Why not try one of these CCFL tubes? Come in RED as well. They cannot be 'control dimmed' tho.
Could be diffused/dimmed by installing in a small box, (for mechanical protection), etc with diffuser/filter material in front.
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http://www1.jaycar.com.au/productVie...Max=&SUBCATID=
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http://www1.jaycar.com.au/productVie...Max=&SUBCATID=
Should give a nice overall light, & fairly low on power consumption.
HTH.
L.