- The Special travelling " BLF Flashlight" idea -

This idea came to mind after reading the story about the ” Brotherhood/ Sisterhood of the Traveling Lantern ” over on the Coleman Collectors Forum here:
http://www.colemancollectorsforum.com/post/brotherhood-sisterhood-of-the-traveling-lantern-6697064

- I am thinking of creating a “special” custom built/modified ” Flashlight ” to send on its journey here to BLF members.

- First i want to get all your opinion if anyone is interested in this.
Below are the basic rules and plans for what this is about and what those receiving it will need to do. (*based from the rules and story of the Traveling Lantern on CCF)

Here are the specifics:

1. The Traveling Flashlight is NOT FOR SALE.

2. Please Do Not keep The Traveling Flashlight, I will be putting my good faith in the members to keep this Light traveling from member to member on its adventure and spreading memories and stories.

3. Please take care of the traveling light’s basic needs when you have it, ( I.E. any repairs, etc.) It is a simple request really.

Ideally the Travelling BLF Flashlight would travel hand to hand, but most likely it would need be shipped it to the next person in another state, province, even Country, while trying to keep this simple and fun.

When you get the light take photos of it to post, take beam shots of it at night, take photos of it with known landmarks, photos of it with your flashlight collection, Take it camping! Etc.
just snap a few pictures along the way and post them in the Traveling Flashlight thread so we can see where it goes and what its been doing. Also post/pm in the thread to set up a meet with a good-standing member of BLF to send & pass the Light along to continue its adventure and stories.

I will have a paper Logbook to travel with it for everyone to sign and add a note, write messages or just log where its been or any repairs. I may construct a special “Travel” case for the light.
If there is enough interest, i will work on a light. It will likely be a “modified” version of a good budget Light to reflect what the BLF community is, so it may be a classic C8, or Defiant Zoomie, or even a completely custom built light, ( like my SteamPipe Light, and add a “glow Tube” to see it carry the BLF “glow” on its travels.)

Lets hear your thoughts on this BLF Traveling Flashlight idea. :slight_smile:

Update: Feb,9,2015

Ok there seems to be enough interest already to get this going.

± I will build the initial BLF Travel Light, the Log book, and the travel case. The light will be modded lightly either with a new driver, emitter, and i will do some cosmetic work on the light to give it some special markings distinguish it as the BLF Travel light.

- It will be a small light and keep the log book and case as small & light as possible to keep shipping costs down.

- It will be a popular “budget” model and easily moddable, use P60 drop-ins or common star & driver sizes, etc.

- Question: >> should we stick with a single 18650 format or go with a single, or dual-AA Format, or a light than can use either a `18650 or three-AAA carrier ?

  • Here are some light models i was thinking of that it could be:
    > Ultrafire 501B
    > Ultrafire 502B
    > Ultrafire or Convoy C8
    > Roche F12
    > Sipik SK68
    * if anyone can think of any other light models post here!

The few lights listed above, are all familiar models that most of us either have, had or seen, especially the 501 & 502 series, and were familiar with the mods they are capable of. +

IDK about traveling lights but, I do know that latitude 38 (a sailing magazine) was (still is as far as I know) the place where a “stolen” pink flamingo was shown “vacationing” at different locations around the world. It became really good fun to see where the flamingo was now.

I think C_K did something like this with one of his puke lights, a bit too lazy to search for the thread though :P

Sounds like a geocaching travel bug

I think this a great idea and would be willing to partake if it isn’t too much stretch to send to Perth (aus). It would be nice to see comparison shots of one light vs many members lights.

I would hope that the journey doesn’t holt/stagnate/end but I guess that’s a risk. The idea of a stolen item sending postcards home is 20 or more years old.

:bigsmile:

I think its a great idea. BTW, I dont think people can view your link unless they are CCF members. If the light is tough enough, I could drop it out of an aircraft into a large pool of mud and later retrieve it with a metal detector. I have a friend that could shoot the happy event and post it on youtube. Just make sure Im the last one to handle it in case it doesnt survive.

Maybe a lit 200A or 275 would be more suitable.

On a serious note, the route of flashlight travel should probably be organized by region to minimize shipping expenses. CDA-USA-MEX, etc

A nice idea. It would be interesting to see what the light gets up to on it’s travels… :email:

Why not. Just make it a small one to keep postage costs down.

That would be amazing if it could truly be hand-to-hand. There’s a few active on the board that are all in Texas, I wonder if hand-to-hand would work here.

http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:LWi40fb0BosJ:www.colemancollectorsforum.com/post/brotherhood-sisterhood-of-the-traveling-lantern-6697064%3F%26trail%3D48+&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=de

I've done something similar on a car enthusiast forum. certain tools you only need once or twice and they cost more than anybody wants to pay, turbo return drill bit and tap ($65) set of coil spring compressors, custom 1off valve spring compressor designed for one particular engine, ... works for awhile but eventually somebody flakes off, with the tool. I highly recommend making a mandatory minimum post count and join date for any potential user. I realize I'm cutting myself out of the loop since I'm new here but thats what it will take to make this venture a long lasting success. When my time does come I will be glad to partake!

I love the idea! I have a few constant output flashlights that I want to send around sometime to 'streamline' people's integrating spheres/pipes, but this has a way more romantic purpose :-) . It would be wonderful if the light has some unique features so that friends automatically ask about what light it is.

I saw this done over at CPF. It seemed to work pretty well. Only issue seemed to remind people time was up and they need to ship it. Of course you have to have a person willing or capable of shipping it to another country when that time comes. I guess I am trying to say, you dont want it to zig zag around the world. If its in China, it needs to finish it China journey first? Then move on to another country not to return to China until one cycle is complete?? Dig what I am trying to say?

Cool idea. I would be in. USA shipper here only! :bigsmile:

I think it would be cool to watch the BLF Traveling Light make its journey around the world. I don’t think I can commit to the rules right now, but maybe later on, I’ll jump in.

I like the idea!

But it should really be a one-of-a-kind flashlight, that is easily recognizable..

not one that can be found everywhere in the world like a C8 (to keep it unique).

And keeping it lightweight is also a good idea!

How about batteries? probably not a good idea.

You could implement Djozz`s idea, for people who have a lightbox! (but then the battery will be of importance as well I think).

Should run on AA or 14500? It would be interesting to compare shipping costs and times.

Send it to me .

I will wrap it in paracord , write a limerick about it , and give it a haircut .

Great idea!

Aluminum buzz cut?