Ogel Rock lighthouse with keeper minifigures - XL real world 70431 inspired MOC

[Murdoch17]

Ever since the 2020 Hidden Side set 70431 - The Lighthouse of Darkness was released, I've wanted to remake it into a version that would make me happy. And now I've done it!

I extended the height, added a opening back, changed the colors around, raised the footprint using some big rock pieces, and placed it all on a blue baseplate. The whole model (I named it Ogel Rock Lighthouse) was inspired by the setting of a Doctor Who four-episode serial, 'the Horror of Fang Rock' from late 1977.

The rear of the lighthouse.

The inside of this MOC is rather sparsely decorated, but there is a radio on the second floor, and two chairs set around a table with chess board on the first level. The two uppermost floors do not open at all and as such have no furniture, while at the very top the light spins. (No, it's not motorized!)

The Lighthouse keepers:

John Williamson - junior lighthouse keeper (on left) and Thomas Beckett - senior lighthouse keeper (on right)

The two men seen in the photo were sent to Ogel Rock Lighthouse, September 1st, 1899 for a six month season. Thomas Beckett and John Williamson had worked 3 prior seasons together (with Thomas having 15 years more experience as well), and were good friends with no reported quarrels or any other issues.

On December 13th, the freighter S.S. Helsinki passed through the area. They noticed the light was out and no response was given to hails over the wireless. Two days later when the Helsinki made port and filed a complaint with the British Govt., a relief crew was sent over to Ogel Rock to see what was wrong. They found the lighthouse deserted with the front door bashed inwards - torn completely from it's hinges. Food was still on the now-cold stove and a half eaten bowl of clam chowder on the table with another empty bowl nearby. The bad-weather gear was stored away properly, and the last log entry was dated December 10th and was signed by both keepers. It read in part: "Fog so thick you can cut with a knife has rolled in yesterday and won't leave. Strange noises outside the door too, almost like someone banging on it, trying to get in. Will investigate that more tomorrow morning, if this blasted fog lifts." Strangely, when ship-based weather records were then re-checked for the area, no fog was reported that week around Ogel Rock. Apart from the demolished front door and strange weather as reported by the log, there was no signs of struggle or anything unusual, and no trace of Williamson or Beckett was ever found.

Their fate remains a mystery to this day.