This review covers the Lighthouse 1:160 Scale Atlantis L70779. Its 22 pieces are molded in white and clear and has a battery (Two CR2032’s) powered light that fades at the top of the tower.

This kit’s scale, Aka "N" scale, is meant to be displayed separately or with numerous N scale ships and model railroads. This kit was originally released by Lindberg in 1969 and most recently re-issued in 2023 by Atlantis Models. Finished dimensions are~ L-11.5”W-6.5” H-10.5.”

Overall, it’s a nice level 2 snap kit but adding some glue in places is really a good idea, and we’ll show where to do that. There is also a leftover error that must be addressed for realism. Detailing the base is mandatory and the use of washes will really make details stand out. Rigging the poles is tricky but a product called EZLine makes it simple. The use of clear tint on the beacon’s lenses will enhance the kit for that extra touch.

There was a leftover molding feature that was abandoned when a new battery pack was sourced. That left an open slot in the base in front of the smokehouse between the walkways that needs to be filled before you paint. Additionally, the smokehouse roof didn't want to line up so I removed the locating ribs on the underside and centered it on top the building.

It's touted as a snap kit but using thin glue to keep the seem together on the tower should be done. The base is primed and then stippled with blackwash for a pocked look. The top of the outcropping was painted light gray and the stepping stones a dark yellow. Then, successive layers of thinned black wash was used to enhance those features. Spray a clear flat coat on the base after the color coats are dry. The water uses numerous shades of sea green or blues and whitewash the wave caps.

The tower is a finicky fit. Get the edges mated, then snap on a couple rubber bands to keep them in place. Use some thin C/A glue in segments down from the top on one side at a time to keep it together. Then, putty and finish the seem and sinks around the four bosses and receivers.

Attach four threads to the dinghy clevises and twist them at around 1½” above the boat and add a dab of C/A to form them into a cable. Install the boat on the base and stretch the EZLine up to the hoist pulley.

Feed the light stalk up into the beacon area. Tape it into position and switch on the light. In low light, it really stands out. And in daylight, it's a great looking model on your display shelf or fireplace mantle.

For centuries, the lighthouse was a beacon of hope and salvation for ships at sea. During periods of poor visibility, they were the only warning a ship had that they were near a coastline. Since the advent of onboard GPS systems, ships have found little use in the lighthouse. Many have been abandoned. Fortunately, their histories and architecture have garnered a following of dedicated preservation groups around the world.

Profuse thanks go to IPMS and Atlantis Models for bringing these old kits back and supplying them for review!