How to make decals for model trains

How to make decals for model trains. I have created artwork with a free CAD program (Draftsite) and am using blank decal paper from Micro Mark. The decal sheet looked great right out of the envelope. Clear Lacquer Spray 3. Alternatively, you can not seal the car the first time, and leave out the MIcro stuff. Applying a clear coat after the decals are placed will help. Now reload that piece of paper in the printer and PRINT IT AGAIN. Blot off most of the water from the decal onto a paper towel. Many folks use some decal setting solution. The ink cartridges are new. i need something simple to use and since i don't have that many decals to make something cheap/free would be great. Micro Scale Decals: http:// Jul 25, 2017 · Herald King Decals P. I’ve been printing my own white, silver and gold decals for about 4 years on my Alps. Dec 27, 2012 · The glue on the decal paper is not there to make the decal stick to the model but to allow it to be removed from the paper carrier. Cut out a section of decal paper with a little extra. The problems right now are: Removing the Norfolk Western decals; Applying new decals; Applying new decals over the grab Jan 25, 2022 · Once the decal is loose, I let it float in the water for several minutes so any residue from the decal paper can dissolve away. ” Feb 19, 2021 · A quick video suggestion on how to easily, safely and without doing any damage to your model, remove unwanted decals. Sep 14, 2015 · Prior to those decals, I had always airbrushed or brush painted Model Master Acrylic Flat Clear over the decals and they stayed white. In this video I show you one method for how to decal and weather model railroad freight cars. Jul 3, 2012 · basicially same steps you would do with any thing really I would think, fade the decal some, what I have done was heat the decal (blow dryer) then rapid freeze in the freezer which some times yeilded results, can't say for sure as i haven't done this on decals for model RR stuffbut it may work, im sure others will have other ideas to help ya. Sep 8, 2015 · CTValleyRR. From $6. Aug 14, 2019 · Model Railroader is the world's largest magazine on model trains and model railroad layouts. I make custom graffiti decals with rusty panel welds to wrap two co Nov 16, 2010 · Model Railroader is the world's largest magazine on model trains and model railroad layouts. com/hoscalecustomsWe love putting big signs on our Dec 17, 2016 · A fellow model railroader put me onto the Alps MD1000 printers. Next, select your desired font and the color white for your lettering. This will dislodge a lot of the more caked-on particles. R. Making decals at home is relatively easy provided you have a decent printer. Brick Model Railroader decal set for the Pullman PS-1 40ft Boxcar. May 13, 2021 · Most decals applied using only water can be re-wet and moved an almost infinite number of times. offers a conversion kit for the Atlas model and other NE-5 or NE-6 cabooses to represent AC&Y’s end railing, step, and underbody style. Once you get the hang of it, it's a quick and easy process. Then, brush on the solvaset until the towel is completely soaked and let it sit for 10 minutes. If you clear coat your model using only acrylic based clear coats, the decal paper background will remain opaque white. Mar 16, 2018 · If you are applying white letter decals to a black loco, it is pretty easy to make your own decals using white background decal paper. Jul 6, 2014 · Another really big advantage of this decal paper is that you can make both white background or white lettering decals as well as clear background decals from the SAME SHEET OF DECAL PAPER!!! If you want the decal to keep its white background, use only acrylic based clear coats over your decals (recommend airbrushing Model Master Flat Clear From $6. If you've never used a spray can on a model before, it's a good idea to practice on something you value a bit less before you go spraying away on your locomotive. Navy (with USNX reporting marks), then after 1955 for Feb 3, 2017 · C-D-S Lettering is a Canadian decal printer offering a range of North American RR decals in several scales, including O and S scales. I haven't found much difference between the two methods. I don't care how many RTR/multi-roadname cars/locos the manufacturers' put out, sooner or later the hobbyist will be confronted by the problem of wanting a certain car/loco that no manufacturer is ever going to make in his favorite roadname/paint scheme (to say Aug 21, 2018 · #ModelBuilding #HOScale #ModelRailroad #FineScaleLove