Firefly Translites

[Mechamaniac]

Like most here, I've seen the Firefly translite bridge panel replicas on Ebay etc. But those specifically state that they cannot be backlit.

Has anyone made a backlit one, or considered making a backlit one?

I'd love to have a nice backlit display to hang on the wall behind my SereniFly shelf.

 

[JOATRASH FX]

I've thought about it a few times... would be pretty neat. Was thinking of maybe doing something with the QMX map... just never got 'round to it.

 

[Mechamaniac]

Well, if I understand the process correctly from what I've gleaned from the companions, you essentially print the image on one side of acetate, then a reverse of the image on the other side correct?

If that's the case, then I think the hardest part would be finding someone who could do the printing.

 

[JOATRASH FX]

I'm not sure there'd be a need for a reverse print (unless I'm missing something). Any modern printing house should be able to handle it... just don't expect it to be cheap if you only want one print. The poor man's method is to do it on an overhead sheet on a regular laser printer (or even an inkjet)... you won't get a perfect result, but it should work.

Well, if I understand the process correctly from what I've gleaned from the companions, you essentially print the image on one side of acetate, then a reverse of the image on the other side correct?

If that's the case, then I think the hardest part would be finding someone who could do the printing.

 

[Mechamaniac]

Ah, I'm wondering about the double sided printing because the ones I've seen on Ebay specifically say they cannot be backlit.

Has anyone bought one of those? Or...can anyone remember who the maker is? I don't see any on Ebay currently.

I may have to snag one just to see if the artwork is any good. I scoured the Firefly companions, but I don't see any good usable screen caps other than the one on the inset cover of Companion 2 which is not really the translite I'd want to replicate.

 

[JOATRASH FX]

For something like this, I wouldn't use a screencap or scan. It needs to be done from scratch for it to look good.

 

[Noeland]

Actually, I used to work for a sign company that did these, and usually it was only 1. But it's specialized equipment and not all sign shops will be able to do it. But, check around with any shops that advertize digital and large format printing, call em up and chat with them about what you need. I bet you'll be able to get it done reasonably.

It's a bit more expensive than a regular sign, because the media was expensive, but it was only printed on 1 side, and it backlit very nicely.

 

[Mechamaniac]

Cool, thanks Noeland.

The real problem is going to be coming up with the graphics.