Hello,
I applied a decal onto the NJ Transit locomotive I'm kitbashing and applied the "disco stripe" decal a few nights ago. Last night I went to apply the decal to the other side, but it broke so I used a decal from another sheet. Apparently it's somewhat different in color.
I think the first decal i applied is closer to the colors on the prototype, but it was stiff and brittle and didn't settle into details well.
The second decal set beautifully and looks painted on, but it doesn't seem as close in color to theprototype.
Do I leave it the way it is or should I remove one of the decals and look for one that matches the other exactly color wise? What's your opinion on which one looks better and what I should do. Thanks for your input.
Here's the prototype
Here's the decal I feel is close in color to the prototype
Here's the decal that set really well and looks painted on.
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It's a tough choice. Have you tried a decal solvent and a needle on the bubbles on the first decal? If you can get it to lay down, the colors are definately better. OTOH, if it won't lay down cleanly it's just going to get worse with time, so I'd sacrifice the better color match for the cleaner finish of decal #2.
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Have you done any treatment to either decal? Setting solution, Dullcote
The first seems to be more reflective than the other, in the end it probably is the one that goes on best with the least hassle. If the first is brittle and falling apart, it might be best not to use it.
Are the decals from the same manufacturer and is that company still in business? Maybe buy a new set from them if the color is better; if they are out of business all of their old stock may be in similar condition
George In Midcoast Maine, 'bout halfway up the Rockland branch
The decals are both from Microscale and although I don't know when they were printed, the first one that's more brittle was purchsaed recently and the one that layed down fine is years old.
The first decal has had at least 4 coats of Microsol and the second one has only had one coat of Microsol.
Microscale had to change the inks to conform with CA enviromental laws, I had the same problem with the frame stripes on my NYC RS-32's that split and broke as I attempted to install them. Also the the inks do not have the pop the old inks had which is why they are a different color.
On my second RS-32 I painted the frame stripe rather than use the decal, worked out much better.
Rick Jesionowski
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While the top decal is closer in color, to me it looks worse because it does not have the painted on look it needs. If it won't settle down tight, the bottom decal, while not as close color wise, would be my choice.
Ricky W.
HO scale Proto-freelancer.
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