QUOTE: Originally posted by bman36 Hi there, Was at the mall this evening and picked up a decal kit made by Testors. The price was right so I thought I would give it a try. Here's what I found: The kit is very basic and comes with decal paper, a spray bomb of "Decal Bonder" and the related software. After loading you will have an assortment of ready made decals to choose from. Included were aircraft logos, various automotive graphics and licence plates. Colours could be changed and text modified as needed. There was not a whole lot to choose from on the disc, but then again what do you want for 12 bucks? As I said the price was right. An upgrade is available for another $9.95 US through www.decalgear.com. The upgrade would allow for complete custom decals to be made should you choose to go that route. For me I think I will just use the Paint Pro software I already have and print on the decal paper. Even if you don't use the software in the kit, it is a good price for everything else in there. Hopefully this will be of some use to you all in your pursuit of Large Scale Scratchbuilding and Kitbashing. Most of us have devised our own roadnames so this could be very handy. Gonna' give it a try very soon so I'll let you know of the results. Later eh...Brian.
QUOTE: Originally posted by bman36 Capt. C, So far it looks pretty easy. Ever use "Word Pro" on your computer? You can make neat signs just using that. Really, any program that will allow you to draw a picture or print text will work. The real secret is in the decal paper. It is basically the same stuff that comes in model kits. Once you have created a picture on your screen test it on plain paper. If it looks good then put in the decal paper. Reprint. Let it dry. Then spray a light coat of decal bonder over your new decal. This will keep the ink from running when you soak the decal in water. Once you have applied the decal to your item and it's dry then coat with the clear of your choice. Usually it will be dullcoat so there is no glare. That's basically it! Not very hard....try messing around with just text on your computer and then go from there. Any other questions...let me know. Later eh...Brian.
Originally posted by bman36 Hi there, Most of us have devised our own roadnames so this could be very handy. Gonna' give it a try very soon so I'll let you know of the results. Later eh...Brian. [tup] /quote Hi I think it would be fair coment to say some have also desined totems for their lines as well, or like me been helped to design a totem for their line mus get that tidied up one day when I know how too[:)]. regards John Reply Edit bman36 Member sinceJanuary 2014 1,264 posts Posted by bman36 on Saturday, April 17, 2004 5:44 PM Capt. C, Yes they are available at WalMart. Mine was out of stock. Hobby Lobby as well. Bought a new HP printer today since my Canon calfed another print head. A new printer was nearly the same price as the Canon print head. Go figure. John: Very true. I too have created my own logo if you will. I'm not that great with the Paint Shop Pro yet. I find it hard to use since I have no idea what all the symbols mean. Also if I goof how do I go back a step etc. For me if I have to clean something up, I usually just do another. Was at the local hobby shop today picking up some paint for my Shay. Boy some of the latest in HO is extremely impressive. Very comparable to brass. Glad we can swap our ideas here and step our projects up a notch. Later eh...Brian. Reply Anonymous Member sinceApril 2003 305,205 posts Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, April 17, 2004 10:53 PM hi Brian I just have too tidy up my totem but dont know how. Had a bit of luck some one put up one of the signs I liked from one of the websites I was given to check out., on a news group I belong to. I asked how to change the railway name at the top and ended up geting sent one already done. So all I have to do is try and find a size that tooks right and where it is still readable and I will be able to keep "G" scale undesirables off my stations. Perhaps I should get the figures to go with the sign and have the law removing an undesirable element as a mini scene what do you think. regards John Reply Edit bman36 Member sinceJanuary 2014 1,264 posts Posted by bman36 on Sunday, April 18, 2004 10:28 PM Hi John, I can see the scene in my head. A cruiser car parked crooked off to one side responding to the nuisance. A few bystanders watching to see the outcome. Could be very interesting. Just think all this from a discussion on decals. Later eh...Brian. Reply Anonymous Member sinceApril 2003 305,205 posts Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, April 20, 2004 2:51 AM QUOTE: Originally posted by bman36 Capt. C, Yes they are available at WalMart. Mine was out of stock. Hobby Lobby as well. Bought a new HP printer