our content? Support us on Patreon! https://patreon. Many options exist, including using traditional O scale decals, printing your own on decal paper using a home ink-jet printer, or, like we do for the BMR Premium Dec 26, 2020 · The best overall liquid to make decals set properly for me is Walthers Solvaset. This article is intended to be an overview of the more common sources of model RR decals in North America and what they offer. hasbeen Feb 22, 2018 · I got my first model locomotive today, an HO scale Athearn Norfolk Western EMD SD40 high-hood. 68, built alongside No. I need white numbers on a black background, so I figured on printing black rectangles of the proper size and white numbers. Dry Transfer Decals and Model Graphics ® add realism to buildings, fences, signs, boxcars and more! Intricate detailing with dry transfers is quicker, less complicated and more realistic than with wet process decals. 6. It's an easy technique, and the Feb 10, 2020 · Beatz on the side of a smooth-side trash car, as shown in fig. Clicking on each photograph will take you to a new page with much more information and additional photographs. Ruler/Caliper 5. In this video I'm looking at both laser printed and ink j Feb 24, 2023 · Get Updates. The most popular model railroad decals brands include Microscale Inc, Woodland Scenics, Tichy Train Group, Blair Line, and A Line Product. Feb 5, 2013 · Although the start of this thread was about removing decals, it morphed into realizing that the gentleman's "decal" was actually heat-stamping, etc. Using your favorite computer program, create a black rectangle large enough to fit all of your lettering. Modeler Martin Tärnrot discusses creating model railroad decals – what you can do with them, what the challenges are, and whether to buy or make them. Feb 24, 2017 · I sent my original artwork on a Tuesday. May 27, 2011 · You may want to take another step prior to Dull-cote-ing. Though the model matches most prototype photos, Southbound Modelworks & Decal Co. Jan 7, 2008 · With wetslide decals, you have some time to move the decal around before setting it in place (with solvaset etc. Please take a moment and take a look around our site. You can leave the decal in the water much longer than this , if you wish. Hobbylinc carries over 900 model railroad decals at discounts up to 67%. Cover up the silvering parts of the decal with a bit of dirt or grime. Decals should always be applied to a gloss surface, the best and easiest way to do this is simply use gloss paint in the first place - like Scalecoat or Scalecoat II. However, they will most likely be high quality and easy to use. He made me quite a few decals before I decided to look for a printer on eBay. It helps the decal settle over the entire surface and makes the decal film disappear. Last step, make the decal film invisible. $650. We all have our favorite locomotives and rolling stock. When I look at pictures of Allen McClelland's Virginian and Ohio and John Allen's Gorre and Daphetid, the lettering on their freight cars looks as crisp as any factory lettering on today's rolling stock. While the Vallejo Model Air offerings do not have any railroad-specific colors, Modelers Decals and Paint line contains select railroad colors. Jim Moore Hello all. Chicago Burlington & Quincy "Chinese Red" Decals for the USRA 55-Ton Hopper. Gold Dry Transfer decals. 69. With a factory-decorated model, you can remove the lettering without a trace with Solvaset and an eraser - and patience. See what you like or don't like and adjust your technique accordingly before you apply your decals to the finished model. And a final matt/dull coat will help too. Jun 17, 2020 · I want to make some numberboard (bug board) decals to fit old Athearn F7A units. Suggested by: Michael A Tierney. 4) Apply decal softener with a stiff brush. Nov 3, 2020 · Here are a few tips to make your decal or lettering projects easier. com Hours Monday—Friday: 9:00AM–5:00PM. We feature beginner and advanced help on all model railroading scales, including layout track plans, model railroad product reviews, model train news, and model railroad forums. Walthers, Micro-scale, and Champ (used to) make decal setting solution of varying strengths. If it doesn’t work it’s new decal time. The first would simply be to not use chemicals when cleaning, but you can also just wait a little longer before running your engines. Please the paper towel over the numbers and soak with Microsol. Load the paper feed with a decal foil (instead of paper). Atlantic Coast Line ACL Steam Locomotive White - Decal - Choose Scale. An application of a solvent based clear such as DullCote over decals you want to dry clear will turn the white background clear permanently (I did this for the nose numbers on the fronts of a pair of Southern . thanks. Apply a piece of Scotch Magic Tape over the printing to be removed and burnish it down firmly with a toothpick, then pull off the tape. The MicroSol or Solvaset softens the decals and helps it conform to the surface and eliminates air between the decal and the model surface, this process helps make the decals "stick". It is tough to make the decals lay down in the scribed wood and hide. Sep 27, 2010 · Model paints have much finer ground pigments so as not to fill in and hide detail. I do regret the footage of not being shown of me applying the deca Mar 31, 2019 · To remove the number I'll by using Microsol and a paper towel square torn roughly to the size of the number the be removed from the cab. Sep 1, 2008 · The other trick is to paint the space behind the decal white, and then make the decal an outline in the surrounding color. Car Swap Project part 5: Printing decals with an ALPS printer: As the three friends endeavor to make custom boxcars for each other’s layouts, Gerry Leone, Seth Puffer, and David Popp embark on printing custom decals. DECALS. General American, American Car & Foundry, and Magor built about 200 ­helium cars from 1930 to 1962. Paint markers also work well for balloon lettering. Then I traced over the pencil with the marker, as seen in fig. Jun 8, 2009 · So make sure the decal is in the right place, and don't apply too much setting solution. We can design them for you based on your requirements, whether you are trying to replicate the real deal or you are creating your own custom line. This video goes through the basics of how to make your own waterslid Jan 18, 2009 · how to apply decals Posted by polekat on Sunday, January 18, 2009 11:54 PM I have a question on applying decals. So it’s a really fair price for a custom set of decals. If all else fails, weather the model. S. We are a small company dedicated to producing a very accurate line of model railroad decals in HO, O and N Scale. They transfer easily in seconds to any smooth or textured surface, around contours and into grooves. 85. AHM helium tank car. I wrote Swag in bright blue letters on the same model. O. It removes the fine edges and clear parts that cause silvering. Aug 29, 2019 · Online Model Train Club Member Allan posted this question: “I have an old reefer that looks very authentic even with the decals flaking off. The following Friday I had the decals in hand—impressive. I have been experimenting with making some decals for my locomotives recently and the results have been less than I had hoped for. Let the numbers soak under the paper towel for about 15 minutes, frequently re How to clear dust from your model trains. http://www. Making them at home is much cheaper, and you make only what you need, but it requires a lot more effort on your part to get it right. If you do, the decal may float away from position and you can't get it back without tearing it. So by having a glossy surface, the decal will disappear on the model paint better. Eric White When I visited the Franklin & South Manchester Railroad 15 years ago, George Sellios explained to a group of us how he would get the signs from old magazines, cut them out, sand the back of the page until it was as thin as tissue paper, and then apply it to the building. Add graphic touches and create your own Custom Layout with these Woodland Scenics Roman, R. Apr 28, 2012 · I model 1897 - 1913 so I have light steam locos and all wood cars with a lot of truss rods. Trainz has the model train decals to make your model trains look great! And if you ever happen to lose a train decal, you can bet you can find a replacement train decal at Trainz. Dec 13, 2015 · The best part of the Evan Designs decal paper is that you can make both white backgound and clear background decals from the same sheet of decal paper. The weathered black Mar 3, 2017 · The decal set for my CNJ engine that Maci made would cost about $12. Feb 7, 2020 · The techniques described here can be used individually or combined to create an endless variety of weathering patterns. Apr 1, 2023 · The Nickel Plate style matches prototype pictures of AC&Y No. Northern Pacific Steam Locomotive White - Decal - Choose Scale. Since I haven't the patience nor inclination to piece them together, I figured I would just print some up. Apr 19, 2022 · Apply a small amount of the setting solution to the lettering you want to remove, then let it sit until the liquid is almost fully evaporated. MAKING WATERSLIDE DECALS, N GAUGE, FOR YOUR MODEL TRAINS – New Colours for the Pendolino. With luck, the softened printing will come with it. Also quick reviews of both Bare Metal Foil and Testors decal paper. 