Hi, New Guy's FM Falcon
- Thread starter mktodd
- Start date
mktodd
Sr Member
Hi, Quartz was asking in another thread about the Fiber optics I added, so I thought I'd share this...
I got several feet of Jacketed Cable in a couple of different diameters from this place:
http://www.fiberopticproducts.com/
It was pretty cheap and you can cut it to length and depending on the footage you order, there should be plenty to spare.
A couple if tips. Don't use Superglue or styrene glue, it will melt the fiber. Use expoxy resin to glue it in place.
Also, leave a few cm's sticking out whilst you paint then cut it back when you're done. I also used some red ligthing gel to get the red lights. Rather than have a different red LED with different voltage drop and current draw I used another of the white leds I had. It made the wiring easier.
So, there you have it...
I got several feet of Jacketed Cable in a couple of different diameters from this place:
http://www.fiberopticproducts.com/
It was pretty cheap and you can cut it to length and depending on the footage you order, there should be plenty to spare.
A couple if tips. Don't use Superglue or styrene glue, it will melt the fiber. Use expoxy resin to glue it in place.
Also, leave a few cm's sticking out whilst you paint then cut it back when you're done. I also used some red ligthing gel to get the red lights. Rather than have a different red LED with different voltage drop and current draw I used another of the white leds I had. It made the wiring easier.
So, there you have it...
Yes, I had some questions about this indeed. Ok, so I'm gonna fish for some details before I order this stuff. What size did you end up using for the small running lights? They look perfect.
What size are the larger ones near the escape pods?
How many feet would you recommend I order?
Do you mean epoxy glue? Like two-part 5 minute epoxy? I have pleanty of that
Did you just cut your ends flush on the exterior? I noticed you created some round trim around each light. Any tips on those?
Finally, if you could, explain where you put the red gel? I assume you only needed a tiny bit to go between the White LED and the ends of the fiber optic bundle for the running lights. But how did you keep it all together? Epoxy?
Thanks again.
What size are the larger ones near the escape pods?
How many feet would you recommend I order?
Do you mean epoxy glue? Like two-part 5 minute epoxy? I have pleanty of that
Did you just cut your ends flush on the exterior? I noticed you created some round trim around each light. Any tips on those?
Finally, if you could, explain where you put the red gel? I assume you only needed a tiny bit to go between the White LED and the ends of the fiber optic bundle for the running lights. But how did you keep it all together? Epoxy?
Thanks again.
mktodd
Sr Member
<div class='quotetop'>(QuartZ @ Jul 18 2006, 11:58 AM) [snapback]1283230[/snapback]</div>
I ordered 3ft of .25mm and 3ft of .5mm jacketed cable. It's a LOT cheaper than spools, but you have to be careful not to cut fibers when you strip the jacket off.
Yep, the 5 min epoxy is what I used. All the running lights were .5mill fiber, I think the ones on the escape pods look larger becuase thay are face on to the camera. The trim around the running lights was simply made from cutting pieces from the little red tubes you get on cans of Keyboard duster that I had around. A couple would be enough.
I cut the ends flush after painting and CAREFULLY made a little lens on the ends using drops of ZapaGap, applied with the tip of an exacto blade.
I had some light traps left over from a Ertl fiber optic star destoyer, basically tubes with holes in the end for the legs of the LEDS to poke through and a cap you poke the fiber through at the other end. I painted the inner wall of the trap with silver paint to stop leakage and put the red acetate between the led and the fiber in the trap.
The fibers are held in place using expoxy on the inner surface of the hull and with electrical tape at the light trap end. leave holes at the leg end of the light trap to stop heat build up that could shorten the LED lifespan...
That enough
Yes, I had some questions about this indeed. Ok, so I'm gonna fish for some details before I order this stuff. What size did you end up using for the small running lights? They look perfect.
What size are the larger ones near the escape pods?
How many feet would you recommend I order?
Do you mean epoxy glue? Like two-part 5 minute epoxy? I have pleanty of that
Did you just cut your ends flush on the exterior? I noticed you created some round trim around each light. Any tips on those?
Finally, if you could, explain where you put the red gel? I assume you only needed a tiny bit to go between the White LED and the ends of the fiber optic bundle for the running lights. But how did you keep it all together? Epoxy?
Thanks again.
[/b]
I ordered 3ft of .25mm and 3ft of .5mm jacketed cable. It's a LOT cheaper than spools, but you have to be careful not to cut fibers when you strip the jacket off.
Yep, the 5 min epoxy is what I used. All the running lights were .5mill fiber, I think the ones on the escape pods look larger becuase thay are face on to the camera. The trim around the running lights was simply made from cutting pieces from the little red tubes you get on cans of Keyboard duster that I had around. A couple would be enough.
I cut the ends flush after painting and CAREFULLY made a little lens on the ends using drops of ZapaGap, applied with the tip of an exacto blade.