today since my Canon calfed another print head. A new printer was nearly the same price as the Canon print head. Go figure. John: Very true. I too have created my own logo if you will. I'm not that great with the Paint Shop Pro yet. I find it hard to use since I have no idea what all the symbols mean. Also if I goof how do I go back a step etc. For me if I have to clean something up, I usually just do another. Was at the local hobby shop today picking up some paint for my Shay. Boy some of the latest in HO is extremely impressive. Very comparable to brass. Glad we can swap our ideas here and step our projects up a notch. Later eh...Brian. I bought one of those kits, I hope to try it out. I didn't see any sort of "refill" supplies though. Do they sell the decal paper on its own? If so, where can I go for the best chance of getting it? Thanks, Reply Edit bman36 Member sinceJanuary 2014 1,264 posts Posted by bman36 on Wednesday, April 21, 2004 3:07 PM Capt. C., WalMart here had refills on the decal paper. Have not had time to try mine out yet. Hope to this weekend. Too busy with work and heading out here and there. Let me know if you get a chance to print something. My new printer works great (2nd one). Colour is awesome. Decals should look good. Later eh...Brian. Reply jmozz Member sinceJanuary 2004 From: long island 110 posts Posted by jmozz on Wednesday, April 21, 2004 10:38 PM brian can you explain alittle bit more on wordpro i have window 98 can i use notebook or notepad what ever its called how do you draw on wordpro jmozz Reply bman36 Member sinceJanuary 2014 1,264 posts Posted by bman36 on Thursday, April 22, 2004 11:08 PM jmozz, Word Pro is meant to be used for text only. It is not intended for drawing. It does however have templates for different styles of text used in creating logos. For instance you could choose a template and type in "GARDEN RAILWAYS". Depending on which template you chose the words would appear bold, or curved, look 3D, have different colours from top to bottom etc. Hope this makes sense. It is great for creating a store front sign but that is it. If you want to draw try Paint Shop Pro. I think there may be a free version of this. If not then go to www.decalgear.com and order their decal software. It's not very expensive. Hope this helps. Later eh...Brian. Reply bman36 Member sinceJanuary 2014 1,264 posts Posted by bman36 on Saturday, April 24, 2004 11:13 PM Hey All, OK so I made my first decals. So far they look great. The printer did an exellent job with the decal paper. I made lettering for my Shay this time round. At this point they are printed and sealed with the enclosed decal spray. Need to wait a few days before I put them on since the paint I just sprayed needs a few days first. Plan on spraying over them with Testors Dullcote after they are applied. Will take some pics later when I am done. Later eh...Brian. Reply Anonymous Member sinceApril 2003 305,205 posts Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, April 25, 2004 12:05 AM QUOTE: Originally posted by bman36 Hey All, OK so I made my first decals. So far they look great. The printer did an exellent job with the decal paper. I made lettering for my Shay this time round. At this point they are printed and sealed with the enclosed decal spray. Need to wait a few days before I put them on since the paint I just sprayed needs a few days first. Plan on spraying over them with Testors Dullcote after they are applied. Will take some pics later when I am done. Later eh...Brian. What color (colour?) did you print the text? Yellow or black on white? Reply Edit bman36 Member sinceJanuary 2014 1,264 posts Posted by bman36 on Monday, April 26, 2004 10:35 PM Capt. C., I went the unconventional route. Since a printer cannot print white, I went with all colour. Kinda' flashy for a railroad but I think it looks good. I'll send you a pic. when they are on the loco. Seeing them should help answer any questions. Later eh...Brian. Reply bman36 Member sinceJanuary 2014 1,264 posts Posted by bman36 on Thursday, April 29, 2004 8:00 PM Hey All, Well the tender from my Shay is now decalled. Not happy with the results. Could be the decal paper but it turned hazy underneath when it dried. Tried decal softening solution and waiting on the results. You can clearly see the outline of the decal and this really bugs me. Trimmed it very close yet it looks "thick" to me. I really don't want to repaint the tender so hoping for the best. Will let you know how this all turns out. Details details I tell ya. Maybe I'll weather the daylights out of it. Back to the drawing board. Later eh...Brian. Reply DSchmitt Member sinceSeptember 2003 From: California - moved to North Carolina 2018 4,422 posts Posted by DSchmitt on Friday, April 30, 2004 5:44 PM Was the paint flat or gloss. Hazing often happens on flat paint. Military modelers often spray or even brush on a thin coat of Future (the never recommend any other brand) floor wax on the area they are decaling. Then follow with a clear coat (flat or gloss) depending on the fini***hey want. The following is fromthe Greatmodel's Newsletter They are an online store that sells plastic and Resin model kits. They are not a train store, but do sell many mode kits that could be used on train layouts. 