To really make your model stand out, let us add Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs) or Optical fiber!
Contents
LEDs are tiny lights that require minimal power for maximum output. Unlike incandescent lights, they generate very little heat, making them perfect for scale models!
Optical fibers, on the other hand, are flexible, transparent fibers that allow light to be transmitted between their ends and travel down their length.
In general, these models must be assembled new by our assemblers (and, of course, be hollow) to take advantage of this service.
LEDs provide the light source, while optical fibers are used to control the light output of an LED and create a desired outcome; such as twinkling lights in a ship cockpit, or many small lights divided from the same LED. Think of it like holding a flashlight up to the end of a bunch of bendy straws . . . the flashlight is the LED and the straws are the optical fibers.
Pricing
Installing a basic LED is $25 each. This includes the cost of all materials and labor to install (switch, battery, wiring, LED bulbs, etc.). However, the more you buy, the more you save!
LED installation is on a case by case basis. These prices should be considered an ESTIMATE ONLY. Not every model will be a good candidate for LEDs. Due to physical space constraints, some model areas may be impractical to light (such as small gun barrels, etc.), require additional time to wire, separate batteries, additional switches, etc.
In addition to the below suggestions, LEDs are perfect for Titans, Terrain, and many monsters with object source lighting; such as fire breathing dragons, plasma belching aliens, and bio-luminescence!
| Number of Lights | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price Per Light | $25 | $22.50 | $20 | $18.75 | $18 | $16.50 |
| Total Price | $25 | $45 | $60 | $75 | $90 | $100 |
| Perfect For: | Small Skirmish Scout Vehicles / Undercarriage | Medium Assault Vehicles | Most Flyers (engines, cockpit, weapons) | Large Mobile Fortresses | Superheavies, Stompa, Tesseract Vault, etc. | Fortresses, Manor sized Terrain, etc. |
Location
All components (battery, wires, etc) will be internalized with the exception of the switch itself, which will generally be situated on the outside of the model in a discreet location (such as beneath it).
The battery MUST BE ACCESSIBLE; whether that mean by a fly away panel, internal compartment, hatch, or the like. In some cases, the battery or switch can be disguised, such as wreckage on a base or power couplings or the like, but this is on a case by case basis.
Packages
For even more savings, here are a few pre-built LED ‘packages’ you can take advantage of for your lighting needs.
| Package Name | What You Get | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Headlights | Two LEDs, wired in about the same location | $40 |
| Locked and Loaded | ONE BIG GUN, plus two smaller guns in an adjacent location. Example: Lascannon predator | $55 |
| Forward Compartment | Great for three lights, all close together. For example, a cockpit cabin light (or optical fiber) to illuminate the canopy, plus a running light and main weapon. Example models: Necron Doomscythe or Eldar Fire Prism (2x cockpits, 1 weapon) | $55 |
| Alternating Flash | Six LEDs that alternate and flash in intermittent patterns. Awesome for Big Energy weapons and adjacent systems! | $65 |
| Engines/Afterburners/Anti-Gravity Sled | Up to four lights, all in a nearby aft section of your favorite flyer. Great for hover mode / anti-gravity sled too! Examples: Necron scythe, Tau Hammerhead, etc. | $70 |
| The Works | Up to eights total lights, including the option to swap up to three bulbs with flickering, blinking, or color changing bulbs! THIS PACKAGE CAN ONLY BE SELECTED FOR VERY LARGE MODELS, ALA SUPERHEAVIES. | $125 |
Specialty Bulbs
For even more fun, consider a specialty bulb, such as these listed below. These are priced as an additional charge per LED.
- Blinking Bulb: +$5 / LED
- Color Shifting Bulb: +$5 / LED
- Flickering Lights: +$5 / LED (Great for Torches, Blacksmith’s forges, Derelict Ships)
- Flashing Klaxons: +$50 / 4 LEDs (Klaxons are like Emergency Vehicle Lights, such as Ambulance/Police Sirens. They blink rapidly.)
- Anti-Gravity Glow: +$5 / LED
Many of these bulbs require an independent power source, and so using MORE THAN ONE of these on a vehicle smaller than a superheavy is impractical at best and usually impossible. Contact Us if you have any questions.
Detachable LED Weapons
For you wargamers that like to be able to remove ‘damaged or inoperable’ weapons during games, we offer Detachable LED Weapons.
This upgrade costs an extra $15 per weapon, but allows you to remove a magnetized weapon as normal. This cost DOES NOT including fees for magnetization.
Night Fighting Specials
From time to time, we offer incentives such as extra bulbs, upgrades to certain packages, etc.
Do It Yourself
For you DIYers, we recommend modeltrainsoftware.com for all your LED needs!