Creating Model Airport Lights: A Step-By-Step Guide

Model airport lights are an important part of any miniature airport, adding a touch of realism to the display. Whether you're a hobbyist or a professional model maker, creating realistic airport lighting can be a fun and rewarding challenge. In this guide, we'll explore the different options available for crafting model airport lights, from pre-wired LED units to fibre optics, and offer step-by-step instructions on how to achieve professional-looking results. We'll also discuss the different types of airport lights, such as runway lights, taxiway lights, and flashing strobes, and how to position them accurately to create an authentic miniature airport scene.

Using LED lights

When making model airport lights, you can use LED lights to achieve a realistic and functional effect. LEDs are a popular choice for model airport lighting due to their small size, low power consumption, and bright output.

To create model airport lights using LEDs, you will need to decide on the colour and voltage of the LEDs. Airport runway lights typically use red and green LEDs, while taxiway lights use blue LEDs, and runway edge lights use white LEDs. These LEDs are usually prewired for 12 volts DC and are ready to install on the model airport runway or taxiway.

When installing the LEDs, it is important to ensure that they are securely attached and properly wired. The wiring process will depend on the specific LEDs and your model's design, but it typically involves connecting the LEDs to a power source, such as a battery or transformer. You may also need to use a resistor to control the current and prevent the LEDs from burning out.

To enhance the realism of your model airport lights, you can consider using fibre optics. By running individual fibres across the underside of the model, you can distribute the coloured light to the appropriate places on the surface, creating a precise and detailed lighting effect. This technique was used by modelmaker Bill Campbell, who created a model airport with hundreds of runway marking lights using nearly 1500 metres of 0.75mm fibre.

Additionally, you can explore alternative power sources for your LED lights, such as solar power. Solar-powered airport lights, like the Model 601, offer 360-degree illumination and can be set to flash or burn constantly. They are an environmentally friendly option and can be purchased online.

Prewired lights

To make model airport lights, you can use prewired LEDs. These are available in red and green, blue, or white, and are wired on 11/16" centres. Each set of prewired LEDs has a total length of approximately 4".

Prewired LEDs are also available for model airport taxiways. These come in sets of 12 2mm LEDs wired on 100mm (3.9") centres, with a total length of approximately 55" for each set.

You can also purchase prewired airport runway lights in bulk online. These lights are red and offer 360-degree illumination with a flashing or constant burn option.

When creating a model airport, you may also want to consider using fibre optics to distribute light to the appropriate places on the surface. For example, modelmaker Bill Campbell used nearly 1500 metres of 0.75mm fibre to create the runway marking lights in a 1/500 scale model.

Solar-powered lights

To make solar-powered lights for a model airport, you can use red solar airport lights that offer 360-degree illumination with a flashing or constant burn option. These can be purchased in bulk online.

Alternatively, you can use LED lights. For example, you can use back-to-back red and green LEDs prewired for 12 volts DC, or blue and white LEDs for the taxiway and runway respectively. Hundreds of individual fibres can be run across the underside of the model to distribute the different coloured lights to the appropriate places on the surface.

To create the hundreds of runway marking lights, nearly 1500 metres of 0.75mm fibre was used in one model. The model was at a 1/500 scale and measured 8 ft by 4 ft (2.44 x 1.22 m).

You can also purchase model airport runway kits, which include lights, pavement, fibre optics, strobes, flashers, chasers, buildings, and towers.

Fibre optics

The first step is to plan out the placement of your lights. Decide where you want the lights to be positioned on your model airport, keeping in mind that fibre optics can be used for runway lights, taxiway lights, and even building and tower lights.

Once you have a plan, it's time to start installing the lights. Cut the fibre optic strands to the desired length, making sure to leave enough slack for easy installation. Use the provided wiring to connect the LEDs to a power source, following the manufacturer's instructions for proper wiring techniques.

Position the LEDs so that they shine light into the ends of the fibre optic strands. This will illuminate the strands and create a realistic lighting effect. Secure the strands in place using a suitable adhesive or modelling putty.

Test your lights to ensure they are working properly. Adjust the positioning of the LEDs or fibre optic strands as needed to achieve the desired lighting effect.

By following these steps and using fibre optics, you can create a realistic and impressive lighting display for your model airport.

Runway kits

When it comes to lighting, you have a few options. You can choose between red and green LEDs, blue LEDs, or white LEDs. These lights are prewired for 12 volts DC and are ready to install on the ends of your model airport runway. To create the hundreds of runway marking lights, you will need a lot of fibre optics. Modelmaker Bill Campbell used nearly 1500 metres of 0.75mm fibre for his 1/500 scale model.

If you're looking for something more sustainable, you can opt for solar-powered airport lights. These lights offer 360-degree illumination and come with a flashing or constant burn option.

With careful planning and the right materials, you can bring your model airport to life with a dazzling display of lights.

Frequently asked questions