2.) Apply a good gloss coat to your model. A gloss coat is vital to reduce silvering. Flat paints have all kinds of microscopic ridges that will hold tiny bubbles of air under your decals. It is these bubbles that cause the silvering effect. It doesn't really matter what you use for a gloss coat, it can be Future, Modelmaster Metalizer Sealer, or any of the other gloss coats out there - or you can start with a gloss color coat in which case you won't need the extra step. Try some different methods and see what works best for you. I tried to sell my two cents worth, but no one would give me a plug nickel for it. I don't have a leg to stand on. Reply bman36 Member sinceJanuary 2014 1,264 posts Posted by bman36 on Friday, April 30, 2004 10:07 PM DSchmitt, The paint is actually flat. Come to think of it this is the first time I have put decals on a flat colour. Thanks so much for the advice. Will give the future a test on a sample item. Makes sense from what you are saying. Time to fire up the printer. Later eh...Brian. Reply Anonymous Member sinceApril 2003 305,205 posts Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, May 1, 2004 2:41 AM Hello all.On the modelling tram site I belong to the was a big article on decal paper.It depends on the base of the varnish applied to the decal to seal it on the loco.I can't remember which way round it was (but can find out) but if you use a spirit based varnish it goes hazy and if you use a water based varnist it stays clear or vice versa Hope this helps.If you need more info I'll dig out the article and post it.Troy Reply Edit bman36 Member sinceJanuary 2014 1,264 posts Posted by bman36 on Saturday, May 1, 2004 1:05 PM Troy , That would be appreciated. If you can locate it...go for it. Later eh...Brian. Reply Anonymous Member sinceApril 2003 305,205 posts Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, May 1, 2004 2:36 PM This is a bit I have copied from the questions and answers page.It's referring to Supercal decal film but I assume that most of them must be similar. "This is another version of SuperCal decal film and requires the use of a finishing spray at additinal expense and you will find that unless you leave a large area of clear decal around the bit you want you will end up with ragged edges to your printing.. If you want a cheaper method of printing your own decals using ink jet printers which does not have these problems and requires no finishing spray then use the JetCal system. If you use water based varnishes it will give you a white background whilst if you want a clear background then use solvent based varnish (asny white spirit based varnish will do) Once again I must advise that ALL methods of printing using computer printers and laser copiers will produce transluscent or transparent graphics which will "disappear" if put on a darker colour except for black which is opaque. The only option is to use the Jetcal system with a water based varnish but you will have difficulty matching the background colour of your decal to the colour of your model as printing and paints do not produce an exact colour match JetCal decal film is available from the Decal Paper Store at www.thedecalpaperstore.com or e-mail them at" There is a bit more to it but is gets very technical.Hope this helps.Troy Reply Edit Anonymous Member sinceApril 2003 305,205 posts Posted by Anonymous on Monday, May 10, 2004 12:34 PM What ever became of this topic. Bman? How did it turn out? Reply Edit bman36 Member sinceJanuary 2014 1,264 posts Posted by bman36 on Monday, May 10, 2004 4:04 PM Capt. C., Been too busy to fini***his off. Back at it on Tuesday. Gonna' spray the tender with clear gloss, decal, and then dull cote. Will let you know in a few days what the results are. Later eh...Brian. Reply Anonymous Member sinceApril 2003 305,205 posts Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, May 12, 2004 12:34 PM Seeing how this is to a head here....