back lit panel help
Moderators: Sparky, Moderators
back lit panel help
i am putting the AMT star trek command bridge together, i got the backlit sheets for the controls.. but the only problem is 1) this is my first time with back-lit panels. 2) the instructions arent much help. does anybody know if i need to use a light source with them. can i use them as is. and any ideas on what kind of light source i would need. i have built many figure models, and like i said this is my first non figure kit. also how do you glue the panels on? thanks
A backlit panel yes, would need a light source. The panel allows light to pass thru it and illuminate buttons and screens and such. Depending on how many panels you have a simple setup of LEDs powered by two AA batteries will probably work. For attaching the panels I would sugget regular Elmers white glue, Micro Krystal Kleer, 5 minute epoxy, watch crystal cement, etc. I would stay away from regualr models glues and super glues as they may attack,craze and fog your panels as they are probably from some type of clear printed acetate.
I remember a snapshot posted at CulTVMan's site where someone took a very "casual" approach and simply wrapped a coil of "cable" lights (a string of LEDs housed in a flexible, transparent tube) around the outer "backside" of the fully assembled kit. You would still need a separate illumination source for the "astrogator" (Durr, is that something like a Gorn? 
) and the navi-helm console.
Sincerely,
Bill
) and the navi-helm console.Sincerely,
Bill
Tempt the Hand of Fate and it'll give you the "finger"!