Posted by Richard Tonti on April 22, 1998 at 16:08:25 in 218.middletown-04.va.dial-access.att.net :
In Reply to: Yet another question and comment about lighting posted by Jesse on April 21, 1998 at 21:03:27:
: If you (like me) want a fully, and I mean fully lit model, try using reflective material on all interior surfaces that won't be plainly visible. Someone mentioned using mirrors. That's good but they're usually to thick and difficult to aim. Instead, use aluminum foil on the ceilings that can't be seen without intentional examination. Many years ago, I used it on a model of a Star Destroyer with an ordinary small bulb. The effect was outstanding in that the foil provides a light-leak proof surface while reflecting 100% of the source light. This reflection efficiency avoids trouble "hot spots" when your viewing certain windows or holes.
: Since we use LEDs today, the high-temp problem I faced years ago is all but eliminated. You can also use chromed plastic sheeting found at many craft stores. But since most of us have foil already, try it. You can also tint or paint the foil surface to color the light reflecting from it. One could also use foil inlay in the one-piece hull if you didn't want to run all those fibers. The only problem is that the hull plastic is too thick and the light would escape the port holes from too great an apparent depth. Oh well.
: Have a great one, folks...
: Jesse
**** Jesse,
There are various photo refelective materials (thin like foil) available at photo supply and art stores. If you're flat broke get the name and addy of the manufacturer off the package and write them and most will send you a group of sample swatches of all the variations. The individual sheets on these are large enough that one may be able to get away with just the sample itself. This stuff gives a true mirror brightness thus will deflect light more intensely and the lower albedo intenensity sheets can be used where a dim effect it required.
Thanks for all the very helpful messages you have posted in here Jesse they have really helped me much.
All the best to you.
Richard Tonti