[|)] Is there a program that I can either buy that can do the name and the graphic? I am not into high speed low drag programs yet. Like Paint Shop Pro, etc. [:(] Might as well say I am lame[V] Reply Edit bman36 Member sinceJanuary 2014 1,264 posts Posted by bman36 on Wednesday, May 12, 2004 12:44 PM Bluebonnet-71, Do you have Microsoft Word? This is a very easy program to use. It will only give you text, but some really neat variations. All sorts of colours too. Working on my decals today amongst my other projects. Later eh...Brian. Reply Anonymous Member sinceApril 2003 305,205 posts Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, May 16, 2004 1:35 PM Guess there is not a fair price decal custom system [:(] I checked online sites and about 45.00 a hour for set up. Gasp [B)] How did it go Bman? Reply Edit bman36 Member sinceJanuary 2014 1,264 posts Posted by bman36 on Sunday, May 16, 2004 9:55 PM Hi guys, Success!!! Followed directions and shot a coat of clear gloss where the decals go. Reprinted decals and coated them with the "Decal Bonder". Re-applied and finished with Testors Dull Cote. Looks great now and I am pleased with the results. Thanks to all who offered advice. Later eh...Brian. Reply Anonymous Member sinceApril 2003 305,205 posts Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, May 18, 2004 10:42 PM QUOTE: Originally posted by bman36 Hi guys, Success!!! Followed directions and shot a coat of clear gloss where the decals go. Reprinted decals and coated them with the "Decal Bonder". Re-applied and finished with Testors Dull Cote. Looks great now and I am pleased with the results. Thanks to all who offered advice. Later eh...Brian. Howdy y'all, OK, let me run this by you and see if it is worthy of a salute or damnation... I have bought a White Pass and Yukon Bachmann passenger coach on some sort of sale from Trainworld. It got here yesterday. I plan to reletter it and do some painting. If I want to reletter it I must ...first, above the windows on the coach where it currently has the letters W.P. and Y., mask and paint it lets say "gloss black." Second, print and prepare the decals from the decal sheet via printing it, letting it dry, spraying it with decal film and letting that dry. Third, I must carefully cut the decals close and apply them to the glossed area, let that dry and then... Lastly, apply a "dull" clear laquer coat to have the proper (good looking finish). It that about the procedure. What say you... Reply Edit bman36 Member sinceJanuary 2014 1,264 posts Posted by bman36 on Tuesday, May 18, 2004 10:55 PM Capt. C., Sounds right! For masking I use automotive striping tape. Any colour will do, and I prefer using 1/8" in width. You can find this at just about any auto parts store. This tape will help prevent "bleeding" under the edge that you can get with masking tape. Apply the tape stripe first and then add masking tape close to the edge. Make sure to pull off the clear film off the stripe tape or the masking tape will fall off. Make sense??? Hope so. Practice masking off on a sample first. Perhaps a margarine lid or other plastic item. This way you can test the results before shooting the coach. Let us know how it goes. Later eh...Brian. Reply 12 Search the Community FREE EMAIL NEWSLETTER Get the Garden Railways newsletter delivered to your inbox twice a month Sign up By signing up you may also receive occasional reader surveys and special offers from Garden Railways magazine. 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QUOTE: Originally posted by bman36 Capt. C, Yes they are available at WalMart. Mine was out of stock. Hobby Lobby as well. Bought a new HP printer today since my Canon calfed another print head. A new printer was nearly the same price as the Canon print head. Go figure. John: Very true. I too have created my own logo if you will. I'm not that great with the Paint Shop Pro yet. I find it hard to use since I have no idea what all the symbols mean. Also if I goof how do I go back a step etc. For me if I have to clean something up, I usually just do another. Was at the local hobby shop today picking up some paint for my Shay. Boy some of the latest in HO is extremely impressive. Very comparable to brass. Glad we can swap our ideas here and step our projects up a notch. Later eh...Brian.
QUOTE: Originally posted by bman36 Hey All, OK so I made my first decals. So far they look great. The printer did an exellent job with the decal paper. I made lettering for my Shay this time round. At this point they are printed and sealed with the enclosed decal spray. Need to wait a few days before I put them on since the paint I just sprayed needs a few days first. Plan on spraying over them with Testors Dullcote after they are applied. Will take some pics later when I am done. Later eh...Brian.
I tried to sell my two cents worth, but no one would give me a plug nickel for it.
I don't have a leg to stand on.
QUOTE: Originally posted by bman36 Hi guys, Success!!! Followed directions and shot a coat of clear gloss where the decals go. Reprinted decals and coated them with the "Decal Bonder". Re-applied and finished with Testors Dull Cote. Looks great now and I am pleased with the results. Thanks to all who offered advice. Later eh...Brian.
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