Smoo's 1:112 Revell X-Wing Fighter *COMPLETED*

[TheSmoo]

I like all things Sci Fi and this seems a fun build so going to have a go at this cheap wee kit


Sprue shots - theres only 3 lol



Might even have a go at putting some leds in it but trying to find some really tiny ones



ordering some leds and stuff tomorrow and hopefully they fit and then will have to make a few...erm modifications

[Twokidsnosleep]

Great subject
I am a nut for lighting model stuff up. The smallest diodes I have found are the SMD's....surface mount diodes
I got some from E bay, pretty cheap. Here is a link to a recent thread about LEd's and lighting
viewtopic.php?f=10&t=21123&start=10
If you are interested, I can get you the E Bay links of the stuff I show at the end of the thread...they are NOT expensive at all!!

Anyhow, best wishes on your build, X Wings are always a favourite space topic and build up so nice weathered or not

[TheSmoo]

Great subject
I am a nut for lighting model stuff up. The smallest diodes I have found are the SMD's....surface mount diodes
I got some from E bay, pretty cheap. Here is a link to a recent thread about LEd's and lighting
viewtopic.php?f=10&t=21123&start=10
If you are interested, I can get you the E Bay links of the stuff I show at the end of the thread...they are NOT expensive at all!!

Anyhow, best wishes on your build, X Wings are always a favourite space topic and build up so nice weathered or not

been looking into it for a while, got a trade supplier, obvs not going to go daft on such a wee kit but if i can light up the engines and maybe illuminate the cockpit that will do,I used to work in an electronics factory and did a few rough measurements and am thinking 3mm red difused flickering leds for the engines and maybe one or two 3mm blue diffused leds for the cockpit, kits not big enough to start doing fibre optics and stuff but thought I'd give it a bash

[Lysus]

Excellent choice, the small ones can be surprisingly satisfying!

[kiwigav]

Great kit Great iconic ship. good luck with the build.



I so want to start to light up my kits but haven't got my head around it yet.

[TheSmoo]

Great kit Great iconic ship. good luck with the build.



I so want to start to light up my kits but haven't got my head around it yet.

if you can solder making up leds and stuff is pretty straight forwards it's trying to plan the build as to how to get them to fit and run the wires thats the hard bit, a wee bit of maths involved but theres lots of online calculators available for Ohm's law to work out what resistors you need but basically its a battery, a switch, wire, a resistor and an led or multiples thereof, the actual wiring part is easy enough but locating and routing, might be scratching my head a bit haha as the model is soo teeny, then trying to figure out how to mask off the leds during painting, I'll figure it out eventually

[kiwigav]

cheers Smoo

really want to light up a K2SO kit at some point

good luck with your build

[DrSprue]

Oh great, this seems to be somewhat of a Star Wars beginning for all of us!

Good luck with your build!

[DBMiller]

Can't go wrong with the classic X-Wing!

[privatepete]

Great choice the X-Wing, good luck with the lighting

[Primus1]

Love an XWing, i have one on the go at the minute as part of a dio, too small for me to light, you are the braver man
Will be watching with great interest

[TheSmoo]

just waiting on a couple of bits and bobs coming as the first part of the build will be figuring out and running the wiring, got some of the led's and resistors through that I ordered but the engine ones havent got here yet and waiting on some other bits coming from belgium so will be a good week or so before I can actually get started

[TheSmoo]

Right time for a wee update, managed to get some of the stuff through for wiring up this tiny little X-Wing Fighter and so now I am in the planning stages, Have been experimenting with different leds and resistor values to see what i can come up with, hoping to light up the engines and maybe the cockpit -




decided on 4 x 3mm flickering leds for the 4 engines and still playing with what colour to light the cockpit up and whether to do it from the gap under his feet or there is a little centre dial/screen on his control panel that is approx 1mm in size so might consider lighting it up via that with a fibre optic but havent decided yet, using blue for now as a test so have got the engine and cockpit lighting circuits working on the breadboard -

So I am now at the stage that I have my lighting circuit worked out and now have the kit parts laid out and roughly checking for size and placement of the leds and seeing how I am going to run the wiring and what bits I will have to modify and scratch build to make it work -




So I have sussed the engine lighting, now I'm just deciding on how to illuminate the cockpit, I have two options as there is a gap at the pilots feet that I can have a led shining up from OR I can run a fibre optic to his central targeting screen on his dashboard.

