I have been having problems with one of my decal sets from Microscale and I am going copy and paste the letter I sent them to see if anybody on the form has any advice and/or a similar experience. I am also intrested about any experinces with custoner service. The only thing I don’t want this to become is a bash Mircoscale thread. I will also post updates as needed.
Here is the letter:
I recently ordered MSD-60-4328 (Diesel Renumbered “Patch”) from N Scale Supply and have had some quality issues with it. Mainly the decals have fractured apart easily despite using decal solution and following the instructions. I have used several other of your products including on the locomotive I am working on now and have not had this problem. Secondly, the remnants of the decals when applied have been flaky and have fallen off despite using a bonding solution and preparing the surface. I hope that this issue can be resolved soon and will provide additional evidence, including photographs, of the problem at your request.
Thanks
To me this sounds like a lot of past threads in here about "old" or "older" decals.
There is clear coat you can spray over the decal sheet before you begin. I've never used any, but since this topic comes up often, I'm sure others will chime in with the right product.
Mike.
My You Tube
Thanks I may try that once I hear back from Microscale. I have a “decal bonder“ spray from Testors for custom decals that may work.
Actually, just scroll down on the main page. There is an active thread titled "Using old decals"
This sounds more to me like these decals were stored in an area where it got too hot.
.
Old, new, used, whatever, once a decal gets too hot it becomes flakey and brittle. Getting them wet and letting them dry back onto the paper backing is also very bad for them.
I doubt this is a Microscale issue, but maybe they will help out.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
Part of the problem with recent Microscale releases is the environmental laws in California where they are located prohibits the use of some inks etc. I had the same problem with some frame stripes and ended up painting them rather than using the decal which would flake off.
Rick Jesionowski
Rule 1: This is my railroad.
Rule 2: I make the rules.
Rule 3: Illuminating discussion of prototype history, equipment and operating practices is always welcome, but in the event of visitor-perceived anacronisms, detail descrepancies or operating errors, consult RULE 1!
dti406Part of the problem with recent Microscale releases is the environmental laws in California where they are located prohibits the use of some inks etc.
Really??? It figures, California.
Thanks. That’s why I cc’d N Scale Supply. Is there anyway to fix the damage?
The above comment is correct about California law prohibiting certain binders and flex agents as hazardous. The lack of that product has made the ink unusually brittle. Another side effect is that the inks aren't as opaque as they once were. This forces them to print white first, then overlay that with the color - most notably, lighter colors like yellows and oranges.
The second problem I found to be all too common with the newer sets is the lack of perfect registration between the color and the white undercoat. Had a Guilford set and the orange stripes had a very fine white line on one edge where the orange didn't properly trap over the white - looked quite obvious on a dark gray engine. Couple that with the lack of flex agent in the ink, you now have a double layer of brittle ink to deal with.
I have Microscale decals that are 30+ years old and work fine. Decals from the last eight years or so have really gotten bad. I personally don't trust any set that has multiple color overlays, no matter how new it is.
Mark.
¡ uʍop ǝpısdn sı ǝɹnʇɐuƃıs ʎɯ 'dlǝɥ
RR_MelThe strongest setting solution I’ve found for difficult surface detail is Walthers Solvaset.
Mel, I would really love to introduce you "Mr.Mark Softer", and "Daco Strong". Both of these are much better than "Walthers Solvaset" for getting decals to snuggle down.
The picture below shows what my experimentation revealed to be weakest to strongest.
Mark R.The lack of that product has made the ink unusually brittle. Another side effect is that the inks aren't as opaque as they once were. This forces them to print white first, then overlay that with the color - most notably, lighter colors like yellows and oranges.
I have also had this problem with the white underprinted decals. The wide red stripe down the sides of the STRATTON AND GILLETTE "Nightbird Service" FAs are like this. They have not been cooperative at all.
I think I will also avoid the white underprinted decals.
In a prior related topic post I mentioned I was going to try Krylon Gloss clear spray on Microscale decals of unknown age, as I use on Bel decal paper decals I print myself. It was too thick- even with a light one pass spray and the decals failed to separate from the backing when soaked. So that idea goes down the drain. I used the Microscale decal liquid on another decal from the same set and waited overnight, not just the recommended 15 minutes- the decal separated during soak but was very touchy and delicate to apply- even on top of a film of Solva set (Walthers).
My prime complaint is that we don't know the age of these decals when we order them- so how long they sat in inventory is a mystery. It would be nice to know that up front. Also, if California has set up environmental rules that adversely impact the quality of Microscale decal printing then come to business - friendly Florida, where the heavy hand of bureaucracy is just a tap, not a handcuff. Then Microscale could go back to the better quality production methods and give us better product!
Cedarwoodron
cedarwoodronn a prior related topic post I mentioned I was going to try Krylon Gloss clear spray on Microscale decals of unknown age.
In the February, 1966 copy of model railroader, there is a "kink" that suggests this. Not Krylon of course. I was reading through it last night and was surprised that they had "old" decals back in 1966.
cedarwoodronAlso, if California has set up environmental rules that adversely impact the quality of Microscale decal printing then come to business - friendly Florida,
Yes, please spread the news. Florida is very business friendly, and I would love to see Microscale move here. Heck... if they move close enough I might even want to become deeply involved.
RR_Mel When you get on a freeway that is going east you have to be carful for the heavy traffic of companies leaving California. Mel My Model Railroad http://melvineperry.blogspot.com/ Bakersfield, California I'm beginning to realize that aging is not for wimps.
rrebell Good, I live here and it has got insane with traffic and cost of housing. $3,500 for a 1 bedroom apt now 30 miles from silicon valley.
Good, I live here and it has got insane with traffic and cost of housing. $3,500 for a 1 bedroom apt now 30 miles from silicon valley.