I want to make some numberboard (bug board) decals to fit old Athearn F7A units. Since I haven't the patience nor inclination to piece them together, I figured I would just print some up. I need white numbers on a black background, so I figured on printing black rectangles of the proper size and white numbers. Since I have never done this before, I have a question or two: 1) If I use white decal paper, is it feasible to print the black backgrounds with the numbers "punched out"? If so, any suggestions on how to do this? I have been using Paint Shop Pro for years, but not for anything requiring specific sizes and masks. One more question: How would I make white numbers without background? IOW, if I used any software to make the numbers, how would I see them on the white paper to cut them out? SInce I don't have an ALPS printer, I can't print white, so...??? Thanx.
EDIT:
Works great for back lit number boards too.
http://melvineperry.blogspot.com/
Bakersfield, California
Well, without an ALPS you can't print white. (Unless you get the new HP cartridge through MicroMark that prints in white using a laser printer model. But I believe you lose the ability to print in another color {or black maybe?} with the "Ghost" cartridge installed.)
But unless you will be doing a bunch of custom decals, it's a pretty steep price to buy a new printer and toner cartridge for one sheet....
Your only option here (without those other two printers) would be print the black bacground with the numbers in white (no ink) on white decal paper.
Do you have access to Photoshop? You can scale them to exact size in it very easily. Other programs will do the same, but I am more familiar with Photoshop myself.
Your second option would be the "other way", by piecing them together number by number.
If you need a ton of decals, a custom decal printer might be a viable option as well. (Or purchasing the above mentioned printer and toner cartridge.)
Ricky W.
HO scale Proto-freelancer.
My Railroad rules:
1: It's my railroad, my rules.
2: It's for having fun and enjoyment.
3: Any objections, consult above rules.
I make white lettering on black/colored background decals all the time. There is no need to "punch out" numbers. As you said, first create black rectangles on your computer graphics program. Add white lettering and print on white background decal paper. Since most printers can't print white, they print nothing where the lettering is supposed to be allowing the white background to show through the black background. This usually gives you slightly muted/faded white lettering as the white background is not all that opaque. If you want the white lettering to POP, paint the area where you will apply the decal white (slightly smaller than the decal). You really don't even need decal paper for number boards. Just print the same design onto regular bond paper, cut out and glue inside the number board. DONE!
Hornblower
I use Open Office and there is an option for "Highlighting". I choose black and then white text. I'm certain the same option is in Word.
That gives me a big enough block, for my purposes, but sometimes in the printing, there are pinholes of no color in the black.
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
Hi Mel,
I attempted using MS Word for making my HO scale number boards, but ran into a couple issues right off. First, how do I scale the size? 8 point typeface is the lowet Word will go. Next, how do I round the edge of the background? I can draw the backgrounds in my CAD program (FastCAD), but can't seem to insert the text (numbers) because my CAD won't mask the numbers. Any clues are appreciated.
The font size in Word is also manual input. It will accept any whole or half number. For example, 3.5 is valid.
To make sure my decals/signs look the way I want them to, I usually create them oversize on my computer program. This avoids a lot of the pixelation problems that can occur when trying to use tiny font sizes. When I go to print them out, I will use the size reduction feature of the printer to scale the image down to model size.
MikeyChris Hi Mel, I attempted using MS Word for making my HO scale number boards, but ran into a couple issues right off. First, how do I scale the size? 8 point typeface is the lowet Word will go. Next, how do I round the edge of the background? I can draw the backgrounds in my CAD program (FastCAD), but can't seem to insert the text (numbers) because my CAD won't mask the numbers. Any clues are appreciated.
I don’t like having to learn new software so I keep what I know how to use. I use Windows and Excel 2003. In Windows 2003 go to Format and expand the dropdown then pick font, on the far right inter the font size and do it to it.My favorite fonts are RAILROAD ROMAN Verdana and DaylightEDIT:
These were made in Word 2003 using the above method.
Mel My Model Railroad http://melvineperry.blogspot.com/ Bakersfield, California I'm beginning to realize that aging is not for wimps.
I did what was suggested earlier and inserted a black rectangle, then added numbers to it, making the numbers white.
Marlon
See pictures of the Clinton-Golden Valley RR