I've worked with them a LOT over the past few years. If you have a particular question I'd be happy to try and explain it as best I can. Basically, there are only two components: The light source (commonly LEDs) and the conduit to get the light from point A to point B (the fiber itself).
A few points to note:
The bigger the fiber, the brighter the end result.
The smaller the fiber, the tighter the bends it can make without kinking or breaking.
Use superglue to attach fibers to polystyrene.
Micro-drill bits are your friend! Use a size that closely matched the fiber you plan to use in your application(s).
Fibers can leak some residual light out their sides, if you're using them in an area where this extra light is a problem, just paint the fiber (I prefer silver first, then a topcote of the desired color).
I've found lighting very easy to add in several different ways to my past models. Fiber optics in and of themselves are quite simple in both set-up and operation. If you have a rudimentary background in electronics that will give you a HUGE jump in building simple circut boards and lighting systems for your kits.
Again, feel free to ask away with any specific questions you may have - happy to help out any way I can.
Brian~
"I may not fly with the eagles.....but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines!"