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Three years ago I tackled the Enterprise D w/fiber optics. Took me a while, but I finished it. Since
then I have struggled with finding new lighting sources for new models. Last, I came up with a novel approach to inexpensive, effective lighting. It comes already equipped with
"programing" and is cheap, doesn't involve a college degree to adapt it to a model, and doesn't generate a lot of heat, and can be bulbs come in many colors. It occurred to me to
use Christmas lights. That they are
really cheap on Dec. 26th also helps. I used these lights on a Voyager model to try it out (bigger windows) and it came out fantastic. I also used clear low temp hot glue to fill the window openings from the inside and trimmed even on the outside. It provided for a diffused light through the window. I didn't use colored bulbs on this one though, but just colored the clear pieces before assembling. The only drawback is that you have to find a small set (10-35) as they are set up to work with only the amount of lights they come with. Granted it may be almost impossible to change bulbs, but these type of lights work far longer than ordinary incandescent bulbs. They are designed to work almost continuously for several seasons for tree lighting. My next project is the Enterprise E. I just need to find the patience to drill all the windows (very small ones at that). This time I'm going to use two sets, one for the nacelles and running lights (probably "chaser" lights) and another for general lighting.
Heres some pictures of the Voyager model I built. Its a little dark, but you can still see the lighting somewhat.
-- Ronald Brooks
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