The Maglite 4D is a very useful flashlight when retrofitted with an LED such as the TLE-6EX MiniStar5 (140+ Lumen)

http://www.thetorchsite.co.uk/TerraLUX_TLE-6EX.html

or the TTS-1WP LED (100 Lumen)

http://www.thetorchsite.co.uk/TTS_1_watt_Philips_LED_Upgrade.html

because of the capacity of the newly available LSD NiMH D cells, which are now available @ around 8-10,000 mAhrs. Alkaline D cells are also available at reasonable cost such as the Duracell Procell multi packs.



This charger setup can be powered from a 12V solar PV source such as a 20+ Watt Panel (the input is rated at 1Amp @ 12V) and will charge the 4 8500 mAhr cells in around 5-6 hrs. (this is equivalent to charging 16 AA Eneloops in one go).

The Maglite 4D with the 1W 100 Lumen TTS-1WP LED will give a burn time of around 35+ hours.

Maglite D and C models do still represent good value for money for there intended use. i.e. for home and vehicle use.