Fiber Optics, Painting, & Decals: Which Order

zaphod · Post by **zaphod** » Wed Mar 09, 2005 11:12 pm

I've looked through several of the excellent threads on lighting, and was wondering how people plan a fiber optically-lit model.

In what order do you:
paint
drill
clear coat
decal?

I really should sit down and experiment with cheap kits first, I guess. Because I'm working with an out-of-production Star Trek kit, I could really use some advice. Please?

Mr. Badwrench · Post by **Mr. Badwrench** » Thu Mar 10, 2005 4:56 am

Maybe there are better ways out there to do this, but here is how I do it: Drill out the holes and insert the fibers first. Leave about a quarter inch sticking out, to trim off later. Once all the fibers are in, and you are sure everything is working normally, assemble the rest of the kit normally. Do all the putty and body work you need to do, etc. Prime and paint the kit, and even put on a clear gloss coat. Then trim the fibers as close to the surface as possible. Very carefully sand the tips flush with the surface, and try not to sand all the way through your clear coat. This is something that takes a lot of patience, and sometimes ends in failure, but don't sweat it too much. You will end up doing some touch-up painting, the trick is to keep it to a minimum. Anyway, once you've got all the fibers trimmed and sanded flush, touch up the mistakes where you sanded too deep, (hopefully not too many), and gloss coat again. Then add the decals, and a final gloss coat. You can add a flat coat here, if the model calls for it, without worrying about obscuring the fibers. It's just flat, but it's still clear.

seam-filler · Post by **seam-filler** » Thu Mar 10, 2005 7:48 am

I agree wich Badwrench, but leave the fibres loose (not glued) in position. That way you can still heat the end (to produce a lens) and either pull back or push through the fibre after you've done.

zaphod · Post by **zaphod** » Thu Mar 10, 2005 10:03 am

Thanks a bunch, Brad. That sounds very straight-forward.
You see, it's that one little piece of info that you need that allows you to get started. I'll be sure to post photos when I get the thing done.

Seam-filler, I'm guessing you would use a soldering iron to make a lens, is that right?

Mr. Badwrench · Post by **Mr. Badwrench** » Mon Mar 14, 2005 12:33 am

A lighter or a candle flame works pretty well. The real trick is trying to keep them all the same size.

Go Flight · Post by **Go Flight** » Sun Mar 20, 2005 1:01 pm

Pretty much the same technique except I cut the fiber optic at the very end after all the painting/weathering's done. I use the small curved bladed scissors that you can find in the beauty section of a drugstore.