Decals

[jeep35]

Hey guys, 

Was wondering about some of the decal suppliers and if they are still in business. I used Champ and Herald King for many years and occasionally Microscale. I know Microscale is still around. Did anyone take over the Champ line of decals? Is Herald King still producing decals or just selling off previousply made stock. Lots of stuff on ebay, but you gotta be careful, some of it's pretty old and might fall apart. I know most of today's models are factory painted and detailed, but I still get a sense of accomplishment from painting and using decals from time to time.

jim

[mbinsewi]

It looks like Herald King is still around:

https://heraldkingdecals.com/

If I remember, Champ closed down after the owners death, I'm think around 2005?

As you mentioned, you'll find a good selection on Ebay.  There is a technique for stabilizing old decals, it's been talked about in here, I don't remember the exact procedure.

I think you put some type of a clear coat on, but I'm not sure.  Hopefully some one will chime in with the procedure.

Mike.

[fmilhaupt]

Nope, nobody took over Champ. The process that Champ used to print decals (using a manual letterpress) is a lot more work to carry out than most people would want to do. Converting to any other form of production would be a very labor-intensive process that would be unlikely to pay off in any reasonable interval.

If you find older Champ sets for sale, the good news is that the heavier stock that Champ decal sets were printed on tends to survive much better than that used by any other manufacturer.

Portland Car and Foundry has produced some sets that are replacements for some older Champ sets, see: https://www.myhotrains.com/decals/champion-decals/  They are primarily freight car data sets, covering pre-WWII equipment and appear to be new artwork.

[doctorwayne]

jeep35

...I still get a sense of accomplishment from painting and using decals from time to time.

I agree: it's very satisfying to have hands-on participation in what's on your layout. 

Champ survived the owner's passing and was carried on for some time by his widow.  If you can find Champ decals on-line, many may still be useable - I have some more than 40 years old, mostly alphabet sets, that are useable, but some are not, the letters breaking up as soon as you try to slide them from the paper.  More recent ones are almost guaranteed to be viable.
Ozark Miniatures was apparently hoping to acquire the Champ line, but has been unable to track down Connie Myers (widow of the original owner). 
Another alternative to decals is dry transfers, although the options there may be even more limited than that for decals.The above-mentioned Ozark Miniatures did acquire all of the C-D-S line of dry transfers, but is producing them in decal form.
I had three runs (all somewhat different) of dry transfer custom lettering done by the original C-D-S, and two batches of different custom decal lettering done by Rail Graphics.  Unfortunately (for us modellers) the owner has retired, and as far as I'm aware, no one else has acquired the business.

Depending on the era you're modelling, Westerfield and Tichy do have decal sets available, and if you're looking for custom work, there must be a few places still offering such services.  (I'm no longer searching, as I have enough custom lettering on hand to complete what's left to do.)

I'd estimate that probably more than 90% of the stuff which runs on my layout is all hand lettered, and close to 100% of the rest has some re-lettered areas, usually relating to built- or re-weigh dates or data.

Wayne

[BigDaddy]

Microscale will do custom runs of decals.  The guy who does the painting on brasstrains.com Boyd Reyes mentioned it in episode 9.  The minimum may be prohibitive for one guy, but a couple guys could get together and split the cost. 

 

[jeep35]

Yeah, It's kind of what I figured. I can remember spending Winter nights listening to the radio and decaling Western Maryland coal hoppers (lots of them). It was very relaxing. I suppose it's just not really a profitable business. Still, it was very enjoyable.

 

Thanks Guys

Jim

[SouthPenn]

Precision Design does custom decals.

[last mountain & eastern hogger]

You will have to google this tonight but, you must try, you will be pleased.

Circus City Decals and Graphics in Baraboo, wisconcin,  I just did business with this fellow for custom Decals and am very well pleased.

He has a great catalogue of Railroads, some trucking and Circuses.

I think you will enjoy his site, and email communications with him are great.
I had custom decals made for the LM&E and shipped to Canada in about ten days.

I am not associated with them other than I would definately deal with them again anytime.  A very pleasant experience.

Johnboy out..........