Memel (Klaipėda) Lighthouse (Lituania)

One of the first lighthouses on the northeastern Baltic coast, Klaipėda (Memel) Lighthouse, was built and lit on September 1, 1796. Only the lighthouses of Danzig and Travemünde were older. The lighting device consisted of 6 bronze reflectors, which reflected the light of the lanterns. Due to the weak effect of the reflectors, the light of the lighthouse was visible only as a full moon disk at a distance of 4 km from the coast. The importance of the port city reached its peak in 1807, when Memel became the temporary capital of Prussia, at the same time earning the title of Royal Maritime and Trade City. In 1812, a ravelin was built near the lighthouse, and gun emplacements were installed. To prevent the wind from blowing sand around the lighthouse, grass was sown and bushes were planted. In 1819 the lighthouse was raised (the author of the project was Samuel Irental), and a new lighting system was installed in it, which consisted of 13 copper reflectors, covered with polished silver plates, illuminated by 13 oil-fired lamps. At that time, the lighthouse's light spread over more, than 30 kilometers at sea. In 1874 the lighthouse tower began to be painted in a checkerboard pattern, with red and white squares, which is why it was called the Red Lighthouse. Not only was the light constantly on here, but more optical signals were also installed. For example, when it was dangerous for ships to sail into the port, a red flag was raised, and when it was safe, a yellow one. At night, the flags were illuminated. Since 1913 pulsed light signals began to operate in the lighthouse. Other devices were also important for port navigation - a pilot tower, a wind semaphore, and guide beacons. The Memel lighthouse was not only a symbol of the city, but also a significant highlight, a tourist attraction: from the tower You could admire the views of the sea, port and city. On the coastal road towards the lighthouse, there was a popular city restaurant-guesthouse "Strandvilla". In 1933 a radio beacon was installed in the tower. The Second World War was merciless for the Baltic lighthouses. In January 1945 the retreating Nazis blew up the Klaipėda lighthouse. According to another version, the lighthouse was destroyed by the "Katyusha"s fire of the attacking Soviet Army. Only the 4 m plinth part of this over 200-year-old lighthouse remains authentic. In 1952 a new, black-and-white striped reinforced concrete tower was built here.

A small, simple, colorful model, that is perfect for beginners and modelers with a little experience. You won't even need the help of more experienced friends.