Evening, gang -
I'm trying to determine which Champs decal sets would be appropriate for a NYC EMD NW2 switcher (ca '46).
One set states that it's for NYC EMD "Cab Diesels" (BRH-53). Another set states that it's for NYC "Small Hood Units" (BRH-110). Both sets come with lightning stripe decals. However, the NYC NW2s didn't have those:
The Champ decals are available on eBay but it's difficult to view some of the decal sheets because they are washed out by the flash or lighting used for the photo. Viewing it from an angle does help some but the small white lettering is pretty illegible.
Any wisdom and experiece is appreciated. Thanks for the help.
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
Well, the BRH-53 set is for "cabin units" (F-units, FAs, C-Liners, etc.), while BRH-110 are for small hood units - likely geeps and RS-types, but could include switchers. The description in my Champ catalogue says that the artwork was drawn from blueprints. Champ sets were often meant to be useful for more than one type of locomotive, so if you don't need the lightning stripes, don't use them.
The description further states that the set includes numbers, roadnames, and the tiny white class numbers and that they're all the correct size and style for the early scheme used on smaller hood units.
I have some Microscale decals for NYC cab diesels, left over after doing a number of F-units for a friend. The road name lettering is about 9" high and will fit on a switcher like that in the photo, but it may be a bit longer - looks almost as if it's Extended Gothic. However, the numbers included in the set are too small to match what's shown in the photo. There are enough roadnames to do six units, plus 20 Central red ovals and some lightning stripe material, but not enough of that for even one locomotive. If you feel that they'd be of use, perhaps on another lcomotive, a PM will get things started.Champ also offered that font in various sizes and colours as alphabet sets...a little more work, but still do-able.I'm also a fan of the Central, as it was a part owner of my hometown TH&B.
Wayne
Thanks for explaining about the "cabin units", Wayne. That makes sense.
And thanks for the offer on the Microscale "leftovers". I think I'll just go ahead and purchase the BRH-110 set and see if it's usable or not for the NW2s. I also have a couple of SW1 switchers to paint and detail so that set might work for them, as well.
One thing to consider is the Microscale NYC decals come with the pilot striping. Not sure the Champ decals do? Also Microscale decal sets usually have enough lettering to do several cars or engines.
The Microscale decal sets do often provide enough lettering for more than one item, but to do Tom's switcher. he'd need to buy Set 87-88 to get the proper lettering and numerals, and set 87-618 to get the pilot stripes. Neither set, by itself, will do that locomotive. By the looks of things, with both sets, he'll have enough to do three locomotives.
Well, I received the Champ decals in the mail yesterday and they don't come with the classification decals specifically for the NYC NW2. A number of the other NYC diesel classes are represented (e.g. DES-8 thru DES-18 - and even DRS) but not DES-13.
I could piecemeal it together from one of the other DES- decals and the number sets that come on the same card but that will require a little extra work. Can we say learning experience?
And I did check out the Microscale 87-88 set on their website and they do have the DES-13 decal on that one. So I might go with that and use the Champs decals on another switcher(s).
Tom, it's pretty easy to make that "8" in DES-18 into a "3".
Modelling the late '30s, I soon learned that there's a general dearth of small "3"s on most decal sheets, as I had to change a lot of BLT dates, and re-weigh dates, too.
doctorwayne Tom, it's pretty easy to make that "8" in DES-18 into a "3".
Thats a great suggestion, Wayne - Thanks!
Been holding this in since the topic started and had to let it out. Best decals would be a big PENNSYLVANIA on the hood with nice yellow numbers on the cab. Just kidding.
Yes, and I believe those are available through Champ's budget line, Chump. Love the rivalry, ndbprr. No offense taken.