Yes that´s LED´s and they never get really hot. So no problems with melting.
And for the Lifetime of the LED´s i think they hold longer than i can live.
I changed my method to bundle the fiberoptics. At this time i bundled the fiber optics with tape and foil but the best method is to use shrink tubes to bundle the fibers like on this pic:
The added details on the side of the hull are kitparts (grey) or resin casts (white) that we call "greeblies" as you can see on the pic.
The details on the outer hull are scribed with a scribing tool or my favorite tool a microsaw. And then i added some PS-Sheet chips all over the hull.
this truly is a masterpiece beyond words.
as I said before... I've given up on scratchbuilding.
I do have a few questions. How easy is it to set up the fiber-optics in a piece like this? Do you have any problems with the bulbs over heating and melting your work?!? I'm assuming there is a low-temperature bulb you use or you use LEDs....?
Is there a way to open the model to replace the lights? I notice that most of the fiber-optics are wrapped around the light via tin-foil... how easy would it be to replace those optics if a light burns out?
the tiny detailing is evident most in this model in the command section, the globes on top are simply awe-inducing.
the detailing on the outer hull, is that all etched into the plastic or have you gone and glued individual panels onto the model? OR did you make some kind of printed sheet to glue onto the hull and use as a guide?
sorry for all the questions, I just want to get a better idea of the sheer amount of work you put into this and know a little more about your techniques.