I am detailing an HO Athearn (BB) GP38-2 into DT&I GP38 #207. What is the easiest way to customize the number boards? In the past I have never worried about specific numbers and just used what I had available. This time I would like to try and get the numbers right.
My goal is to light the headlights and the number boards (front and rear).
Any help would be appreciated. Thanks Martin.
Hi Martin:
I did a similar project recently where I had to match illuminated number boards to the numbers on the side of the cab. I used Microscale decals sheet #87-205 which are white letters surrounded by black but they allow the light to shine through the numbers.
http://www.microscale.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=MD&Product_Code=87-205&Product_Count=&Category_Code=
In my case the number boards were already installed in the locomotive and couldn't be removed because of the epoxy holding the LEDs in place behind the boards. The original number board numbers bled too much light through them even with the LEDs dimmed down. I tried to mount the new numbers directly on the boards but I just couldn't get them straight enough. To get the numbers to line up properly I drew a line with black marker on .005" clear styrene and then mounted the numbers on the styrene. I found it much easier to align the numbers on the flat surface. Then I sealed the decals with clearcote and cut the styrene to size. I used tacky glue to mount them on the number boards. If your number boards are removeable you might not need to go through all that hassle.
Dave
EDIT:
Apparently DT&I used black letters on a white background so the above sheet won't suit the OP's needs. See the recommendations re Shellscale decals below.
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
Another option is to use Shellscale decals http://shellscale.com/
Modeling B&O- Chessie Bob K. www.ssmrc.org
I'll second the motion on Shellscale. They can get you the exact font needed in many cases.
http://shellscale.com/
Mike Lehman
Urbana, IL
Mile and bogp40:
I don't think I have seen the ShellScale decals before. They look good.
The one advantage that the Microscale set that I suggested has is that the numbers with the black background can be illuminated. I didn't see any Shellscale sets with white numbers on a black background that could be illuminated, unless I missed something.
I looked up some pictures of the DT&I locomotives. The ones I could find had number boards with black letters on a white background so my suggested decals won't suit the OP's needs whereas the Shellscale ones will.
Dave,
You're right, I believe. Unless something's changed, Shellscale does only white on black or vice versa, no transparent number ones.
One way I thought of dealing with that was making up the number boards with Shellscale, scan them at hi rez, then print to a transparency. I'm planning on making some custom number boards and doing it this way, based on reports of other's success. Using the Shellscale to build the images is certainly legit for your own use. Like having a set of lost wax castings made from a plastic kit using the plastic parts as master for the brass, you'll be using up the product in the process of creating the resulting image.
I don't think Shellscale's diverse variety of fonts is available elsewhere, although I haven't seen the Microscale product and am sure it's good for what it is.
Hi Mike:
I like your idea of using a transparency to produce the number boards. They could also be printed onto clear or white decal paper so you would only have to deal with one decal instead of trying to line up three or four individual numbers on the locomotive. I just got some of the decal sheets that do not require a sealer coat when using an ink jet printer, and they can have either a white or a clear background depending on how you treat them.
One thing I will mention is that if you want white letters on a black background the letters do need to be white as opposed to simply transparent. I received a defective set of decals from Microscale when I was working on my project. The numbers were clear instead of white like the original set I had started with. The clear numbers won't work on their own. They look terrible. The only way to make them work would be to put a white translucent panel behind them. Fortunately Microscale was kind enough to replace the sheet of defective decals at no charge.
When I need to illuminate white numbers on a black background, I just use the correct number font, and print a small panel in reverse on some white decal paper.
What I'm actually printing is a small black box with clear numbers, but the white decal film makes the numbers white.
Mark.
¡ uʍop ǝpısdn sı ǝɹnʇɐuƃıs ʎɯ 'dlǝɥ
Aw heck Mark! Stop making it sound so easy!
To the OP:
Get yourself some white decal paper. Do what Mark said!
Here is the source I used for the inkjet decal paper that does not require sealing:
http://www.modeltrainsoftware.com/decalpaper.html
If anyone needs the EMD number font, I have it available as a True-Type font. Message me with your e-mail address.
I print my number board numbers on plain white paper with my home computer. When dry I 'sand' them down to make the paper stock thinner if they are going to be lighted. Then I cut them out and mount them with Tacky Glue.
So far this method has worked for me.
Remember its your railroad
Allan
Track to the BRVRR Website: http://www.brvrr.com/
George In Midcoast Maine, 'bout halfway up the Rockland branch
Hi Mark, Please could you email me the True-type font used ofr EMD Diesel Numberboards please. Thank you.
Look forward to your reply.
Kind regards
David (New Zealand)