Any sources for 1/12 lighting or light kits?

[dantewallace]

I am looking for some sort of light kit or lights for a 1/12 kit. Does anyone selling something specifically for models, or do I have to use a kit that's made for RC vehicles? I figured the RC kits may burn to hot and melt the styrene but I do know that they are lexan safe.

I'd like to do something like this guy did years ago. I tried to find a site for him or any current info, but he seems to have just disappeared.

http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/30/video-sickest-car-model-lighting-kits-ever/

[Ace-Garageguy]

This is one of those areas where this hobby offers a lot of opportunities to broaden a skill set, and to acquire new knowledge.

A basic understanding of DC electricity will allow you to design and build your own lighting for any project in any scale, cheap.

Incandescent bulbs for modeling have been used for a very long time, and they DO produce a lot of waste heat that can damage plastic models. LEDs (light-emmitting diodes) produce great light, and produce almost NO waste heat (and because of that, batteries last MUCH longer producing light instead of using most of their power making heat).

This is one source for LED lighting kits. http://www.hobbypartz.com/41p-led-lightkit.html

[blunc]

The link in the first post while visually impressive, lacks additional followup data. Following some article research revealed that the model cars in the videos were/are larger scale diecast and the light kits are installed by the light-set maker for prices ranging from around $100 to over $250.

The following link goes to a seller of light kit for static model use.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-10-1-18-1-24-ETC-PREWIRED-LED-Police-Model-Car-Light-Kit-Circuit-Board-/281144427406?pt=Electronic_Battery_Windup_Toys_US&hash=item417583838e

The link that Bill posted is designed to be hooked into an RC car servo system, which would indicate that control signals to certain LEDs are required for brake lights and turn signals.

It may be possible to adapt light kits designed for slot cars since they are designed for low power.

Additionally, prop/model lighting kits like this site lists can be adapted: http://www.hyperdynelabs.com/products_elec_modelLight.php

(but they are not inexpensive...since you are paying for someone elses electronic expertise and manufacturing costs.)

Edited August 1, 2013 by blunc

[Ace-Garageguy]

You don't need a kit if you want to make the effort to learn a little about electronics. All you need is some relatively simple understanding if DC circuits. There are cheap ICs available that can be set up to do brake light and turn signal functions, but YOU have to define for yourself WHAT you want your lights to do and HOW you want to activate them.

Some really really simple circuits to power leds, just an example...http://wild-bohemian.com/electronics/flasher.html

And some more interesting stuff...http://www.hobby-circuits.com/circuits/led-and-light/light-flasher

Edited August 1, 2013 by Ace-Garageguy

[dantewallace]

I am perfectly capable of wiring up a system to work from scratch, I just don't feel like it. I'd rather get something plug and play pre-made so I can be done and move onto the next build. I did some searching for a few hrs yesterday and found a few kits that may work for what I am trying to do. Thanks for chiming in on this fellas, I appreciate it.