I want to paint and decal an Athearn heavyweight baggage car, and am having trouble finding the appropriate decals for it, which are D&RGW gold lettering for mid 20th century style cars. I have scoured Microscale, ebay and elsewhere, and am not getting anywhere. There was someone on ebay that had some old Champ decals for this car, but would need to try and salvage them using various techniques such as applying decal film preservative, and such. It could be an iffy endeavor. Does anyone have any ideas on where I could obtain these decals or have any ideas on modern technology that these types of decals could be created? I tend to be a "low tech" type person, and could use some advice!
Thanks.
astapleford...There was someone on ebay that had some old Champ decals for this car, but would need to try and salvage them using various techniques such as applying decal film preservative, and such....
While decals may deteriorate over time, you might be surprised by how long some of them can last. Much of my rolling stock is lettered with decals, and I have some Champ decal sets that are still perfectly useable even though they're almost 50 years old. There are, of course, others not so durable.
If you want custom-made decals (in most cases, you can provide the artwork or, for an additional fee, have it done for you by the decal supplier), a good choice might be Circus City Decals.
A friend sent me a couple of sets which he had made for himself, and they're of very good quality and the colours are very opaque....
...and with a little weathering...
Contact them to learn what's required: if you're doing your own artwork, the usual practice is to make it twice the desired size, but since you're looking for lettering to match a specific prototype, you may be required to provide photos of the prototype, with which they can work.In either case, I've found them to be very prompt in replying and very meticulous in their offerings.
Wayne
Thank you, Wayne. I just finished securing a set of Champ decals on ebay. I will need to study what I can do to preserve, and then use them. I may sacrifice one or two parts on them that I don't need, to see how they fare with water and "slideability". If anyone else has any ideas, please let me know!
I use lots of old decals.
Your idea to experiment with a sacrificial section is perfect. If they have been properly stored you will have no problems, but it is best not to find out on a piece you need.
Do not force them off of the decal paper. Sometime I need to let an older set soak for hours, but they will eventually come off of the carrier paper.
Good luck... feel free to ask more questions.
I hope I helped.
-Kevin
Living the dream.