For my 1-in-20 scale models, I needed some lamp fittings that use 5mm LEDs. However you may use them for any other scale of diorama. Apply a scale factor of about 60% for 3mm LEDs.
Bunker Lamps:
- Print using clear resin with supports. Do not use supports inside the hole for the LED.
- Mask the dome and spray paint the lower portion of the lamp firstly in black (to block light) and then in your desired colour.
- Sodder (solder) wires to LED. Apply heatshrink.
- Place a small amount of clear epoxy into the lamp housing and then insert the LED.
- To install the lamp assembly, either (a) drill a 8mm hole and glue in place or (b) fit it to pipe or tube with a 5mm outside diameter.
Bunker Wall Lamp:
- Print the lens in clear resin, the base in opaque. Use supports as required.
- Paint the base in your desired colour.
- Attach lens to base using epoxy.
- If required, clean up exterior of epoxy join.
- Allow to cure.
- If required, gently clean out hole using 5.0mm drill bit.
- Sodder (solder) wires to the LED. Apply heatshrink.
- Apply a small amount of clear epoxy inside the hole and insert the LED.
- To install the lamp assembly, drill a 8mm hole for your wires and glue in place.
Conical Lamp:
- Print using resin without supports.
- Paint the inside surface in gloss white, silver or chrome.
- Paint the outside surface in your desired colour. I used green.
- Sodder (solder) wires to the LED. Apply heatshrink.
- Glue in a 5mm LED using minimum amount of epoxy.
- The v02 lamp is designed to fit to a pipe or tube with an outside diameter of 5mm. The v03 lamp is designed to be suspended or glued into a 8mm diameter hole.
Spherical Lamp:
- Print in white resin using supports. Alternatively use clear resin and apply a thin coat of white paint.
- Sodder (solder) wires to the LED. Apply heatshrink.
- Apply a small amount of clear epoxy inside the hole and then insert the LED.
- To install the lamp assembly, drill a 8mm hole and glue in place.
Using LEDs:
- Select a suitable power source for the LEDs. What you use will depend entirely on the needs of your layout. The usual options are batteries and plug-pack transformers.
- You may choose to use use pre-wired LEDs from your hobby store or online.
- For DIY, use a resistor (usually 100-1000 Ohms) connected in series to avoid burning out the LED. The resistor value depends on your dc voltage supply, voltage drop across the LED (depends on colour) and the required current (usually about 20mA). Search the interweb for technical details.
- Install a switch between the dc power source and LED(s) to turn the illumination on/off.
- Make sure that you sodder (solder) all your connections and apply heat-shrink tubing. This makes your circuit more reliable, neater and less prone to short circuits.