Before I begin...

[Gabesauce]

I'm brand new to lighting models, but have a decent background in electronics, so I know what I'm doing (Plus, I've extensively scoured these forums). I just have a few questions before I dive in.

1) When it comes to fiber optics, what is a pretty general, all-purpose diameter filament?

2) What AWG wire is recommended for lighting models?

3) Dremel drill bit sizes for knocking out windows on Trek-esque models?

4) In what situations are "Ultra-Bright" LEDs too bright, if any?

5) In what situations would Battery Power be more suitable than a wall transformer?


If it helps to answer any of the questions, I will be working mostly with Trek models, and maybe the occasional BSG or Babylon 5 thrown in.

Thanks in advance,
Gabe

[MillenniumFalsehood]

1) When it comes to fiber optics, what is a pretty general, all-purpose diameter filament?

It depends entirely on what model you're building. Large fibers would work well for the windows on the AMT Romulan Bird of Prey, but not for the windows on the 1:2500 Enterprise E. Just buy a sampling of as many sizes as you can, then if you see a size that works for the model you're building, buy a few dozen feet of it.

2) What AWG wire is recommended for lighting models?

Again, whatever works. If 18 guage is too big, try a smaller size. Most lighting circuits don't carry enough amperage to worry about wire guages.

3) Dremel drill bit sizes for knocking out windows on Trek-esque models?

Skip the Dremel and buy a pin vise. It works much better than a rotary tool for doing hundreds of windows.

4) In what situations are "Ultra-Bright" LEDs too bright, if any?

Definitely windows; ultrabrights in a window make the interior of a starship look like a paint booth, and I don't live in a paint booth. Also, warp engines look better with regular LEDs. In fact, I'd limit ultrabrights to things like formation lights, strobes, headlights, and other instances where a lot of light is desireable.

5) In what situations would Battery Power be more suitable than a wall transformer?

I find that batteries only work well when they're a part of the base, and then only for shows where there's not a guaranteed source of electrical power. Besides that, I also prefer batteries if my model is going on a shelf and I don't want a bunch of power cords cluttering it up.

[Gabesauce]

Why, thank you, kind sir. You're information has proved invaluable. Especially when it comes to the Pin Vise.

[Tchail]

3) Dremel drill bit sizes for knocking out windows on Trek-esque models?

After much searching for a source for dental burs, I finally ran across this site:

http://www.profitablehobbiesstore.com/h ... burs-1/16/

I bought the #1/2, #1/4, and #1/8

A pin vice is great for drilling out windows, but with rectangular and long oval windows, it helps to have a way of knocking out the bits of plastic in between your holes.

Hope this helps,

-Tchail