Lighting For Beginner.

Got a question about techniques, materials or other aspects of physically building a model? This is the place to ask.

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themage
Posts: 166
Joined: Mon Dec 01, 2003 3:21 am

Lighting For Beginner.

Post by themage »

Hello all, I want to add some lights to various model kits. Some examples are headlights for car models - lights for diorama scene - sci-fi. I looked on this forum for turtorials etc.. but have not found too much for beginner. What are some good sites or topics you know of. Also what are some of the names of lights i can use.

I bought a display case for a car model and it came with some cool small lights that got me really excited but i need help to learn about them. Thanks.
Scott Hasty
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Location: Chesapeake, VA

Post by Scott Hasty »

There's nothing quick and dirty about electronics, but try this site if you want to learn the basics:

http://library.thinkquest.org/16497/

Scottie
I am fearful when I see people substituting fear for reason
en'til Zog
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Location: The Wilds of Northwoods Wisconsin

Post by en'til Zog »

There are a lot of threads in this forum on basic lighting - you just have to search or dig a bit for them. There are also some articles on the main site on basic lighting.

Essentially - light bulbs are simple to work with, give off lots of heat, use lots of current, and burn out easily - often in the middle of a contest.

LEDs are Light Emitting Diodes and are not quite so simple, are very efficient and run cool, use very little current, and can last decades if properly used. (I have a bunch of displays that have been running CONSTANTLY for a third of a century sitting on my computer.)

I will NOT use light bulbs any more, even if threatened. LEDs are much more effective and useful.

GO! Search! Learn a bit! And...

Model ON!
Where there's a Will....there's Probate.
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TimeScape
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Location: Ottawa

Post by TimeScape »

There is an article entitled "Model Lighting 101" that explains basic circuits for lighting models. Here's a couple of links:

www.culttvman.com/assets/Model_Lighting_.pdf


http://www.starshipmodeler.com/events/w ... 02Rev).doc

For some reason, the "(WFST02Ev).doc" part of the second link does not seem to be part of the link when you click on it. You will probably need to cut and paste. Sorry. :oops:
Never try to teach a pig to sing.... it wastes your time and annoys the pig.
Sparky
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Post by Sparky »

Go ahead and take a picture of the model stand or point us to the model and we can make suggestions on how to accomplish different lighting techniques. We go for caned solutions whenever possible. . . so there might be a little lighting toy that you can <A HREF="http://www.kc6sye.com/techmages_1_18_04_f.html" target="_blank">strip out the electronics</A> and <A HREF="http://www.kc6sye.com/techmages_8_21_03.html" target="_blank">put into the model</A>. . .

http://www.kc6sye.com/techmages_8_30_03.html
<a href="http://www.kc6sye.com/2_wheresaneatpart.jpg" target="_Sparky">Is this plastic thingy on the counter a neat part?</a> <a href="http://www.kc6sye.com/1_casting_inprogress.jpg" target="_Sparky">Let's cast it.</a>
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