Lights

[Super28]

OK, want to start putting lights on my models. Need info. Can you make a circuit with a bunch of lights and one resistor or do you have to use a resistor for each light. Good place to buy the lights and resistors? Thanks

[Ace-Garageguy]

I assume you're talking about using LEDs for your lights.

Where you put your resistors and how many you use depends entirely what you're trying to accomplish.

You can run several LEDs in parallel through a single resistor, or you can run one resistor for each one. Some LEDs come with resistors already installed, but you may still need to run another one to control brightness.

You will need to understand some things about electronics.

Here's a good overview to get you started, including sources.

https://www.instructables.com/id/LED-Lighting-in-Plastic-Models/

 

Edited July 25, 2018 by Ace-Garageguy

[Ace-Garageguy]

When you're ready to get tricky...

 

[BigTallDad]

What lights are you trying to replicate? Head/tail/brake/parking/turn signals? Trust me, it ain't easy...been there, done that.

Here's what it looked like, after all was said and done

http://www.modelcarsmag.com/forums/topic/102446-my-55-chevy/

And here's how I did it

http://www.modelcarsmag.com/forums/topic/102782-lights-for-your-model-the-circuitry/

Edited July 25, 2018 by BigTallDad

[Jantrix]

Another option would be to create a light box with just a couple of LEDs in it, and run fiber optics to the back of each of the lights, from the light box. 

Optical fibers are pretty easy to get. A lot of holiday decorations use them.