Tunnel openings with lettering question

[Rob]

Hi,

As I continue work on my N scale layout I am now to the point where I want to begin installing the tunnel openings. I've looked at the WS premade portals, there are nice...I'm looking for more of a solid concrete type. I'm modeling the PRR in Pennsylvania and would like to have an opening that has letters carved out in it like "Pennsylavania Railroad" or some other area specific detail, it doesn't have to be of any prototype I just want to capture the feel of the area. I've seen a few layouts in MRR that have tunnel openings such as these. I've got two openings on my small layout and would really like to give these some great detail and focus. Any ideas?  I don't think handcarving the letters would look good at all, so I'm not even going to try it!  I'm up for casting if there is a mold availible, too. Thanks!

----Rob 

[Dave Vollmer]

Chances are if the Pennsy did do that (I haven't seen it, but that doesn't mean it doesn't exist) it would be the initials P.R.R.  If you can get some small black decals, you ought to be able to use them in place of engraving in N scale.  They may not be as convincing in a high-res photo, but no visiter to your layout should be able to tell whether they're engraved or decals.

Just a suggestion.

[TomDiehl]

Since you're working in N Scale, unless the portals are right up front, nobody will see or be able to read the lettering on the portals. I haven't seen any specialized molds like this as yet, but you could probably make your own from a pattern made with some raised plastic letters (if you can find them small enough) and a scratchbuilt or even a premade portal.

[emdgp92]

If you use decals, I'd go with some sort of grey shade. Black lettering would look as if it was painted on, instead of recessed lettering in concrete.

[Shilshole]

How about just the Pennsy keystone in relief?  A couple styrene trapezoids and Bob's your uncle...

[MisterBeasley]

You could make yourself a small, flat block of hydrocal, and then scribe the letters in with a hobby knife.  I'd keep it simple, like the year the tunnel was opened.  That way, it would be readable, even in N-gauge, and it would really look like masonry..

I've made my own portals using one Walthers plaster portal as a template.  I made a mold with Walthers liquid latex (yeah, Walthers got my money either way) and then poured a few copies with Hydrocal.  Because I'm modelling subways, not mountains, my portals needed to be considerably shorter, narrower and thinner than what you'd see going through the Rockies, so this worked out well for me.

[Rob]

Guys,

Thanks for the replies. The tunnels are going to be in the front area, as it is a small loop/spur layout what I would like to call a "working diorama"  to run and display N scale trains with limited space. I'll try a couple of your suggestions and see what I come up with. I like the P.R.R. keystone idea maybe with the year. Thanks!   ----Rob