ModelRailroader.com Reader Poll -November 20, 2003

[krustyb]

Makes no difference to me.
I use both.
I just have to remember to be patient and not rush what I am doing.

[Anonymous]

It is easier to line up decals and thet look much better
from a old rail.

[Anonymous]

I becan using dry transfers a couple of years ago. In many instances, they are much easier for me to apply, and a lot quicker than decals.

[Anonymous]

I hate dry transfer sheets , I put them on my first 4 unpainted locomotives and then out them in my car case. A week later when I went to take tem out the locomotives where no longer numberd much to my suprise. The numbers stuck to the foam, If anyone knows what to do about this please let me know , I have stuck to numbered locos only since then.

[Anonymous]

[:o)] I tend to use both. It depends on what I am putting nos. etc on.

[Martin4]

I prefer decals but could work with dry transfers too... Just give us something to apply !

Martin
Québec City

[Anonymous]

I prefer decals as they are easier to line up and apply
Ch

[Anonymous]

I like decals because they can be moved once they are on. There are different types and sizes of numbers, wood they all be included

[Anonymous]

Decals a hundred times over. I hope they would include number boards.I have not used dry transfers very much but I have had much better luck with decals.

[Anonymous]

No doubt decals will be my choice.

[Anonymous]

Why can't we have both in the kit. Then the owner can use the one he/she is most comfortable with.

[Anonymous]

I'm severly disabled and am unabled to do either one. I would like the manufacturer to offer me the opportunity to have my locos numbered and lettered the way I want. Almost all won't. Most dealers want and arm and a leg to provide this service. I have only one Dealer (Mike King of Dry Bridge Station in Mt. Airy, NC.) that helps me out. He doesn't believe I have to pay extra just because I'm disabled! ! ! ! !

[Anonymous]

dry transfer[xx(] numbers would keep me from buying any locomotive. They simply do not work on anything mirror smooth, or on anything that is contoured. Decals, however, are the best things to come down the pike, anyone who says that you can't hide a decal's edge JUST ISN'T TRIMMING IT CLOSE ENOUGH!! Decals reqire extra care in trimming them, but I'd like to see you do a 6 color logo in a dry transfer......HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA THAT'S A GREAT JOKE!!!!

[Catt]

I am 101% for decals.The ones I use (Virnex brand by Tomar) have no decal film to hide and will go on any surface glossy or flat.

[Anonymous]

G'day to all, Decals are the only way, with so much change in the weather in the Adelaide Hills in South Australia, I have come accustomed to wet decals, works well for me,

regards
Ray

[Anonymous]

after I got a set of vending machines (which included dry transfers), I began to dislike decals, primarily because dry transfers are simpler to apply (rub 'em).

[Anonymous]

If I have to choose one I'd prefer to get DECALS
With the price of a new loco and the price of some decals or dry transfers why not both!
I too would like decals for number boards but would prefer to use dry transfers on the
cab walls or hoods,
The price couldn't be that much different.

[Anonymous]

It is not only an excellant idea, but it should have become standard years ago.There is also no reason for not putting both decals and dry transfers in so people have a choice.when spending in excess of 100.00 for a locomotive,decals and dry transfers are very inexpensive.Besides, the manufacturer will be saving on the labor of numbering the locomotive.This in itself should more than pay for the cost of including both options IMHO

[fischey]

Hire a scale paintshop railroad employee. Provide the scale stencils and cutouts, paint brushes or sprayer according to era being modeled, supply the ladders and safety equipment, sit back and wait until the number is finished and dry before scheduling the rolling stock for use. Pay the paintshop ledger, dispatch for regular use, go for coffee and beans.

[Anonymous]

Decals for sure![:D] Everytime I use dry transfers, its a hair-raising adventure that ususally ends in disaster.[:(] Decals can be manuvered,and when trimmed properly and sealed, then the loco gets light weathering, who can tell the diff??

[Anonymous]

dry transfers work well if put on decal paper draw a light index line to line up transfers.

[daveinga]

A small sheet of both types would be best. Given the need of DCC users to have unique loco numbers, a user applied number is becoming almost mandatory. Both have ideal uses in differing situations.

[JoeUmp]

I can see manufacturers supplying either decals OR transfers BUT not both. Why? - MONEY. If it costs 5 cents for a decal sheet and 5 cents for transfers of the same thing, then almost no manufacterer is going to supply both when one or the other is not likely to be used. Especially if they can't justify passing the cost off to the buyer.

This mentality applies to manufacterers in other fields as well.

[Anonymous]

It sounds as though we're divided on which technology is used, but not on the proposal to let buyers assign their own numbers. I think this is a truly great idea, because I hate the process of removing or covering the manufacturer's numbers, yet I often have to do this and will need to do more as I move to DCC.

Personally, I think dry transfer is easier for larger numbers and results in more of a painted on, authentic look. But for small numbers, decals are faster and easier.

[MrDxer]

Decals!!! Hands down.
Just have a hard time seeing myself trying to rub or press (depending on which trick works best ???) dry transfers for a four digit number on digit at the time on the number board plates of the 'new' Kato SD70MAC. Those things are sooooo tiny !!!!