Micro Posted May 4, 2020 Share Posted May 4, 2020 (edited) With the quarantine, I wanted a project to keep me occupied. I had a big empty space over my basement mantle that had been in need of something cool for a long time. With my wife's permission, the basement is officially mine, and I made it aviation themed. So, somehow, I came up with an idea for a big picture, with a twist. I had this picture printed on canvas because the Big E has sentimental value to me. It's 60 inches by 44 inches. I also ordered 100ft of 1mm fiber optic, various 5mm LEDs, and a set of remote controlled decorative lights that would be the power source. I carefully measured and plotted all the spots for lights on the landing area, the FLOLS, and tower lights. I drilled out each hole and began feeding fiber optic through each one, securing them with hot glue. The first few drop lights. Round-Down lights. The meatball. It started turning into a forest. I wanted to be able to turn the lights on by remote control, so I ordered these lights from Pier One Imports https://www.pier1.com/pure-white-led-glimmer-strings/PS73156.html . Then I snipped off the lights leaving plenty of wire to attach to the LED's I ordered from Evansdesigns.com. I began attaching the LED's to the fiber optics using hot glue, and wrapping the connection in foil to reflect as much light as possible into the optics. Then, when everything was in place, I mounted it above my mantle. During the day, the lights are not very noticeable. But when the lights go down... ...And it goes dark, it gets kinda cool. I'm headed down to my basement to enjoy a beverage in the dark. LOL Edited May 4, 2020 by Micro Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Jim S Posted May 4, 2020 Share Posted May 4, 2020 The canvas alone is awesome. The lightning takes it over the top.Hope you enjoy your project for years to come! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
southwestforests Posted May 4, 2020 Share Posted May 4, 2020 Pretty cool project. 8 hours ago, Micro said: the LED's I ordered from Evansdesigns.com Ah, they are well known in the model railroad world. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
11bee Posted May 4, 2020 Share Posted May 4, 2020 THAT is really cool. Very creative idea and nicely executed. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Slartibartfast Posted May 5, 2020 Share Posted May 5, 2020 I echo 11Bee's sentiments. If only I had an imagination... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Micro Posted May 5, 2020 Author Share Posted May 5, 2020 Thanks, gents. It was pretty fun and a great payoff. While the pics of it look good, They really don't do justice to sitting and looking at it. It was a fun project, and relatively cheap. I recommend it. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Whiskey Posted May 5, 2020 Share Posted May 5, 2020 Can practice calling the ball anytime you want now! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ST0RM Posted May 5, 2020 Share Posted May 5, 2020 That is very cool. Awesome project! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Hajo L. Posted May 5, 2020 Share Posted May 5, 2020 Wunderbar! Great idea! HAJO Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Micro Posted May 6, 2020 Author Share Posted May 6, 2020 Thanks boys! Thankfully, even my wife thought the same. Since I'm not on FB, she posted a couple pics of it to FB and IG. Possibly the most flattering thing she could have done. :) Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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