98. Then reseal the car. 563-209-7646 leave a message and we’ll return your call These decals 'burn' the decal onto the surface making it look painted on. TTX Decals for the Thrall 61'-1" Bulkhead Flatcar. Using the brush, add a SMALL amount of water onto the model, where you want the decal. Then apply clear flat or satin over the whole model to give whatever luster is desired. Decal Paper 2. Custom model train waterslide decals can be designed and printed for scale model train you need. Those decals should be arriving tomorrow as soon as I get home from school. I usually go over it half a dozen times, it evaporates quickly. $800. Color and size will of course vary the price, but $12 is really comparable in price to a set of water slide decals from a model railroad manufacturer, if you can find a set for what you need. To make the graffiti stand out, use a color that contrasts the carbody color. p. Place the cut-out decal in water and leave it there until the the backing paper releases and sinks to the bottom. Sep 30, 2020 · In this tutorial I demonstrate the method and materials I use to apply graffiti art to HO Scale post-modern period rolling stock. Box 1133 Bettendorf, IA 52722. I applied several coats of Dulcote but the problem persists. 4. Create a file with the desired design using any graphic software of your choice. micromark. If it doesn't set flat on a rough model, brush the Micro Set on over it. I have a tool I made for removing decals from the soaking plate. For those interested in just removing decals, simply go to your local hobby supply (or order) Microscale Industry's "MICRO SET" setting solution for decals. The setting solution may crinkle the decal but wait and it will dry and flatten out. Use the paint brush to guide the decal off the backing paper and onto the decal solution you just applied on the model. Burlington Refrigerator Express Decals for the R-30-9 and R-40-9 Reefer. Jun 19, 2014 · Get Updates. I also bought some Norfolk Southern Decals for my SD40. Nov 13, 2022 · Right On Track Models Modelers Decals and Paint Airbrush Paint. You can provide the artwork or you can let us create it for you. i would also like to be able to draw images and turn them into decals. Tip: Take Walthers Solvaset and cut a piece of paper towel the size of the lettering to be removed. 00 per year. Remove the paper towel and completely dry the area. The choice of clear coat is as varied as there are modelers. Feb 16, 2018 · The only disadvantage of the Evans Design decal paper I have found is that it seems a little thick making it difficult to hide the decal edges. If you use an airbrush, remember to keep the pressure low. First, glossy, dull (flat) or in between? Glossy really looks out of place on a model railroad. Feb 5, 2013 · i am trying to use "pictures" as the basis of the decals but need a way to remove the background and move the image around. Cover the part securely in the first tissue and then, for a second or third tissue, fold it in layers for a thick coat, that will help stop any impact force on your models. Aug 12, 2021 · Use tissue paper to wrap sheet metal and plastic items: You can and should definitely use two or three sheets of acid-free tissue paper to help store your model train. My printer is a Hewlett Packard Officejet Pro and the inks seem to be too transparent. There are several easy ways to print your own decals, just as long as you don’t want white lettering. Model Railroader magazine's Steve Otte shares a decal printing technique he used to complete his structure for MRVP's State Line Kitbash Challenge. Jun 30, 2014 · Go ahead and print a few decals, then apply them to test surfaces. Nov 20, 2017 · In the days before inkjet printers and home made decals, I am wondering what method freelance modelers used to letter their rolling stock. 