Bearing in mind the figure will be painted mostly yellow with a white helm (going by the paint guide) what colour led should I light him up with if I was doing it from below? I have ruled out red so have green, blue, yellow and white as options. If I go for the fibre optic on his targeting screen but what colour would be best for that? I think it rules out white and red.

really looking for some suggestions on the colour of led to use for the cockpit and whether you think the foot light or fibre optic is the best option?

I also did a very short video to let you see what I am up to



now off to do a few more bits and bobs.

Terry

[Tomcat64]

That's coming along really well mate - you're putting my lack of attempted lighting to shame

[TheSmoo]

That's coming along really well mate - you're putting my lack of attempted lighting to shame

thanks Neil have ordered some ic's in to practice making chaser lights and if I get them to work might consider doing something like the Knightrider car KIT lol but this wee project should be good practice for me

[DrSprue]

Hi Terry,
Oh your design for the LEDs looks great. Nice choice for the flickering. I am going to do that with my Naboo as well for the cockpit but add another one. I think I have a bit more room than you but I am going to use a blue LED as well for flight, but also an amber LED for the time Anakin is in autopilot mode as it shows in the movie. With that cockpit I will use 2 SMD type's tho, even tho I dont have too, I think I can fit (2) 3mm ones. I will put mine near his legs as well. I dont remember what the XWing did in different settings but I m sure you do. I hope to post a few of my pics about that in the next few days. Looks really good and like all us SW fans, the XWing rules!

[TheSmoo]

Hi Terry,
Oh your design for the LEDs looks great. Nice choice for the flickering. I am going to do that with my Naboo as well for the cockpit but add another one. I think I have a bit more room than you but I am going to use a blue LED as well for flight, but also an amber LED for the time Anakin is in autopilot mode as it shows in the movie. With that cockpit I will use 2 SMD type's tho, even tho I dont have too, I think I can fit (2) 3mm ones. I will put mine near his legs as well. I dont remember what the XWing did in different settings but I m sure you do. I hope to post a few of my pics about that in the next few days. Looks really good and like all us SW fans, the XWing rules!

Thanks Tony, am actually doing a build video on this as well haha, just shot the first part just got to edit it and stuffs, trying to aim this build at both the novice builder and maybe the more experienced who wants to dabble in lighting effects as well, it is only a level 3 kit after all, so I do go into tools required and stuff but i'm also going to show how I do the lighting, just giving myself more work but it's fun, gonna edit the video and then get onto some whittling.

decided against the blue led I think, I might paint the figure and the cockpit to see how it reflects the light but i dont think the blue goes well with the yellow so may try a yellow led, i could do a fibre optic for the target finder but i think thats overkill on such a small model so just going for the 4 engines and basic cockpit lighting now.

looking forwards to seeing what your doing with yours

[Twokidsnosleep]

THIS is solid core cool
I give it three things up

[TheSmoo]

THIS is solid core cool
I give it three things up

Thank you, it's my first time trying to light anything up

[Lysus]

THIS is solid core cool
I give it three things up

Thank you, it's my first time trying to light anything up

Haven't tried it yet myself other than a ready made lighting kit on a sub, so I'm watching with extra interest

[Twokidsnosleep]

THIS is solid core cool
I give it three things up

Thank you, it's my first time trying to light anything up

Setting up the flashing thing is past my skills. The circuit board idea is awesome

[DrSprue]

I watched the video too and it was very well done.

