I recently bought a brass Boston & Albany Berkshire. After the obligatory tune-up and paint job I was ready to letter her. Unfortunately I have not been able to turn up any B&A steam locomotive decals. Before I just buy a set of Railroad Roman letters and apply them one at a time, I'd like to know if anyone knows where I could get my hands on a proper set of decals.
Have you considered having them made for you?
Here is one source that will do whatever quantity you need for a fairly reasonable price:
http://www.solidesign.bizland.com/decals.html
Dave
EDIT: I sent these guys a request for a quote about 10 days ago. Thus far no response. They may be dead in the water.
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
Here's another customj decal manufacturer: http://www.mgdecals.com/homepage.htm
Jay
C-415 Build: https://imageshack.com/a/tShC/1
Other builds: https://imageshack.com/my/albums
Hi, Jim
Well, they're not decals... and they are for a hopper car... BUT if you can use them send me an IM with your address and I'll send you the two sets I have.
These were made by Campbell Road, Inc. Box 146 Winchester, KY 40392. I have NO idea if they are still in business. These are dry transfers (my preferred method of lettering) and I got them mostly for the Bessemer side.
The lettering is almost 12" tall and measures 14 feet from the B- to the -Y. It is white.
If you can use them let me know. I have two sets I can send you.
Happy modeling, Ed
Jim:
Ed's offer is worth considering not only because you may be able to apply them directly, but it also gives you ready made examples of the font and letter spacing (assuming they are accurate of course). With the font and layout already done for you, the custom decal makers would have an easy time making more decals. The size of the lettering doesn't matter because the decal makers can scale things up or down to suit your needs.
I'd go for Ed's offer!
I purchased a Microscale sheet of B&M decals online recently (EBay) for that work caboose I posted in the photo gallery- about $8.00 and free shipping!
Cedarwoodron
Clover House, who I think now is Washington State, a new owner, offers dry transfers sets for some Boston & Albany rolling stock.
You can order direct.
Even though the sets are not for a locomotives, it is the B&A letter style, that you can piece together something.
Their dry transfer line is extensive and I think you shall be impressed with their selection and scales.
Take a look at their respective web-site.
Run EightClover House, who I think now is Washington State, a new owner, offers dry transfers sets for some Boston & Albany rolling stock.
Good Suggestion!
I have made several purchases from Clover House and had great results every time. I have not dealt with the new owners but I am glad that someone has taken up the product line.
The "chalk marks" sheet is handy to customize a freight car.
http://cloverhouse.com/Store/index.php?cPath=64
Hi Ed: Thanks for the generous offer! I'm assuming the letters are 12 scale inches tall? I'll need an address to send the mailer to. You can contact me at jvalledover@aol.com. The brass piece is old enough to have an open frame motor but it pulls like a champ!
Yes, just a bit under 12" using my scale rule and my old eyes.
I looked at quite a few B&A photos and they seemed to use several different lettering styles, even the NYC modern sans-serif so I don't think anyone would argue about being authentic.
I just sent you a reply...
Glad to help, Ed
Just FYI, I sent these guys a request for a quote and got a response within two days. The price was quite reasonable for some simple lettering:
http://www.mgdecals.com/homepage.htm This is the source that modelmaker51 suggested.
I had suggested another source (http://www.solidesign.bizland.com/decals.html) but they haven't replied to my request for a quote in 10 days.
Yeah, Jim is pretty quick and makes a quality product. B&A is something he can add to his line (NE railroad).