3) Blot off excess water. If pretty flat use dull cote and seal the model one last time before decals. Sep 9, 2009 · The painting and decal lettering of undec cars is and always has been, a basic part of the hobby for any serious model railroader. If there are any irregularities with the wheels, gears, or rails of your setup, you can experience problems. Decals Join Model Railroad Academy to continue watching for $10. Please note that everything displayed in black on your screen will be printed in white, when the white toner cartridge is inserted into the printer. $1300. From signs to graffiti, from rolling stock to structures, custom decals are a great wa Feb 6, 2018 · How to Make Decals for Miniatures & Models. you might get more answers in the general model railroad or layout building sub-forums in the MR forum, this part is geared more towards questions relating to prototype (real) railroads. Sep 15, 2011 · In addition to applying a gloss or semi-gloss finish prior to applying decals, make sure to let it dry completely. The lettering was crisp and sharp and the colors well matched those that I had submitted. Nov 15, 2021 · Removing the pad printed lettering with Solvaset is easier than removing decals, since as I noted the decal film tends to remain - you remove the ink of the decal, but not the clear film. Jan 18, 2017 · Learn more. In this article, we’ll be teaching you how to make decals for model trains. I [] Method #9: Walthers Solvaset. C-D-S decals are of the dry transfer type and include a reference sheet showing decal placement on a model. The Alps will do full color print but I still use my HP Inkjet for regular decals. Solvaset can damage your new finish, as can ClearCote or DullCote. Trouble is when I touch the decals bits flake off so I fear being so brittle they will disappear completely. You will learn about the best type of paper for model decals, how to apply the decals to your trains and layout, and much more! So let’s dive right in! Sep 28, 2023 · Learn how to create custom decals and lettering for your model trains! From choosing the right materials to designing and applying decals, this article has all the tips and techniques you need. Apr 17, 2011 · Commercial-quality decals will cost money (maybe a lot), and you may have a minimum order that will leave you with a lot of unused decals. First How-To Video on How to Apply Decals to your HO Scale Trains and showing how I do it. 40+ years of painting experience tells me that, while you CAN apply the decals as soon as the paint is dry to the touch, it would be better to wait until the paint is fully cured. Hold it down with tweezers or a stiff brush and gently slide the carrier sheet away. Aug 19, 2021 · If you want to have a more authentic and realistic feel to your model train then decals are an optimum choice. 2) Slide s small section off of the carrier. Go for it and good luck! Jan 26, 2021 · 1) Soak decal for 30 seconds to soften carrier sheet. Decals are silk-screened over clear lacquer, glossy in most cases, then over-coated with clear lacquer again. But not all decals are made the same and not all decal suppliers cover the same subjects. thanks for the help. It's always a good idea to practice new techniques on an old model or a scrap of plastic or wood prior to starting your first serious model. Being the dry transfer type, these decals can be a little tricky to work with, but with patience they May 11, 2022 · In this Model Making Quick Tip I share my techniques for applying dry transfer lettering and numbers - getting 'em on straight and keeping 'em where you want Jan 14, 2016 · Pluck the decal from the bowl and leave it on a paper towel to drain excess moisture. Tools and Materials used : 1. I make custom graffiti decals and use grime and rust streaks to Oct 21, 2019 · Model Railroader magazine staff member Steve Otte shares insights on using a computer and printer to make waterslide decals. The first thing is to use a compressed air source, such as an airbrush or these canned air duster cans, around the model, particularly in difficult-to-reach nooks and crannies. Jul 13, 2004 · Once the decal is floating around, carefully float the decal back onto the backing paper (with the brush), and grab the paper with the tweezers. The early cars were lettered for the U. I would like to apply a decal to a large object (grain elavator) do I have to apply gloss coat over the entire object or just the area where the decals goes. comMake Your Own Decals the Easy, Inexpensive WayCreate your own railroad names, logos, stripes, road racing emblems, stained glass wind Jul 12, 2018 · It's easy to print and apply your own decals to scale models using only normal paper, not expensive specialised decal paper. The decal sheet was accompanied by a page of application instructions. Apr 17, 2006 · Model Railroader is the world's largest magazine on model trains and model railroad layouts. I lucked out several years ago when I placed an order for decal paper they double shipped the