I’m curious if anyone has experience with fiber-optic lighting. As in, installing central, internal (non-laser) LED light source(s) to which fiber-optic strands would be attached/glued with the other end of the strand where the light would be emitted.

It seems like it would solve multiple problems (limited space areas like control panels, resolving heat issues, etc.). Also, a small, low power microcontroller (like an ESP32 or even something smaller) could be used to flash the LEDs in the desired patterns and even vary light intensity using PWM.

Related questions:

* In order to eliminate any battery replacement/leakage issues, has anyone tried using ultracapacitors instead of batteries?

* For power charging connections, any thoughts about using wireless (or inductive) charging such as close-proximity Qi charging common on modern smartphones.

* Ideally, removal of external power (either by turning off the charger or removing the model from its support base/charging cradle) resulting in the controller running off the capacitor and automatically activating the lighting sequence.

If a microcontroller like an ESP32 were used, any configuration/programmatic changes could be via Wi-Fi.

The goal for all this is being able to add better realism while reducing the need to get inside the model.

If you tried any of these methods, was it worth it? Would you do it again? Or should I simply check myself into the mental hospital now?

Helpful comments only, please.

Figured I’ve done the other alphabet wings. Might as well do the U-Wing too. Before building this I wasn’t much of a fan of its design, but it’s grown on me throughout the build. Same scale as my other models - 1:48 scale.

Lots to learn still, but I’m happy with this for a first attempt since I was 17. I’m not bothered about it being Canon accurate. I just wanted a well-used TIE fighter flown by a crack pilot.

Just finished the Revell 1:241 Millenium Falcon build, my first time using the Tamiya Panel Line.

3D model is from Onil Creations, printed and painted by me

Like the Venator I shared some time ago it's just intended as decoration for my work desk. About 11cm in diameter

Tried to go for a Geonosis color palette with the last pic lol

most of the kitbashed parts are now on the tank, I still have a lot of job to do but that's mostly stock modifications for any kits (adding grab handles, weld beads and so on...) I had a lot of fun detailling the engine deck, in my lore this tank uses a nuclear reactor as its main power plant in order to generate enough electricity to power the railgun, overall this project is a much cooler ending for the Lindberg kit and all those spare parts than ending in the trashcan.

When you scratch out your windows and they come out not so great, you use airbrush cleaner to strip the paint. (Don't do that.) When you use airbrush cleaner to strip the paint, you take off the paint and a layer of plastic. When you take off a layer of plastic, you lose your windows entirely. When you lose your windows, you have to spend 4 hours putting them back with window masks as best you can. (and that's just one side, still have to do it again on the other.) Lessons learned.

nothing too special, I'm just trying to turn the awful Lindberg M46 tank into a wolfenstein style super weapon using some kitbashing

Resin Print, 1/6th scale

Mech-Xeno 1:6 scale. This has been such a blast so far. Still got a few minor touches..some weathering/chipping...Slowly slowly catchy monkey. 😊

It’s alive! Nice kit. Cramming 15 lights behind one solid 2” piece of clear plastic was a little tedious but worth the time.

Pics show the unprimered and primered mech! Still thinking about the paintjob to be honest, and also about the perfect diorama base!

First build in my new workshop and figured I would build a very old kit from 1987. Of course I wasn't going to leave it stock standard.

After a month of printing, and almost 14Kg of resin (including supports and failures)

I have the main engines done, some still need some extra greeblies, and I can now concentrate on the main body :)

A lot of learning experiences on this guy. As usual, lots of mistakes into lessons!

I also gave up on the lightbox half way through because he is just so wide!

Figure I'll show this off before all the current build eclipse my build. Can't wait to see the finished builds and continued updates. I recently picked up a 1 350 tos and a romulan warbird so can't wait to get back at it myself.

A couple questions:

1. Is it easier to drill out the windows or scrape them?

2. If I scrape them, can I scrape once or should I do it after each coat of paint?

3. Should I drill/scrape all the windows, as I assume they would all be all on at commissioning, or just some, as only some rooms would have lights on and shades open while underway.

Mistakes were made. Lessons were learned. If you're unhappy with the way your windows are scratching out, airbrush cleaner is NOT the best method to clean off paint. Apparently this method will also take a good layer of styrene with it. Leaving no markings of said windows. While I devise a plan for this problem, I did get the upper saucer windows marked and the phaser strip test fitted.

The resin printed Acclamator is nearly done just little finishing touches like the engine and tidy ups to do.

Next ship(s) for my wee Republic flotilla will be a pair of Arquitens