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Led lights kit

Ismaele

Ismaele

Joined
Nov 20, 2023
Messages
135
Points
113

Location
Italy
I'm almost finished building the Victory model, and I'm also evaluating everything I need to start building my next model, which will be the Santisima Trinidad by Artesania Latina.
I'm thinking about adding a LED light kit, which is very easy to install, but since it's my first time evaluating this type of accessory, I can't figure out one fundamental thing: the kit includes a battery holder and a switch. What's the best way to install these two components without ruining the model's aesthetics, while also allowing for easy battery replacement and turning the lights on and off?
Perhaps the best solution would be to install both in the model's support base, with just one wire running through the hull near the keel?
Thanks for any suggestions.
 
I've been wondering that as well. This is just an initial thought, what about the LED rope lights with a remote control ? You can cut it to length and no messy wires to thread through your ship ?
 

Iamaele​

you should checkout adding led lights to the 1/200 titanic.
It will cover just about everything you need to about installing. {Been there did it}.
 
Check out my Endurance build. the Power source dose not have to be in the ship. It can be in the base and conduct through the base supports. I got this from another build on this site and it works. problem solved

Endurance 10.png
 
Omega said:
Check out my Endurance build. the Power source dose not have to be in the ship. It can be in the base and conduct through the base supports. I got this from another build on this site and it works. problem solved

View attachment 557955
Click to expand...
Thank you so much! I saw your Endurance build and I think I understand how you did it. If I'm not mistaken, looking at the photos, you soldered the two terminals of the entire lighting system (positive and negative) to two metal plates attached to the keel. Then, connecting the two metal supports on the base to the 12V battery completes the circuit. This way, nothing is visible and the circuit activates simply by placing the hull on the base. Simple, effective, and clean. Congratulations!
 
I also have a switch on the base battery container. All was from Aliexpress in China - Very Cheap
 
Thank you, I already bought the set from Artesania Latina and it contains a switch, so I think that now I have all I need. In December I'll start with the new build and its log. I hope you will follow my work.
 
I've made a couple older ship models with these now, and one thing I did to make them look better is to paint the LEDs orange (front and back). I think this makes them look more like candles or oil lamps, instead of the bluish white that LEDs usually have. I also used a power jack to let the batteries and switch be in the base.
 
JimFitch said:
I've made a couple older ship models with these now, and one thing I did to make them look better is to paint the LEDs orange (front and back). I think this makes them look more like candles or oil lamps, instead of the bluish white that LEDs usually have. I also used a power jack to let the batteries and switch be in the base.
Click to expand...
That's a good idea. I bought a set from Artesania Latina that has some led simulating candle lights, in colour and trembling effect. I'll give them a try and see if it's necessary the orange painting
 
I put LEDs in the cutaway of the Soleiel Royal I did (I used LEDs from Evan Design). I used a hollowed out block for the ship base. The wires come down through the interior and the battery pack/on off switch slide into a cavity in the block. Normally a clunky base wouldn't work, but I also wanted height so it would be easier to view the interior.

20190914_185232.jpg
 
Sapper said:
Have you checked that it doesn't have a remote kill switch?
Click to expand...
Funny you should mention a "remote Switch", because I also purchased a remote detector with the idea that the ship lights would turn on when you entered the room. Photo is upside down (as usual) so the detector is on the left

Endurance 15.jpg
 
Omega said:
Check out my Endurance build. the Power source dose not have to be in the ship. It can be in the base and conduct through the base supports. I got this from another build on this site and it works. problem solved

View attachment 557955
Click to expand...
Check out my Santisima Trinidad log. You'll see how I followed your advice. Thanks
 
Something else to consider is running any external power for the lights through a minature connector so the model can be separated from its base.
Radio control model airplanes and HO (OO) model railroad equipment use minature electrical connectors. They are often polarized so you don't zap sensitive gear by hooking it up backwards.
The connector on the model could be conceled in a chest or behind a gun port.
If you got very crafty, it could even run the power line into a hawse pipe so it looked like an anchor cable.
 
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