order so I ended up with 100 sheets of very good quality decal paper. Flat is most Nov 20, 2009 · Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page Model Railroader associate editor Cody Grivno shows how to protect your decals from being scratched. They will work on models in any scale and made of different materials. Cant find the right decals for your scale model project? Print your own! In this video learn how to use free software and a standard inkjet or laser printe Model Train Decals. The trick is in how you clear coat your model. This would be about 72 hours for acrylics, about a week for enamels. In the brick-built train hobby, one of the often asked questions revolves around how or where to create custom decals for decorating our models with our favorite railroad liveries. 00 per month / $102. ). Feb 28, 2019 · *Click on Show More*Ever have something really go south when applying decals to your model trains? Decal disasters are a reality of model railroading, but th Sep 3, 2013 · Yes, you really need a clear protective coat even over the best decals applied in the best manner. Ever wonder how to remove lettering and numbers from your rolling stock or locomotives? Want an easy, harmless way to do it? Then check out this video and wa Jan 3, 2008 · If you don't use a setting solution the decals won't stick very well. Use scotch tape to tape the decal paper to the piece of paper you printed on, with the tape only covering an overlap area, and the decal paper covering the image on the paper. Page Size: Feb 16, 2024 · Water-slide transfers are great for personalising your models, and making your own isn't difficult. Embark on a creative journey and bring your model trains to life in a whole new way! In this video I show you how to make custom decals for model projects. 📌In this video I show you one method for how to decal wrap model railroad freight cars. s. For very small pieces of decal (a single letter or numeral, or even a period or comma, I place the dry decal near its intended place, then wet it with a drop of water on my fingertip or the end of a knife or tweezers. $1250. Print the design or lettering on the decal foil. Semi-gloss (satin) is about the shiniest that even new equipment should be. I use a cheap plastic bristle Testors paint brush for this. Another common cause for sparks on the rails is an engine that is damaged. Mar 4, 2024 · Welcome to ShellScale Decal’s home on the web. Look at your decal sheet and determine the gloss or lack thereof and decide on the degree of gloss. Model Railroader is the world's largest magazine on model trains and model railroad layouts. Using your first paint brush, paint the first decal solution onto the scale model, on the point where you intend to stick the decal. I use this to get the decal out of the water and over to the model. A few wasted decals applied to a test surface will prove a good investment toward successful results on the finished model. Apr 5, 2009 · Hold down the nd of the decal on the model, then pull the backing off and let the decal slide on the model. Southern Railway Passsenger Steam Locomotive Gold Crescent Ltd - Decal - Choose Scale. On top of generic colors such as “Engine Black” and “Box Car Red,” are “Conrail Blue,” “Pullman Green,” and “BN Green. Many model railroaders love to personalize their railroads with their own unique paint and lettering, so alphabet, striping, data and even graffiti decals are May 16, 2022 · Hold the can upright about two inches from your model and spray uniformly across the surface. For those who like to decorate their own models decals make adding lettering and other graphics to models fast and fun. A short DIY video on how to make custom decals for scale models. 5. Inkjet printer 4. The unusual-looking helium tank car might seem like a fantasy model to some, but it’s based on a real prototype. When you print the decal, you'll get a clear space where you want white, and by putting the decal over the white background, the white will show through while the outline is the color of the engine. Email: heraldkingdecals@gmail. Mar 30, 2011 · Model Railroader is the world's largest magazine on model trains and model railroad layouts. It is a teflon coated piece of thin metal that I attached a handle onto. Decals from the Maryland & Pennsylvania RR Historical Society help make my model of Ma&Pa caboose 2005 a stand out build. To get around this, I often make the decal background large enough to cover an entire panel on the model it is applied to. 2 days ago · Premium or $10. pi rz wo cm vo pg fj ge pj xo