[TheSmoo]

THIS is solid core cool
I give it three things up

Thank you, it's my first time trying to light anything up

Setting up the flashing thing is past my skills. The circuit board idea is awesome

the bread board lets you test stuff before you do the final soldering, could easy make you some simple leds up if you know what your looking for regarding colour + led size (1.8mm,3mm,5mm) clear or opaque, static, flashing or flickering, length of wire req , number of leds etc

[Twokidsnosleep]

Thank you, it's my first time trying to light anything up

Setting up the flashing thing is past my skills. The circuit board idea is awesome

the bread board lets you test stuff before you do the final soldering, could easy make you some simple leds up if you know what your looking for regarding colour + led size (1.8mm,3mm,5mm) clear or opaque, static, flashing or flickering, length of wire req , number of leds etc

We will have to have some chats my friend so you can put me in the right direction...just no math, I am god awful at math

[TheSmoo]

Setting up the flashing thing is past my skills. The circuit board idea is awesome

the bread board lets you test stuff before you do the final soldering, could easy make you some simple leds up if you know what your looking for regarding colour + led size (1.8mm,3mm,5mm) clear or opaque, static, flashing or flickering, length of wire req , number of leds etc

We will have to have some chats my friend so you can put me in the right direction...just no math, I am god awful at math

Scott, i know ohms law and some other basic electronics stuff and can roughly understand the resistor band colour chart but still refer to my old multi-meter to check stuffs , seriously though if you are after something and can tell me what you want to do and some measurements and such like I don't mind prototyping stuff as long as I am not out of pocket as I am not working but pcb components are relatively cheap pm me if u need anything and can exchange details, happy building

[TheSmoo]

I watched the video too and it was very well done.

I have a pretty basic camera (cheap verion of Go pro) but it doesn't have focus issues as it has a fixed focus point, you just have to find the sweet spot, sometimes i do sometimes it;s blurryvision...lol would die for a set up like Paul or Lee has but it can mean more intensive video editing and i'm kinda a nub learning new stuff as I go along but thanks for the kind comments, i do like how Paul and Lee can do the close up stuff, one day I'll get there haha

[TheSmoo]

just for info, i made the first part of my build video, editing it now, I am aiming this (as it is a level 3 revell kit) at the novice builder so all the stuff about what tools etc you need to use to make a model, you might want to skip past as it's like the 1st 20 mins of a 1 hour *ish* video, but if your thinking about lighting then the next couple of videos might help, then its basically onto painting and weathering which Paul can do waaaaaay better than me but am trying to help newbies and I am still learning as far as airbrushing goes.

Anyways off to edit, and will post link when done, as I say the 1st 20 mins or so of the build video 1 is aimed at new model builders

happy modelling

Terry

[TheSmoo]

Here we start the build video series for Revell's 1:112 scale Star Wars X-Wing fighter, this is a level 3 beginners kit and so I will be aiming this video at the new or novice builder as well as adding some additional Led lighting that I am going to make myself which some of the more experienced builders may enjoy.

If you have built models before you may wish to skip the first 20 minutes after the introduction as I go into some detail for new builders about the tools they will need to build this kit.

[TheSmoo]

a bit more fettling today and working out how to run the wiring, i have custom made a stand as one isnt supplied with the kit made with hollow poly tube so i can run the wires down it, still test fitting at the moment so nothing glued together yet so the stand might not be quite square and a bit squonky so here is some pics -








for those interested in the wiring for my leds here is my circuit diagram -

[DrSprue]

Here we start the build video series for Revell's 1:112 scale Star Wars X-Wing fighter, this is a level 3 beginners kit and so I will be aiming this video at the new or novice builder as well as adding some additional Led lighting that I am going to make myself which some of the more experienced builders may enjoy.

If you have built models before you may wish to skip the first 20 minutes after the introduction as I go into some detail for new builders about the tools they will need to build this kit.

Wow, I watched the whole thing (even tho the 1st 20 mins that was modeling) I did not no about Mr Primer 1000 and wetable Perfect plastic. Used Squadron green and white for a while and seems ok, but those are great ideas. Squadron is like trying to spread sand... maybe its too old. Thanks Terry, its looking real good and the video was awesome!


Oh I see you have 9 Volts or so, yea, series LEDS in your case is fine! blues are happy with that lol!

