Trick lighting, not cheap, but really cool (no heat, either)

[Ace-Garageguy]

This stuff, electroluminescent film, has been around for a while. It's in some light-up watches and as a background for many endurance race-car numbers (cars that run in the dark), battery-powered emergency-exit signs, etc. I just came across this source for blue, white, and red for aircraft use. The material will definitely be getting cheaper, and already is if you find an industrial supplier who will give you samples.

This particular tape is dim-able and can be cut-to-length. First uses could be for under-car neon-look lighting, interior under-dash lighting, etc.

A power supply can be readily fabricated by someone with some electronics knowledge.

Keep in mind this is not the only source or configuration for the material.

http://www.aircraftextras.com/EL-Panel1.htm

Here's another.

http://electroluminescence-inc.com/ELtape.htm

Edited March 4, 2013 by Ace-Garageguy

[Edsel-Dan]

I see it used in many Star Trek ship kits for the Warp engines.

It was also sold in Sheet form too.

[martinfan5]

That stuff is cool, here is a few videos with illumination tape of a demo PD car,

http://youtu.be/vXw7XwQiYS0

Edited March 5, 2013 by martinfan5

[Longbox55]

That is pretty cool.

Here's another source, http://www.microstru.com/index.html. This one is a little more hobby oriented, mainly model railroad signage, but they do have an Experimenters Kit that might prove usefull.

[Ace-Garageguy]

Great link, Longbox !! Thanks.

[Gluhead]

Pretty cool. Backlit gauges, anyone?

[my80malibu]

Now the Cops will be more welcome at the Disco's

[Hollywood Jim]

YES ! It is very cool stuff. It works great for dioramas.

Danno from this board built this lighted diner sign for our club diorama.

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