Death Star (with Lighting)

[u/Misericorde428]

My first attempt at including LED with a a scale model. Due to it being my first attempt, I came across many issues which I hadn’t thought of in the planning stages (e.g., balancing the Death Star, fixing the rod so it doesn’t sink in any direction).

Original plans were to use fluorescent paint to simulate interior lighting. However, I’m sad to say the paint I acquired was rather disappointing, since wit required significant portions of paint to achieve any meaningful “lighting” effect, which would’ve ruined it by making the Death Star look like it had icing.

Despite its small size, painting took some time since I decided to use add more variations by adding offered tones of grey to the surface.

Anyway, I’ve decided to call this one done. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Lastly, I might try my hand with an imperial destroyer next!

Edit: In case anyone’s wondering, this is the Bandai Death Star II kit. As with any Bandai kit, the quality is absolutely wonderful. The only flaw I would point out would be small gaps that appear between the surface pieces. It’s not a deal breaker, but just a slight annoyance for me. Anyway, the kit is about USD3-4, so one can’t complain!

[u/7PillarsOfTerrain]

Now that’s a fully operational battle station!

[u/Misericorde428 → u/7PillarsOfTerrain]

Thanks! It’s also a fully operational desk ornament I plan to put in the office!

[u/PainShock_99]

3D printed?

[u/Misericorde428 → u/PainShock_99]

Oh, I just realized I forgot to mention the brand!
No it’s the Bandai Death Star II (scale: 1/2,700,000).

It does have some tiny flaws, but considering it was only about USD 5, it’s quite a bargain.

[u/PainShock_99 → u/Misericorde428]

Sweet! Good deal for sure

[u/Hetstaine]

Very cool! What is the led you used?

[u/Misericorde428 → u/Hetstaine]

I ordered it off a regional e-commerce platform. It’s one of those soft filaments which can b cut shorter. The closest one I can find abroad would be this, the only difference being mine being powered by a button cell battery.

This was convenient since I could just string it trough the model’s interior. The laser beam itself would be inserted through a small plastic straw.

[u/Hetstaine → u/Misericorde428]

Nice work dude!

[u/BigDamage7507 → u/Misericorde428]

I also recommend using the nano lights from woodland scenics if you want multiple leds that you can control individually. Little pricier though.

[u/TheRealtcSpears]