Model/Diorama Lighting

[rmks2000]

I don't have any tips myself on this subject, but was hoping that this may be a good place to have others consolidate their techniques on lighting models. I myself have a model of Seattle's Space Needle and would like to light it when I eventually build it (need to first find the room to display this monster).

Some topics could be:
Types of lighting - direct/diffused/continuous/intermittent)

Hardware and placement thereof - LEDs, wheat bulbs, fiber optics, switches, circuits, batteries, etc.

Hardware suppliers

Etc.

This thread could also extend to sound effects and electric motors for props. I think that RC should be omitted since there are other threads and for that.

[SCEtoAUX]

One of the first places I look for small scale accessories is Micro Mark.
Here is a page with lights and stuff.
Electronic Items & Motors
Page 1 has some mini lights, page 2 has some fiber optics.

[peter taft]

Lights - Camera - Action..... When i get around to making a full cockpit, i have toyed with the idea of sandwiching a piece of semi translucent plastic between the back {solid panel} and front panel {instruments cut out} so that with a tiny wheat bulb or white L.E.D {glued to the edge} illuminates the panel indirectly giving a overall subtle light effect to all of the instruments.

[airdave]

I may have misunderstood the topic...at first i thought the question pertained to camera lighting.
Oh what the heck...

one very small trick I have found makes for a sometimes better still flash photo...

I hold a folded Tissue (Kleenex, Toilet paper, etc) in front of my flash.
Amazing how it diffuses the light and kills all the glare and major reflections but still allows a flash illumination.

I'm just sayin...its not only for bums and noses.

[airdave]

Originally Posted by peter taft

Lights - Camera - Action..... When i get around to making a full cockpit, i have toyed with the idea of sandwiching a piece of semi translucent plastic between the back {solid panel} and front panel {instruments cut out} so that with a tiny wheat bulb or white L.E.D {glued to the edge} illuminates the panel indirectly giving a overall subtle light effect to all of the instruments.

If you drill holes in the plastic sheet, then touch a light to the edge,
the edges of the holes will illuminate...like surrounding lights for the gauges.




.........................
heehee
I was thinking...if you jammed some clear white christmas light bulbs into the wings of your next B24 model
and plugged it in
you could simulate an in-flight engine fire?
Dat make a cool diorama!

[peter taft]

Originally Posted by airdave

I may have misunderstood the topic...at first i thought the question pertained to camera lighting.
Oh what the heck...

one very small trick I have found makes for a sometimes better still flash photo...

I hold a folded Tissue (Kleenex, Toilet paper, etc) in front of my flash.
Amazing how it diffuses the light and kills all the glare and major reflections but still allows a flash illumination.

I'm just sayin...its not only for bums and noses.

This is what i used for many years, especially in portrait photography {way before computer picture enhancements were here} Kills the PEAK of the strobe, but allows the rest to reach the subject - much more subtle effect.

[peter taft]

Originally Posted by airdave

If you drill holes in the plastic sheet, then touch a light to the edge,
the edges of the holes will illuminate...like surrounding lights for the gauges.




.........................
heehee
I was thinking...if you jammed some clear white christmas light bulbs into the wings of your next B24 model
and plugged it in
you could simulate an in-flight engine fire?
Dat make a cool diorama!

Now that is COOOOOOL Great idea mate Diorama oh yes i remember that...urm,,,, will get back to that some day :D

[rmks2000]

Thanks guys! Micro Mark has some great stuff if a bit pricey. Also a good tip on camera shots.

[Doubting Thomas]

Hi,

There's a company called Cir-Kit for doll houses that sells GOW and GOR (Grain of Wheat/Rice) bulbs. Bulbs are usually less than 2.00 and they also sell in bulk too.
3, 12 or 16 volts.

Jeff L.

[bagpiper]

Thanks for telling us about this company DoubtingThomas. I hope you don't mind but I have added the link here also. Click below to find the site.

Cir Kit

Cheers
Jim