Re-Entering the World of Trek Modeling + Dilemma!

[TonyG2]

you can light any ship if you have the skills/confidence/eyesight/bravado/insanity (check out some of the lit ones in the 2500 forum). But if you're just beginning or are not sure how crazy you are, then the bigger the scale the better off you are. The 350 scale kits were engineered to allow for lighting

Couldn't agree more. I have yet to work up the courage to have a go at lightning a kit that isn't already equipped with lighting. I bought the original Matchbox/AMT of the Enterprise refit that came with a lighting set using pea bulbs. Probably my crappy construction skills but it didn't come out that well.

I have been working on the Bandai 1/850 Enterprise refit for some time.

https://www.starshipmodeler.com/trek/jr_enta.htm

Its still at the test fitting level. I am still nervous about really getting on with it not the least as I don't want to mess it up. After all it goes for silly money prices on Ebay. There are examples presently going for over £300

I do wish they had used an LED lighting system however as I would have more faith in it lasting a decent while before failing. The AMT lightning survived about 6 weeks (but again, that may be due to my cack handed modelling at the time).

So given my hesitation completing models with a bespoke lighting set, actually creating a lighting system sends chills up my spine. And not in a good way.

[Moongrim]

My Bandai Enterprise still lights up, even now many years later.
But then she doesn't get lit up very often either.

And on the other hand- I can still take her apart and replace the lights if need be.

[NCC1966]

I may concur that the smaller the model the harder it is to be lighted.

[trekriffic]

I may concur that the smaller the model the harder it is to be lighted.

Smaller models can be a challenge. The big thing for me is to figure out how I'm going to cram all the wires in.

My 1/000 Reliant Test Shot build was a chore...

But the final result was worth it...

IMG_9055.jpg (82.24 KiB) Viewed 2536 times

[michelalano]

But the final result was worth it...

IMG_9055.jpg

VERY well worth it. Bravo! This is what gets me every time. I see a finished pic and think OMG I must do this, and then I see the pic with the wires and say ooohhhhhhh heck no.

I am an architect by trade so I have the urge for everything to be neat and tidy, even when it won't be seen. I'm considering developing my own wiring "guide" in the computer. If I have an accurate drawing of the model I can estimate wiring lengths and connections before trying to do it practically. Maybe this would be a good way for me to learn about lighting models.

Actually, do any such guides exist already? I assume most lighting kits come with them but is there a free version out there to help DIY ers?

EDIT: I'm actually learning A LOT by browsing your flickr albums. WOW!

[trekriffic]

Tenacontrols has a number of lighting kits available. Check them out:

https://tenacontrols.com/index.html

I used their Reliant light kit for the model in my last post.

[MEATLOAFr]

Tenacontrols has a number of lighting kits available. Check them out:

https://tenacontrols.com/index.html

I used their Reliant light kit for the model in my last post.

for the price of some of those I could afford to screw up a few times doing it myself

[trekriffic]

Tenacontrols has a number of lighting kits available. Check them out:

https://tenacontrols.com/index.html

I used their Reliant light kit for the model in my last post.

for the price of some of those I could afford to screw up a few times doing it myself

I use them for mainly their flasher boards. I generally use my own LEDs, resistors, and wiring. If you have a program that will map out the wiring diagram based on the model that would be very handy. There are LED calculators out there that you can plug in your number of LEDs and current voltage and they will map out parallel or series circuits with resistor values for you but nothing as sophisticated as you suggest. At least I'm not aware of one. Perhaps others here on the board can speak to that better than I can.

[NCC1966]

And I am the one to say... do not buy lighting kits, instead use Arduino!