Hi. I’m trying to buy my husband a model kit for Christmas and I’m confused by all the options. He wants to try a lighted model (Star Trek ship or a Titanic model) but I don’t know if I should buy those prepared lighted kits. Do they take away from the do-it-yourself aspect of model building? He definitely doesn’t like the snap together or really simple assembly models, but I don’t know about the lights. I’ve also seen some vintage Enterprise Light and Sound models, but again I don’t know how hands on they are. I’m confused because he once told me he wanted a Titanic model (without lighting) that was around $100, but I’ve seen Titanic model kits online that come with all the lighting necessities for only $130, so it seems like that doesn’t cost enough for what he was thinking of. I’m looking at about a $200 limit (not including supplies and parts he may buy separately as he builds it). Any opinions or suggestions??
That price don’t sound bad for lights vs no lights on the Titanic kit. Lighting expenses for such a kit don’t run much. For $40-60 one can get programable electronics with sound and motors for the props for many aircraft models. If you can relocate the lighted Titanic kit I’d say you’d do well for him.
I suggest a gift certificate from one of the online retailers such as Sprue Brothers! That way he can pick out what he wants and needs. Having someone pick out models, tools and accessories is like someone picking out shoes for me to wear…typically they don’t fit and not something I wanted either.
I’ve built that Enterprise twice and it’s a fairly simple build, with the lighting kit somewhat lacking… There’re no lights for anything except the main saucer section… It needs navigation lights, exterior “floodlights”, and a source for the main deflector as well as a LOT of work to make it “light-proof” (as in no light-leaks through the joints). The bulbs are incandescent, wired in series (if one burns out, they all go out) and if they burn out, you can’t replace them without tearing the saucer section apart…
They’d be much better with LED lighting sets, since LEDs live practically forever (as long as you don’t over-amp them. They typically need half-watt resistors soldered onto them to soak up excess juice), can be installed permanently, and come in a variety of colors, Red, Green, and white being what you’d need for the Enterprise…
Save your money and just buy the regular, unlit Enterprise, then hunt down some LED lighting sets if you want to go that route… Unless, that is, you want the sound pack, which IS kinda cool… I had fun with it…
If you’d like, I can supply you with a “shopping list” of what you’d need to light the “Big E” of Captain Kirk…
First off I have to say WOW what a lucky guy! Second seeing as he is a guy why not ask him to list a few possibilites. Even though it may ruin the surprise it may save some money and ensure you get what he would really like.
Sorry I can’t give you a “go buy this” as has been said before we can be a fickle bunch, but…I think he would be tickled that you took the time to come on here and ask.
I know I would be happy as can be if my wife bought me anything model wise. But be warned that you may be contributing to a habit.[;)]
I believe tha advice about a gift voucher or a gift card to let him choose the item is best. I have a lighted “TITANIC”. mine took one light bulb(now L.E.D. and twelve linear feet of fibre optic material) and at that time lighting wasn,t offered. I would definitely go with the gift voucher or card. tankerbuilder