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More detail about lighting 101 for the not so rich model builder!

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  • Member since
    November 2005
More detail about lighting 101 for the not so rich model builder!
Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, February 8, 2004 12:48 PM
So........odds are you've read my most recent auto post about lighting my 57 BelAir..... if not I suggest doing that so you aren't lost..... Now here's my idea....I just figured out that bare metal foil( if you build cars and don't have some...get some!) is a great form of super thin and self adhering type of "wiring." The idea here is to use thin strips of it placed inside the body work of the model to run from a battery pack in the ample cavity of the models trunk and put small lights in the headlights. Unfotunatley I am not the richest modeler and have to find my own ways to light things..... enter McDonnalds toys...cut out the lights and you're good to go. Problem is I could only find red lights from old toy police cars. So, I decided to use them as break lights, thank the lord my AMT kit has both front and rear clear ed lens covers, so if you are interested in how I plan to do this,or have ?'s, let me know..... This is a good idea and I want know what you guys think! Thanks for your ideas and time...Whistling [:-^]
  • Member since
    March 2003
  • From: Maine,USA
Posted by dubix88 on Sunday, February 8, 2004 2:16 PM
HEY,
Sounds like a great idea. Where did you get those old mickey D's toys? Anyway, the bulb was probably just painted red. Try washing it off and using different types of thinners. Im sure if you do some research, you could find out what kind of paint is used on the bulbs and find out what type of thinner to use. Sorry i couldnt help more.

Randy
THATS MY VOTE "If a woman has to choose between catching a fly ball and saving infant's life, she will choose to save the infant's life without even considering if there is a man on base." -Dave Barry In the words of the great Larry the Cable Guy, "GIT-R-DONE!!!"
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Monday, February 9, 2004 6:40 AM
Big Smile [:D]To tell the truth I never thought about that, thining out the bulbs paint! But as for where I found them..... i had an old pile of them in my little brothers room. But I also see them alot at the local flea market. Keep in mind that there are all sorts of other usefull parts in those toys, gears, motors, windups, lights, circut boards, ect. So they're a kind of untaped resource for the scratchbuilding community. Anhow....keep the ideas coming and what did you mean on my other post about your inout?????? Thanks and respond soon....!!! ByeWhistling [:-^]
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Monday, February 9, 2004 9:12 AM
So, I've finnaly decided. Situation pending, that is if i can get the red paint I have on all of my lights. I intend to drill out the rear tail/break lights, the front break lights, and the headlights. Now I have a new problem.... My original plan called for me to mount thebatteries in the trunk area, but then i was going to "wire" the lights by sticking bare metal foil to the inside of the body panel. If you've built this kit then you're most likley begining to see the problem. I'm not sure how to conect the foil wiring strips to the power source. Which is oing to be attached to a different & seperate piece. I need ideas on how to make a contact point I can safely build before the two body parts go together and be able to have confidence in the conection once i connect the body and chasis!!!!! HELP PLEASE!!!!!! Any ideas will be great!Blindfold [X-)]Help please I'm in the dark here!!! Thanks!
  • Member since
    June 2003
  • From: Reno, Nevada, USA
Posted by Silverback on Tuesday, February 10, 2004 2:16 PM
Get on over to Radio Shack (or whatever equivalent electronics toy store may be near you). They usually have battery cases for AA and AAA size batteries, and they have all of the necessart contacts to hold the batteries and small diameter wires to connect them.
As for connecting to the foil, I doubt theat Bare Metal Foilâ„¢ will take much soldering, so: at the end of the foil, wash off the adhesive with acetone, then fold it back on itself several times to make a substantial tab. Poke a hole through the tab and mechanically attach it to the wiring with OO or smaller brass screws and nuts.
  • Member since
    March 2003
  • From: Mesa AZ.
Posted by orvallin on Friday, February 13, 2004 9:09 PM
Another way to wire the power to your lights would be to buy a roll of winding wire from radio shack when you get the battery box. They cost about $3.00 a roll and should do several vehicles.

Orval Lindsey(Mesa Modeler)

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