no flashing or rotating, but it’s lovely! I plan to set it out and enjoy it for its own beauty.
Because the glass and filigree base are removable, I can easily swap out the lighting mechanism. Cir-kit has a flashing beacon on the miniature market that would work wonderfully.