I had some light traps left over from a Ertl fiber optic star destoyer, basically tubes with holes in the end for the legs of the LEDS to poke through and a cap you poke the fiber through at the other end. I painted the inner wall of the trap with silver paint to stop leakage and put the red acetate between the led and the fiber in the trap.
The fibers are held in place using expoxy on the inner surface of the hull and with electrical tape at the light trap end. leave holes at the leg end of the light trap to stop heat build up that could shorten the LED lifespan...
That enough
One more thing...just kidding.
I think that's pleanty to go on. Zapagap huh? Interesting. I've seen this stuff in the stores. isn't it a pretty thick glue or something? I guess a tiny dot of it would create a nice lens if it dries pretty quickly and doesn't run down your model.
I ordered my fiber optics. In all seriousness, what are you using to drill holes at .25 and .5mm? Do they make pin vise drill bits in that size?
Sorry for all the questions, I'll give you credit on the blog when I get to the lighting portion.
I think that's pleanty to go on. Zapagap huh? Interesting. I've seen this stuff in the stores. isn't it a pretty thick glue or something? I guess a tiny dot of it would create a nice lens if it dries pretty quickly and doesn't run down your model.
I ordered my fiber optics. In all seriousness, what are you using to drill holes at .25 and .5mm? Do they make pin vise drill bits in that size?
Sorry for all the questions, I'll give you credit on the blog when I get to the lighting portion.
mktodd
Sr Member
<div class='quotetop'>(QuartZ @ Jul 18 2006, 03:54 PM) [snapback]1283409[/snapback]</div>
Yeah, you have to be careful. Not too much or it can run. Just enough to bead up into a drop on the tip of the fiber. Then just leave it for a while.
To drill the holes I marked off where I wanted them and used one of these.
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.js...rentPage=search
It's a very cool little toolset. They have another that has tiny files of various shapes, round, curved, flat, square and triangular as well. Invaluable..
Cool. A credit.. Fame at LAST..
T
One more thing...just kidding.
I think that's pleanty to go on. Zapagap huh? Interesting. I've seen this stuff in the stores. isn't it a pretty thick glue or something? I guess a tiny dot of it would create a nice lens if it dries pretty quickly and doesn't run down your model.
I ordered my fiber optics. In all seriousness, what are you using to drill holes at .25 and .5mm? Do they make pin vise drill bits in that size?
Sorry for all the questions, I'll give you credit on the blog when I get to the lighting portion.
[/b]
Yeah, you have to be careful. Not too much or it can run. Just enough to bead up into a drop on the tip of the fiber. Then just leave it for a while.
To drill the holes I marked off where I wanted them and used one of these.
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.js...rentPage=search
It's a very cool little toolset. They have another that has tiny files of various shapes, round, curved, flat, square and triangular as well. Invaluable..
Cool. A credit.. Fame at LAST..
T
Can you give that link again for RS's drill? It didn't work in your last post.
<div class='quotetop'>(toddski @ Jul 18 2006, 11:06 PM) [snapback]1283427[/snapback]</div>
Yeah, you have to be careful. Not too much or it can run. Just enough to bead up into a drop on the tip of the fiber. Then just leave it for a while.
To drill the holes I marked off where I wanted them and used one of these.
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.js...rentPage=search
It's a very cool little toolset. They have another that has tiny files of various shapes, round, curved, flat, square and triangular as well. Invaluable..
Cool. A credit.. Fame at LAST..
T
[/b][/quote]
<div class='quotetop'>(toddski @ Jul 18 2006, 11:06 PM) [snapback]1283427[/snapback]</div>
One more thing...just kidding.
I think that's pleanty to go on. Zapagap huh? Interesting. I've seen this stuff in the stores. isn't it a pretty thick glue or something? I guess a tiny dot of it would create a nice lens if it dries pretty quickly and doesn't run down your model.
I ordered my fiber optics. In all seriousness, what are you using to drill holes at .25 and .5mm? Do they make pin vise drill bits in that size?
Sorry for all the questions, I'll give you credit on the blog when I get to the lighting portion.
[/b]
Yeah, you have to be careful. Not too much or it can run. Just enough to bead up into a drop on the tip of the fiber. Then just leave it for a while.
To drill the holes I marked off where I wanted them and used one of these.
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.js...rentPage=search
It's a very cool little toolset. They have another that has tiny files of various shapes, round, curved, flat, square and triangular as well. Invaluable..
Cool. A credit.. Fame at LAST..
T
[/b][/quote]
mktodd
Sr Member
I just received some very nice clear cast FM cockpit pieces from Alex (FalconDesigns)
The pieces are the Back Wall, the Console, floor/Sidepanels and the front cap piece, they look VERY nice and should make lighting the Falcon I'm about to build MUCH easier.
I'm not sure if Alex is offering them for general consumption yet, but my little preview of them makes me think that poeple WILL be wanting to get them.....
