The secret behind the light show

Underneath the campfire and firefly scene is the machine that creates the magic. The two black rectangles are layers of styrene laminated with double-stick tape; as each layer was assembled, fibers were positioned on the adhesive, and the next layer was applied. Bolts squeeze the layers together to hold the fibers securely. The circular shapes within the rectangles are Plexiglas drums fitted with colored lights. The drum for the campfire effect, on the right, turns quickly to create a flickering effect, while the other drum turns more slowly to make the fireflies wink realistically. The campfire fiber optic bundles can be seen emerging from below the layout on the right edge of the image, while the irregular tan blob is the foam rubber field holding the firefly fibers. A single gearhead motor mounted between the two drums drives them both through a set of belts and pulleys.

Image specs: This is a scan of a 4x6 color print taken with a 35mm camera of unknown type. The negative is long gone.

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