Looking over the details I know I'm gonna be doing lighting in this thing, so it's time to prep. Here's a list of things I needed:
- 64 strand fiber optic cable - Need about 50 feet - Best source:
www.thefiberopticstore.com- LEDs - Warm White bulbs were used in the original prop, I'm thinking 3x5mm, 4x1.8mm, and 2-3x3mm - Best source:
www.modeltrainsoftware.com/ledlights1.html- Microdrill - Over the years I've come to find that these little micro drills from the old AMT Fiber Optic kits were the best for drilling fiber holes. The nice thing they come with a section of 64 strand fiber cable, a battery box, a plug and adapter, a switch, and a bunch of stuff you probably won't need but that will last you awhile. Best Source: Ebay - However, since AMT went bust, this same little drill is sold as a mixer on Amazon now (only without the bits but don't worry, I'll show you how to make your own drill bits)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000E39LYO/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER-
#80 or
#79 micro drill bits - It's been debated about which bits the micro drill comes with but I find both work well with the 64 strand fibers. Best Source:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002T7JHOW/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1- Black and White Paint - No brainer!
The Microdrill that comes in the Fiber Optic Kits usually came with 3 bits. But these things are so fragile you'll end up breaking them all before you get the hang of using this tool. They came in many of the AMT kits that sold with Fiber Optics but they are getting harder and harder to find. You can find the micro drill in the following kits:
If you can't find any of those kits, you can get the drill on Amazon without the drill bits sold as a mixer now with 4 little mixing attachments (can use the metal one for mixing paints!). Link is above but it looks like this:
How to make your own drill bits for the AMT Micro Drill:
--------------------------------------------------------------Using the sources I listed above you'll also need some straight bits of cut up sprue about a inch in length. Drill a 2mm hole in the end and stick it into the end of your drill making sure it spins when you turn it on. Then, melt the other end of the sprue and quickly insert a
#80 or
#79 drill bit as far into the plastic sprue piece as you can. Try to get it as close to the center as possible. Before it cools completely, turn on the drill and place your finger against the side of the bit until it completely centered. Heating the bit with a lighter to soften the plastic will help. When the bit tip spins without wobble, it's completely centered and ready to be used to drill with. You can secure the bit in the plastic with some 5 minute epoxy glue to help secure it in place for drilling. You'll probably need more then one of these so have fun making your bits and it really is that easy!
My Method for Fiber Optic Placement
---------------------------------------------------I got my drill bits ready
I've got a few different drills... I've got the Tamiya Drill (great little hobby drill, won't hold these bits)
I even got this really cool skinny barrel end lighting precision screwdriver...
But for some reason, I always end up going back to my old AMT Micro Drill
However, the bits are hard to find for them anymore since they don't make them anymore. So that means I would would have to make my own (see method above LOL). First I made myself a few drill bits. Wanting to play with my 3D printer I actually made a few bit holders that printed up awesomely! I'm now ready to start drilling my holes! Time to prep the model for drilling... More to come!