i was just a beginner a few months ago myself. I also build props..so i thought hey put this and that together and get some spactacular effects for my props.
right now i am working on my "RADIATION KING POWER CELL CHARGER" i got some pics of the project in General, the first parts of the pics are on page 2 now, and the new ones just posted.
but i built a Bench PSU using a xbox PSU brick, atari paddle for the 1M pot, for variable voltage, in like volt amp reader. and it put it all into a coffee creamer container..but now i have ripped it apart to use the PSU to run my radiation king project.
but i can make a new PSU casue i have Acopian 15v x3 AC to DC converters that i found. so i can make a 45V PSU then stick all that back in the creamer can, may stick it in a coke bottle for shats and giggles.
my rad king.. will be using 12 v LEDS, the regular 2v leds, a 555 timer, 2 bar graph leds, 2 LM3914 chips, and 1 old school kilocycle analog gague. to produce a timed tick to look like its actually charging the nuclear power cell.
so build mannnnn build your imagination is the limit.