Build your own miniature battle above the Death Star with this illuminated and highly customisable book nook.

The scene includes a detailed Death Star surface, Star Destroyers, TIE Fighters, a glowing starfield background and multiple mounting points that let you arrange the ships however you like. Create a classic trench-run chase, an Imperial patrol, a larger space battle, or add your own miniatures and effects to make the scene completely different.

Designed to sit between books or stand alone as a display piece, the layered construction creates a strong sense of depth while the illuminated backdrop gives the impression of looking through a small window into space.

The 2 mm mounting holes allow you to change the position, height and direction of the ships, so the final layout is entirely up to you. Add clear rods, filament supports, engine trails, laser fire or extra spacecraft and turn it into your own tiny corner of the galaxy.

Features

Miniature Trench Run Scene

The diorama includes:

• X-Wing fighter
• TIE Fighters
• Star Destroyers
• Detailed Death Star surface
• Illuminated starfield background
• Outer display case
• Customisable ship mounting positions

The narrow, layered layout creates a strong sense of depth and makes the ships appear to be flying through the trench rather than simply sitting on a flat background.

Illuminated Starfield

The rear starfield panel is designed to be backlit using a simple white LED strip.

A diffuser sits between the LEDs and the printed starfield, softening the light and creating a glowing tunnel effect behind the ships.

Plain white lighting works very well, but the design can also be adapted for blue LEDs, addressable RGB strips or animated starfield effects.

Customisable Ship Positions

The Death Star surface includes small 2 mm mounting holes for positioning the X-Wing and TIE Fighters.

Short lengths of filament, clear acrylic rod or other 2 mm supports can be inserted into these holes, allowing you to adjust:

• Ship height
• Flight direction
• Distance between fighters
• Chase formation
• Overall composition

Matte black filament works well for discreet supports, while clear rods create a more floating appearance.

You could also add engine trails, laser effects or smoke trails for a more dramatic scene.

Two Death Star Surface Versions

Two versions of the Death Star surface are included.

Standard Version

The standard version includes the 2 mm mounting holes for positioning the ships and is intended for a straightforward display build.

Electronics-Friendly Version

The second version includes additional space beneath the surface for wiring.

This makes it easier to add:

• LED filaments
• Laser-fire effects
• Illuminated engine trails
• Explosion effects
• Additional hidden electronics

It is included for builders who want to take the scene beyond the basic backlit version and add their own lighting ideas.

Assembly Instructions

Step 1: Install the Diffusers

Glue the diffuser pieces to the inner edges of the rear panel.

Make sure they sit evenly so the lighting remains consistent across the starfield.

Step 2: Install the LED Strip

Attach a white LED strip around the edge behind the diffusers.

A ready-made 5 V USB-powered LED strip is the simplest option and requires very little wiring.

More advanced builders can use addressable LEDs or other lighting systems if preferred.

Step 3: Insert the Starfield Panel

Slide the completed starfield panel into the outer case from the top.

It should slot into the internal guides and remain securely positioned behind the scene.

Step 4: Choose the Power Option

Two power arrangements are supported:

• USB-powered case
• Battery case designed for a switched 2 × AA battery holder

Choose whichever option best suits how and where the model will be displayed.

Step 5: Assemble the Main Structure

Slide the remaining scene components into the display case.

The parts are designed to locate together, although a small amount of glue may be used for a more permanent assembly.

Step 6: Install the Death Star Surface

Insert the selected Death Star surface into the lower section of the display.

Use either the standard version or the electronics-friendly version depending on your planned build.

Step 7: Position the Ships

Insert short lengths of 2 mm filament or rod into the mounting holes.

Attach the X-Wing and TIE Fighters, then adjust their positions until the chase scene looks right.

Because the mounting locations are customisable, every finished display can have a slightly different composition.

Step 8: Test the Lighting

Switch on the LEDs and check that:

• The starfield is illuminated evenly
• No wires are visible through the diffuser
• The ships are silhouetted clearly
• The background does not overpower the foreground details

Adjust the LED position or brightness if necessary.

Finishing Ideas

The model can be displayed directly from the printer, but a little weathering can add a huge amount of depth.

For the example build, the parts were finished using:

• A black acrylic wash
• White dry-brushing across the Death Star surface
• Painted X-Wing canopy details
• Light grime around panel lines and recesses

Other ideas include:

• Dark panel lining
• Metallic edge highlights
• Engine glow
• Laser-fire effects
• Clear flight rods
• Smoke trails
• Small explosion effects
• Battle damage
• Additional surface lights

The Death Star is supposed to be the Empire’s greatest technological achievement, but apparently nobody budgeted for regular exterior cleaning.

Display

Place the finished model between books, on a desk or inside a display cabinet.

The illuminated background and layered trench scene create the effect of a small cinematic window opening into the Death Star battle.

May the Force be with your filament spool.