Moebius Models' Classic Battlestar Galactica

I started off with the Viper Bays as I was going to light it. This changes the method in which you assemble the kit. The etch set is designed to give a tapered perspective of depth once assembled. I masked and sprayed before folding and added some clear red film to the Viper launch tubes to add to the effect.

Here we see the first bay folded. The illusion/perspective of depth is simple but very effective.

The hangar pod interiors were light-sealed with matt black, then silver foil was glued in place to maximize lighting. After this, the LED was fixed in position.

Next I created a single light hub for the "head". This used just a single LED sealed inside the hub (a couple old paint jar tops glued end-to-end). Then all the 0.5mm optic cable was passed through the hull and poked into the hub, after which it was sealed in position with UPVA glue. (Never use super glue or poly cement on optic cable as it melts it).

I made a smaller hub for the mid-section and repeated the same process with the optic cable.

The last part of the lighting involved the engines. I decided that in order to maximize the lighting I would box in each LED, which would also facilitate light sealing.

I constricted a clear back plate from scrap and fitted with 5mm holes to suit the LEDs.

The model's internal surface was painted matt black and the engine block fixed in position.

With the lighting complete I could assemble the model. It went together very well. Just to be safe and ensure no unwanted light glowed through the plastic, I gave it an external coat of matt black.

Then I painted matt white over top to give a level base colour.

This was followed by a light grey coat.

Various filters and washes were applied. That just left the decals and some final washes. Then I trimmed the fiber optic strands flush with the hull and the job was done.