Display cases for models and how to light up a Display Case.

So here it is the large infinity same from www.storesupplywarehouse.  cost was around 700 but that included the freight for delivery, most larger case are up in the 1200-1400 with delivery range.  I know as I have been looking for 2 years.  Some people like the Ikea cases, but at a shelf dimension of 16x16 they don't allow for large model groupings for larger armies.  also this case hold more than 4 of those units, so the price works out about the same by square inch of shelf space.

Read on to see how i worked through some issues with this case and most cases when it comes to lighting.

Many cases are intended for store use and the lighting that is built in is set up dot to display the door side access if that makes since.  Basically anything in the case ends up backlit.

Not good right, well enter the work of low voltage LED strips, most commonly used for unwed counter lighting now, they are extremely versatile, bright and easy to install.  You do need a little skill with a soldering iron as most of the kits require modification for this purpose.

You basically need LED strips, a LED power supply and jumper wiring to go between everything, shrink tubing to cover connections is also much better than electrical tape.

The only thing you really need to know is the wattage draw of the strips, I picked some that drew 6 watts each, used 5 of them and got a 30 watt power supply.  Many strips are polarity sensitive, so make sure you hook the right end, this is simple, if it doesn't light when plugged in, flip it.  The wattage going the wrong way will not ruin the strip, it just will not light it.

I soldered the connections and then covered them with shrink tubing.

LEDs came from SuperBrightLEDS.com and the power supply I found on Amazon.

Here is what the finished result looked like.

As you can see a night and day difference.

I covered the wires using wiring conduit meant to stash consumer electronics wires.  Everything was secured with double sided tape.  The lights price very little heat and this is actually the recommended way to secure them.

If you have any questions, please ask.