Thanks Alex..
The pieces are the Back Wall, the Console, floor/Sidepanels and the front cap piece, they look VERY nice and should make lighting the Falcon I'm about to build MUCH easier.
I'm not sure if Alex is offering them for general consumption yet, but my little preview of them makes me think that poeple WILL be wanting to get them.....
Thanks Alex..
Qrest Fourstar
Sr Member
<div class='quotetop'>(toddski @ Aug 3 2006, 12:35 PM) [snapback]1293122[/snapback]</div>
I want a set....
Alex? where's the love?
I want a set....
Alex? where's the love?
falcondesigns
Well-Known Member
The cockpit set is ready.Just e-mail me and put FMMF Clear Parts in the subject line and I will send you the info.Thanks Toddski for the support and for a great build.. Cheers Mate,Alex
Lynn TXP 0369
Sr Member
Very cool Falcon and AWESOME Slave1..
How tall is the Slave1 with the base??
Lynn
How tall is the Slave1 with the base??
Lynn
Lynn TXP 0369
Sr Member
<div class='quotetop'>(toddski @ Aug 15 2006, 01:46 PM) [snapback]1300978[/snapback]</div>
About 16 inches on the base....
Glad you like em..
[/b][/quote]
WOW..
So it must be bigger or atleast as big as the Code3 Slave1 then?
The only thing is now you finished the Jango conversion that the real ESB Slave1 is now out from Fine molds.
Lynn
About 16 inches on the base....
Glad you like em..
[/b][/quote]
WOW..
So it must be bigger or atleast as big as the Code3 Slave1 then?
The only thing is now you finished the Jango conversion that the real ESB Slave1 is now out from Fine molds.
Lynn
Lynn TXP 0369
Sr Member
<div class='quotetop'>(toddski @ Aug 15 2006, 02:24 PM) [snapback]1300998[/snapback]</div>
:lol, A much as I don't want to collect stuff from the prequils I broke down and bought the Jango Fett version after I bought this one to go side by side. It'll make a cool display.
I noticed your long engine is lit, but the ESB version is cast in the grey plastic is Jangos cast in clear so it can be lit???? Or did you cast up a clear long engine piece?
Lynn
:lol, A much as I don't want to collect stuff from the prequils I broke down and bought the Jango Fett version after I bought this one to go side by side. It'll make a cool display.
I noticed your long engine is lit, but the ESB version is cast in the grey plastic is Jangos cast in clear so it can be lit???? Or did you cast up a clear long engine piece?
Lynn
mktodd
Sr Member
<div class='quotetop'>(Lynn TXP 0369 @ Aug 18 2006, 06:09 PM) [snapback]1303308[/snapback]</div>
:lol, A much as I don't want to collect stuff from the prequils I broke down and bought the Jango Fett version after I bought this one to go side by side. It'll make a cool display.
I noticed your long engine is lit, but the ESB version is cast in the grey plastic is Jangos cast in clear so it can be lit???? Or did you cast up a clear long engine piece?
Lynn
[/b][/quote]
Nah. The parts are the same for both versions. I ended up drilling the holes out. One by one. Then routing out from the back to leave the "Frame". I tried casting it up in a clear resin but I made a mess of it....
I'll do a better job on the next one
:lol, A much as I don't want to collect stuff from the prequils I broke down and bought the Jango Fett version after I bought this one to go side by side. It'll make a cool display.
I noticed your long engine is lit, but the ESB version is cast in the grey plastic is Jangos cast in clear so it can be lit???? Or did you cast up a clear long engine piece?
Lynn
[/b][/quote]
Nah. The parts are the same for both versions. I ended up drilling the holes out. One by one. Then routing out from the back to leave the "Frame". I tried casting it up in a clear resin but I made a mess of it....
I'll do a better job on the next one
Lynn TXP 0369
Sr Member
I was checking out what colors you used for the Slave1, Interesting.
I was studying the Chronicals in both my english and Japanese versions.
for the skirt, red primer was the first thing that came and screamed into my head and is probably what I will use for it, that color justs looks dead on and seemed something that they would have used.
As for the dark green on the wing domes and other larger panels, to me, it looks like it is a dark or medium Khakie(SP?) color with dark to medium green was either washed or sprayed on very transparent and then sanded back down letting some of the Khakie to come back from, this "looks" specially evident over the wing domes, but is also visable over the rest of the darker green areas.
Lynn
I was studying the Chronicals in both my english and Japanese versions.
for the skirt, red primer was the first thing that came and screamed into my head and is probably what I will use for it, that color justs looks dead on and seemed something that they would have used.
As for the dark green on the wing domes and other larger panels, to me, it looks like it is a dark or medium Khakie(SP?) color with dark to medium green was either washed or sprayed on very transparent and then sanded back down letting some of the Khakie to come back from, this "looks" specially evident over the wing domes, but is also visable over the rest of the darker green areas.
Lynn
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