Hello Moebius and Other Members;

I wanted to request you consider this for future modeling efforts, at least for vehicles (like the upcoming Flying Sub) or kits that'd likely be lit with lighting kits.

One of the things I've seen is a lot of times, from the models and pre-made lighting kits, these are usually an after-thought, and getting access into the kit, once assembled is a hassle to change batteries on lighting kits.

I think with the Seaview, it looks like lighting was more of a fore-thought and you had this in mind in the design of the Seaview.

My suggestion is you consider having a pre-made access hatch, that if a modeler decided to put in a lighting kit, they could get easier access into the model without having to actually dismantle or possibly damage it to change out batteries.

This would be the kind of thing hidden like on the bottom of the model, so it wouldn't be easily in view. Something like a hatch on a hinge with a screw to keep it secured. Maybe it could be an optional type thing, depending on the skill level and preference of the modeler.

I may be in the minority with this, and I'd like to see what others think about this. Please tell me if you think I'm smoking my socks here, or if this is a bad idea or would detract from the model itself.

Thank you!

Chris Carson

Part of the fun in modifying a model is figuring out how to do this stuff yourself! Like the Little FS-1... Putting some LED's into it, along with the photo-etched interior kit. do you just let the original parts hold themselves together, or add some 00-90 nuts n bolts so you can 'make sure' it stays together. I'm still thinking about the rechargable batteries inside my seaview. Of course I'm planning a working system to lower the FS-1 (while lit) out of the bay so I can videotape it as a Dry for Wet SPFX shot. I think I will use the rudders and just add brass wire on the top n bottom of each so I can use 1 set to recharge, and the 2nd set to raise/lower teh FS1 model. just put your model aside and think about it a while. Impatience ruins the best kits.

Great suggestion Chris!!

I don't know how many times I've had to sit back and think about how I'm going to run wires for an AC Adapter or where am I going to cut an access panel for batteries.

Perhaps an inside scribed panel that's marked "Optional Battery Access". This way it doesn't show on the outside if the modeler doesn't want to use it.

Dan

Having been a modeler for 40 years , 15 of those professional, I like the option to design and build lighting systems into the subject. Every design and circuit is different, allowing for voltage requirements and power supplys, either battery or transformer, We're lucky to get what we do from the manufacturers, every added option raises the cost and besides all the great garage kit manufacturers have to have something to keep them busy. In addition, those of us detail oriented super scratchbuilders don't want hidious oversized poorly fitted access panels (Tamiya, Hasagawa and others) from companies, that's what distinguishes them as models not toys.

For the upcoming Flying Sub, I would be willing to bet that it will have engraved lines for the landing gear wells. These will be in the perfect position to provide access to most interior lighting - it will be a straight-forward option to scribe these through, add a "door jam" and magnet.

Considering that there is no "engine room" in the back of the upcoming Flying Sub,I dont see any reason why we cant have a self contained lighting system.alexander

I've gotten the distinct impression that the existing VooDooFX "LM" lighting kit will in all likelyhood work with this kit. The non-existant "engine room" could theoretically provide good access way to the battery compartment, or even behind the bunk wall, but the only thing I'd be concerned about is damaging the framework while accessing the battery.

Considering that there is no "engine room" in the back of the upcoming Flying Sub...

Where did they say that?

From the Large Scale Flying Sub (http://www.hobbytalk.com/bbs1/showthread.php?t=226950) thread:
... Another tidbit: the Moebius kit will differ from the Aurora kit by not having an engine room. There are technical reasons why an engine room would not be practical, but the main reason is a lack of space. The headroom in the area aft of the crew compartment quickly diminishes to less than 5 feet toward the rear bulkhead, and the width is equally restrictive.

Instead of an engine room, I've designed a watertight tunnel that connects the doors leading from the crew compartment to the rear bulkhead. BTW, the tunnel has been given the official David Merriman Seal of Approval.

Ah! Thanks.