Falcon Rebuild Diary · Part 5
2025/09/17
Lighting Up the Wall Panels with Fibre Optics
This round, I finally started installing the fibre optics into the Falcon’s wall panels.
It’s a slow, fiddly job with hundreds of holes to drill and wires to insert, but the result is worth it.
I know the real cockpit doesn’t flash with so many colours… but honestly, seeing the panel glow in red, blue, and yellow just makes me happier.
Drilling and Inserting the Fibres
The work began with drilling hole after hole into the wall panel.
Each button needed its own fibre optic line.
Honestly, once I started, I quickly realised there were so many buttons — and this was just one portion of the panel.
Using tweezers, I threaded each fibre optic strand through the holes.
This part tested my patience. It looked like a porcupine when done, with fibres sticking out everywhere. 😅
Securing the Fibres
After fitting them all, I brushed white glue across the backside.
The good thing about white glue is that it dries transparent — so even if it looks messy at first, it won’t show later.
Trimming and Cleanup
Once the glue set, I trimmed all the excess fibres flush so the panel could fit neatly back into the cockpit structure.
Seeing those uneven fibres cut down cleanly was very satisfying.
Adding Colour
This is where I decided to take a little creative liberty.
With Gundam Markers, I dabbed colours onto the fibre tips — red, blue, yellow.
Purists might say the Falcon never had so many colours on its panels… but I prefer it this way.
The mix of colours feels lively and makes the cockpit more fun.
First Lighting Test
The moment of truth: powering on the panel for the first test.
The redesigned control panel lit up beautifully, with all the little coloured dots glowing against the dark surface.
It already looks so much better than the flat stock sticker design.
👉 Check out the WIP video clips where I recorded the fibre installation and lighting test.
—
This is only one section of the wall panel — there are still hundreds of holes waiting for drilling and fibre installation.
😫 Why did the Falcon has so many buttons?
But seeing the first test light up makes all the effort worth it.
I’ll continue bit by bit, and eventually the whole cockpit will shine with this fibre-optic upgrade.
— Chong
DeToyz Notes · 2025.09.17
→ Read Part 4: Falcon Rebuild Diary · Part 4
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