I've been trying to find some late 1800's/early 1900's PRR decals to use on an A3 0-4-0. Microscale doesn't seem to have anything, and I haven't been able to come up with anything else so far. Does anyone know if decals like these were ever made?
https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xgIWQTwwtAA/X-j-VsmnoKI/AAAAAAAAG1Y/4GqSnCK8JXkSAkU7WcoxBwd_BRR3ZTUbACLcBGAsYHQ/s800/d7c5182c7ff21cb2687c2e8190de333f.jpg
Going through old photos, the P.R.R. lettering was very common on steam engines from this time period, so I don't know why there wouldn't be anything out there. All I've been able to find is the typical fully spelled "Pennsylvania", and never with an "RR" or "railroad" I can cut up to work.
_________________________________________________________________
Darth, out of curiosity, are you building one of the Arbour kits or decaling an old AHM RTR model?
I wonder if you might be able to find the font in older Champ decals, or maybe Microscale offers a complete alphabet set in a font that would work.
http://mprailway.blogspot.com
"The first transition era - wood to steel!"
It's one of the Arbour Models kits. I was thinking Champ might have made something, but haven't seen anything so far.
I thought of getting an alphabet if the right one's out there, but I'm kind of making that a last resort.
If you just bought it, you beat me out!
I was thinking that a PRR sleeper set might be your best bet, but looking at the PRRT&HS book on Penney business cars, it looks to me like the font for the car names is probably too small. Sometimes the sellers for Champ decals on eBay will post pictures, and those may help.
Looking at Microscale's alphabet offerings, for "PRR" and the numbers, their Extended Railroad Roman font may come close.
Curious to hear how your build goes. I like the look of a lot of the old Arbour engines, but have always heard the soft metal in wheels and rods makes them prone to wear out easily. Thinking about any mitigation's?
I used dry transfers to cobble together this hasty W&LE "repaint"
WnLE_080 by Edmund, on Flickr
I forget if I used Clover House or Woodland Scanics. This was a former C&O 0-8-0 that I got a deal on. The lettering may look a bit large for a switcher but I have photos of some Wheeling engines and it looks pretty close.
WLE_0-8-0 by Edmund, on Flickr
Now I have to weather the engine to match the tender
https://cloverhouse.com/Cart/index.php?cPath=1_21
https://woodlandscenics.woodlandscenics.com/show/category/DecalLetters
In many cases I prefer dry transfers over decals anyway.
Good Luck, Ed
It could be a bit of a long shot, but you might find something suitable on Bowser's
Fire Sale
Wayne
Microscale used to sell a set or the PRR 4-4-0 that could proably be used, 87-66.
The passenger car set might have the lettering, but it looks like its in yellow rather than gold leaf.
Dave H. Painted side goes up. My website : wnbranch.com
Might be able to adapt MicroScale - 48-35 O scale decals Steam Locos 1910-1948
I tried to sell my two cents worth, but no one would give me a plug nickel for it.
I don't have a leg to stand on.
Thanks for all the replies!
MidlandPacific, I actually bought it a few months back, but haven't started it yet. I had to finish a few other things first.
gmpullman, I've used dry transfers on some O gauge restorations before, and they turned out well once I figured out how to apply and clear coat them, so that may be one thing to consider.
doctorwayne, I checked through there, and there were unfortunately no decals. A lot of other useful parts are there though, and I probably would've ordered some if I needed them! Those $1 Aerotrain passenger bodies were tempting since I developed the 3D chassis to fit them.
dehusman, the 87-66 set is what I'll likely get if I can't find anything better.
DSchmitt, 48-35 is the O scale version of 47-66, so it's unfortunately not going to work.
https://cloverhouse.com/Cart/index.php?cPath=1_16
Here's a link to the Clover House dry transfer site- they make a LOT of steam Era transfers and you may find something with a usable font here. The PRR transfers don't have what you need, but the Phildelphia-Reading Seashore Lines engine transfer might work, except that it's Dulux gold. But there is so much font variety in these that you might be able to find one that works.
Looking forward to hearing how your build goes!
Thanks, after looking through prototype photos, I think those will work!
My only piece of advice is, make sure you apply them on a flat finish. Unlike decals, which go best on a glossy finish, the dry transfers take best on a flat finish.
I asked on the PRR website and no records exist of what the PRR used in that era so you can use whatever you want and Noone can dispute it
"PRR" doesn't always mean "Pennsy"
https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/9hh640-builder-rp-1940-panama-2055694304
https://www.cardcow.com/806316/cristobal-panama-railroad-engine-657/
http://www.panamarailroad.org/images/403.jpg
Does anybody offer decals for the Panama Railroad?