[TheSmoo]

Here we start the build video series for Revell's 1:112 scale Star Wars X-Wing fighter, this is a level 3 beginners kit and so I will be aiming this video at the new or novice builder as well as adding some additional Led lighting that I am going to make myself which some of the more experienced builders may enjoy.

If you have built models before you may wish to skip the first 20 minutes after the introduction as I go into some detail for new builders about the tools they will need to build this kit.

Wow, I watched the whole thing (even tho the 1st 20 mins that was modeling) I did not no about Mr Primer 1000 and wetable Perfect plastic. Used Squadron green and white for a while and seems ok, but those are great ideas. Squadron is like trying to spread sand... maybe its too old. Thanks Terry, its looking real good and the video was awesome!


Oh I see you have 9 Volts or so, yea, series LEDS in your case is fine! blues are happy with that lol!

yeah my engines banks are 2 sets of red leds wired in series but then the two pairs added together in parallel, could probably just about run it of a 6 volt supply with 1 ohm resistors but i wanted the flickering ones nice and bright and they run at 3-3.4 volts each ideally, I havent tried a lot of filers as i dont do a lot of aircraft which is where most folk use it, the stuff I use covers most of my basic needs, might make some spru goo soon as my tamiya thin bottle is about done and i have a new one there, glad you enjoyed the video.

[TheTroyster]

Oh crap a circuit diagram? I had no idea one should draw a layout for the LEDS - I learn something every day - thank you and I think my house thanks you - it hates fire.

I

[TheSmoo]

Oh crap a circuit diagram? I had no idea one should draw a layout for the LEDS - I learn something every day - thank you and I think my house thanks you - it hates fire.

I

it's just to help me plan routing the wiring, it's all well and good doing it on a breadboard and getting it to work but then figuring how to run that circuit on the model, I just find it helps me plan the wiring better so i can kind of visualise it.

[TheSmoo]

was scanning youtubes for some weathering ideas when i get to it, came across this video, doesnt seem to show any chipping but lots of grime and streaking and general wear and tear.







This next youtube clip of them attacking the death star is good too going to be pausing a lot for ideas -

https://youtu.be/2WBG2rJZGW8

it would seem though that the cockpit doesnt really light up, hmm so akthough i can use some arstistic licence i may have to go for a more yellow or white glow?

[TheSmoo]

This is the 2nd video in the series for Revell's 1:112 scale Star Wars X-Wing fighter, in this section we cover making a base for the model to sit on as well as some more planning and mods for the leds

[DrSprue]

was scanning youtubes for some weathering ideas when i get to it, came across this video, doesnt seem to show any chipping but lots of grime and streaking and general wear and tear.







This next youtube clip of them attacking the death star is good too going to be pausing a lot for ideas -

https://youtu.be/2WBG2rJZGW8

it would seem though that the cockpit doesnt really light up, hmm so akthough i can use some arstistic licence i may have to go for a more yellow or white glow?

Oh what a classic movie and the Rogue1 version was cool!! It kind of made me laugh tho and something I forgot. Your R2D2 was mounted from above and my Naboo R2D2 was mounted from underneath!! Haha, but both had the real heros of those fights if you think about it. Yea those droids in a way! Nice pics Terry and far as this contest is concerned we, have to remember.... The force will be with you (or me).....always! (hehe)

[TheSmoo]

was away at Susans pad for the weekend so got nothing done but back onto it this morning so a a wee update on my progress -

Spent an hour or so figuring out how to run my wires and drilling the wings and engine pods to suit, bored out the 4 engine exhaust ports to accept the leds, modified the fuselage to allow the wires from the wings to go inside,and glued in the stand tube to the fuselage.

