gerv 

I would probably do some more modern research before implementing this design.

I built up the Pond Scum light that cyccommute mentions, 20-watt halogen bulb, 1.5 xenon strobe taillight and a 3 pound lead-acid battery. It's more than a little clunky and the blinking light usually only lasts an hour. However, it has been very durable, bright as you could ever need and... did I mention it still works? I've had it 5 years on my winter commuter and it works pretty well.

But, as I said, there are a lot of pretty good light choices out there now that weren't available in 2006.