Wal-mart Testors Decal System

[Noah Hofrichter]

I was noticing this for some time at a local wal-mart, and finally decided to ask if the $5.50 decal system was any good[?] What all comes with the system? Any information would be helpful and appreciated[:D]

Thanks Noah[:D][:p][8D]

[DSchmitt]

The first link is a short review. The second link contains a brief description of the system.

http://www.ipmsusa.org/Reviews/Products/Testors_Decals/Testors_Decals.htm

http://www.modeltraincrossing.com/704-9198.htm

[Anonymous]

I got the kit and have tried it with mixed results. I did some lettering for a local shortline diesel that was all in black. The minor problem I had was when using dilute Solvaset (50% water), it started to make the printing run after the second application. I don't know it applying more of the setting spray would help or not. Anyway for the price it is worth a try. I have a project to do a freight car with a red logo, and will give it a try.

BB in Canada

[Noah Hofrichter]

BB,

Can you create your own decals with the basic set or do you have to buy the upgrade CD the 2 links abouve mention?

Noah

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Noah Hofrichter

BB,

Can you create your own decals with the basic set or do you have to buy the upgrade CD the 2 links abouve mention?

Noah

I did my own text and used a logo I had scanned for my project, and did not even try to use the enclosed mini CD. From What I understand, it contains mostly artwork for cars - flames, pinstriping, etc. The extra CD ($10.00) is supposed to have more plus aircraft markings and I think the ability to do some custom stuff. I heard most of this on a plastic modelers newgroup. It does not appear that there are any railroad relatred material on the CDs, the kits are aimed at the plastic modellers.

I've started working on another project for a covered hopper which would have a round logo from an area sugar refinery, which I have already made. The problem I now have is how to add some curved wording around the bottom of the circular logo. The rest of the lettering will just be type that I can get close enough.

BB in Canada

[BentnoseWillie]

One limitation of this set is that the decals are only as opaque as the ink your printer uses. I tried my first set with yellow lettering for a dark green locomotive, and the yellow from my HP Photosmart 7160 isn't opaque enough to work.

Back to slicin' and dicin' for this project, though I'll be keeping the Testors set up my sleeve for the future.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by BentnoseWillie

One limitation of this set is that the decals are only as opaque as the ink your printer uses. I tried my first set with yellow lettering for a dark green locomotive, and the yellow from my HP Photosmart 7160 isn't opaque enough to work.

Yellow is the most difficult color to print ,and I imagine would be impossible with any inkjet printer. I have some commercial yellow decals printed on an ALPS printer, and they had to be printed first in white, and then re-printed in yellow to work.

The Testors kits would be most suitable for darker colors on a lighter background, or print them on the white decal paper and cut them out. This could work for a logo where you could cut around allright, but not on other stuff.

BB in Canada

[BentnoseWillie]

So I learned... [:I]

Still, it's a good thing to have up one's sleeve as an alternative to ordering a custom run.

[Anonymous]

Lazertran decals are opaque so white and yellow look OK. Applying them with turps will make them transparent. The ink jet paper needs no sealing coat.