Creating Practical Spotlights on the 1/350 Refit USS Enterprise (Model Shop Update April 4, 2024)

The lighting effects on the Polar Lights, 1/350, Refit USS Enterprise are extremely important. They, quite literally, set this ship apart from all others.
What’s up, Plastic Addicts?
It’s safe to say every model builder has their own techniques and approaches to achieving whatever effect they desire.
In my case I’m highly invested in two things, as far as the ‪@Round2foryou‬ 1/350 Refit goes. ‘In scale’ lighting and practical lighting effects.
In this case, the various spotlights on the ship.
I actually developed this technique all the way back in 2013, on my first lighted refit.
A 3mm LED and a styrene tube.
The principle is simple enough; recess the LED and the tube focused the light. In this case into a spotlight.
I use it for the pylon spotlights and the saucer rim/pennant spotlights in the nacelles.
The saucer rim spotlights is pretty easy.
The pennant is a bit harder.
1. Due to the angle.
2. The distance from the source.
The distance is the big issue because of something called the ‘inverse square law’.
SUPER simply put, if you double the distance from a light source the intensity isn’t ½ as intense it’s four times less intense (or thereabouts).
Or something like that.
Regardless of the exact numbers, it’s a good thing to know because it helps you to understand why light in/on your model is behaving a certain way.
Other than all that, it’s just trial and error…and sometimes you gotta take it apart and try again.
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Welcome to the Jason's Model Shop KZbin Channel. I hope you enjoyed the video you just watched.
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I love to share my knowledge with others via video. My build ups are presented, as often as possible, as tutorials. Describing, in detail what I've done and walking the viewer through the build process.
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[@ptaylor5014]

I have never tried the tube method before, i do however position the LED's to shine onto these areas, but i also use the "Ratheon" effect too, ie light the spot light areas by the starfleet emblem, the combination of the two works very well.

[@aaronvandoorn1276]

Interesting I'll do that on my next model

[@JasonsModelShop]

It's a bit of work, but totally worth it.

[@Ryker06]

Interesting. I actually never realized that spot light was intended to light the hull area. What is your source for the styrene tube and size?

[@JasonsModelShop]

I use a 3mm LED and appropriate styrene tube (local hobby shop)

[@macannahsmith157]

How much does it cost to commission the 1/350 scale enterprise refit

[@JasonsModelShop]

I don't do the 350 refit anymore. The amount of work required makes it extremely costly.