Replicating modern LEDs in headlights?

[Fat Brian]

Has anyone thought of or used or seen a way to replicate the LEDs used in modern headlights? I'm close to trying a drop of bright blue in white paint applied to the back of the lens, maybe using a tube with the end dipped in paint for the round style. I didn't know if anyone had seen a better way.

Edited March 9, 2020 by Fat Brian

[peteski]

In my observation when the lights are turned off, white LEDs look clear (no visible color).

[Fat Brian]

3 hours ago, peteski said:

In my observation when the lights are turned off, white LEDs look clear (no visible 

 

I was hoping to replicate the look of the lights when they're on.

[peteski]

5 minutes ago, Fat Brian said:

I was hoping to replicate the look of the lights when they're on.

Then light them up using small white LEDs (just like the 1:1 cars use). 

Most white LEDs used in cars are "cool white", which means their light is white with slightly bluish tint. I hate when cars around me have them while I drive at night - they are blinding!  As far as simulating the appearance of the light itself (without having them actually glow) I think will not be easy, or even possible. But that's just me.

[espo]

The only thing I can add would be to do your testing on the clear parts tree, if you haven't already thought of that. 

[Bainford]

14 hours ago, Fat Brian said:

I was hoping to replicate the look of the lights when they're on.

I would think the best bet would be to route fibre optic strands from an LED light source hidden within the model. A different strand for each individual LED on the 1:1.

[SfanGoch]

You can get it HERE.

[Rodent]

Brian, are you trying to replicate the LED daytime running lights in the bottom of the Camaro's headlamps?

[Fat Brian]

2 hours ago, Rodent said:

Brian, are you trying to replicate the LED daytime running lights in the bottom of the Camaro's headlamps?

Yeah, I'm not trying to light up the head lights, just represent the daytime running lights.

[SfanGoch]

Short of incorporating fiber optics, in combination with LEDs/SMDs, to actually illuminate them, there is no plausible way to represent the daytime running lights in a functioning state using paint, coloring or material.

[IbuildScaleModels]

On 3/9/2020 at 3:33 PM, Fat Brian said:

Has anyone thought of or used or seen a way to replicate the LEDs used in modern headlights? I'm close to trying a drop of bright blue in white paint applied to the back of the lens, maybe using a tube with the end dipped in paint for the round style. I didn't know if anyone had seen a better way.

use fiber optic tubes, using a shrinkwrap tube around the LED to concentrate the color. Use a light blue LED, most likely a SMD led (the bigger ones as they are easier to use).
Check Youtube as they have lots of tutorials using fiber optic stuff you get from the dollar store and LEDs!

 

Good luck!

[peteski]

If making functional lights for a model, blue LED would emit deep blue light. To emulate the LED lights of a real car, one would need to use white LEDs of high enough color temperature (bluish white).  Something like 5000-7000K would give that bluish white glow.