Then I got onto light blocking the inside of the engine ports where the leds would sit and the interior where the cockpit led would go



I had discovered when dry fitting/testing that my 3mm leds wouldn't quite fit into the engines as the shoulder on the led is bigger than 3mm so am in the process of shaving/filing the location lugs off them which is fiddly work, got one done (the one with the shortened legs in the picture) and 3 more to do, to save damaging the working clear part of the led I drilled a 3mm hole in some plasticard, put insulating tape on the bulb end and clamped it with reverse tweezers, this aloows me to file away the bit I dont want without damaging the main bulb lens.



next is wiring the leds into the engines and testing before finally some paint/primer

[Twokidsnosleep]

Gosh you are working in a small scale with this , the 1/72nd would save your sanity
I spent a weekend night with you on my iPad listening to your channel as you build the X Wing and discussed the LED's
When I get there I will send a PM and we can talk wiring diagrams

[TheSmoo]

Gosh you are working in a small scale with this , the 1/72nd would save your sanity
I spent a weekend night with you on my iPad listening to your channel as you build the X Wing and discussed the LED's
When I get there I will send a PM and we can talk wiring diagrams

I know the kit is small it's 1:122 scale but it only cost me six quid so if i muck it up no loss really but as the kit is really easy to build i thought I would make it a touch more challenging, and it's been really fun, few sweary words thrown at it but getting there, it totally throws off how you would normally paint a model as well so learning as I go and winging it. I should hopefully be into the wiring and soldering later this evening (for the wings anyways) and yea pm me when you like, i have quite a few different coloured leds and wiring and reistors and battery boxes etc so if you do need something made up gimme a shout.

[DrSprue]

Looking really cool Terry, What is funny is that a few years ago I bought some 3 mm red leds that DID not have that rim on it, which weird for any 3mm and 5mm leads to not have that rim. BTW: I see you have Tamiya ABS with the blue cap? How different is that from the green Tamiya thin cement?

[TheSmoo]

Looking really cool Terry, What is funny is that a few years ago I bought some 3 mm red leds that DID not have that rim on it, which weird for any 3mm and 5mm leads to not have that rim. BTW: I see you have Tamiya ABS with the blue cap? How different is that from the green Tamiya thin cement?

The Tamiya ABS glue is ONLY for ABS plastic such as Bandai kits and works differently, it basically a contact cement so wee bit on both bits of abs plastic and you better line it up right cos once it's pressed together thats it!

[TheSmoo]

fiddly stuff this wiring leds up and soldering without melting the model, one bank of two wired up and working though woohoo



note the engine covers not glued on yet so there is light leakage, on initial testing holding it together it is going to need a black light blocking coat on top as well so will just do that with Ultimate black primer again.

off to fiddle with the other pair now oooeer missus haha

[Lysus]

I'm still getting over the fact you're lighting such a small kit...astounding. Keep it up!

[TheSmoo]

I'm still getting over the fact you're lighting such a small kit...astounding. Keep it up!

thanks for the encouragement, i thought i'd try it on a cheap kit first as i don't have a big budget to play with, that way if I muck it up it doesnt really matter, if this goes well might try something bigger next time

[Lysus]

I'm still getting over the fact you're lighting such a small kit...astounding. Keep it up!

thanks for the encouragement, i thought i'd try it on a cheap kit first as i don't have a big budget to play with, that way if I muck it up it doesnt really matter, if this goes well might try something bigger next time

Sounds like a good plan to me, half the stuff I build is because I wanna try something

[DrSprue]

I'm still getting over the fact you're lighting such a small kit...astounding. Keep it up!

thanks for the encouragement, i thought i'd try it on a cheap kit first as i don't have a big budget to play with, that way if I muck it up it doesnt really matter, if this goes well might try something bigger next time

Maybe put some LEDs in this ship!!


haha, would make for a long walk around it with some glue and stuff!!

[TheSmoo]

The next installment in my star wars X-Wing fighter build series where I try to cram leds and wiring into a tiny 1:112 kit -

[Tomcat64]

The lighting and wiring on this build is an absolute education mate - especially like Lysus says with the scale involved.

[TheSmoo]

The lighting and wiring on this build is an absolute education mate - especially like Lysus says with the scale involved.

Cheers Neil

[TheSmoo]

Ok so some more work on light blocking and actually started wiring the wings up now -



one wing fully wired and tested now running the wires and soldering the next set in, having to use kitchen foil to act as a heat shield for the model as I have to keep the wires as short as possible -




back to soldering and fiddling again this evening