Fiber optics newbie

jgoldader · Post by **jgoldader** » Sat May 14, 2016 7:37 am

Hello all-

I've never lit a model with fibers before, but need to learn. Is there a good "fiber optics for dummies" reference out there? My bing-fu has failed me this morning, and there's no sticky here.

AFAIK, the order of business is this:

1. Design the circuit (I can do that)
2. Drill many holes
3. Run the fibers
4. Fix the fibers in place (black silicone? I saw that in one article) with some length sticking out
5. Test the lighting to make sure it all works
6. Assemble model
7. Paint model
8. Trim the fibers with a flush-cutting scissors

A long time ago I remember seeing references to using a hot soldering iron tip or such to melt the tips of the fibers to make a "mushroom" to spread the light out a little. Recommended or stupid?

Many thanks for your patience and help.

brt · Post by **brt** » Sat May 14, 2016 8:56 am

I have only done one model with fiber optics. I used 2 part epoxy for the strands. I would like to suggest cuticle nippers to get them as flush as possible. More patience than I had is needed to drill a series of windows in a straight line. (they look ok at a distance though)