I've built models all my life; cars, planes, ships, tanks, ect...with great results. I think I'm pretty good at it, I'm no master, but pretty good. I've been working on my first train prototype rebuild. The paint was no problem, following the "close enough" rule. However, I have a new found respect for decaling. Those fine lines of stripes that I thought would be so eazy turned out to be a real headache. Working with these is like starting over, and I must admit working with Solvaset is new ti me. Thank God there are plenty of extra in a Microscale set. I am underwhelmed by the final result, but then again, this is my first train.
Yup. Alan has applied so many decals he could apply for a new guiness record. I heard he can apply them while sleeping! [ 29. September 2003, 00:58: Message edited by: MagicMan_841 ]
Decalling is not to be dis respected if you want names an even fine pin stripes on a model (any model that is) you rely on them.. The stripping as said, is the worst! Its time consumming but the more time involved, the better the job, an the more worth it it makes the model once completed. If my records show true an are accurate, I've done over 6000 custom paint jobs including decals! As for the record itself, 6500 is right around the corner This includes all I done for myself, an all I done for those jobs I've got in my shop....And at the very moment, I have at least 10 painting/decalling jobs on my bench as I type out this message! God forbid me to loose my eye sight anytime soon! One major factor in decal work....
Which is why I take decals, bowl of water, cutting mat, setting solution etc. to bed with me, Mathieu John, you are so right about praying to keep your eyesight! Very important to see how well you have applied the things
Alan, You best believe eye sight is a major factor in decalling, without it, can make things terribly bad! I side with Alan tho, I got a small desk in my room, where I do set an decal an all.. peacefull, quiet, an whenever I want an such, being that when disturbed can hamper things rather quickly! All the small tedious work, I do when I'm alone an all, in my room alot. Even tho, I should do it in the shop (in the basement) so.... But. its not a bad smelly or dirty job for doing it in my room so.... And no woman to say "get that outta here an go to the basement with it" as of YET anyway Might have to tho in time! Which, I plead the 5th on!
Well, here's the results of my labor. For my first prototype engine, I'm quite happy. I know I'll get better the more I do. Here is a link to the prototype on the Fallen Flags Site http://www.rr-fallenflags.org/misc-a/arzc2003ark.jpg
Nice work! Question is, did you add some type of over coat in clear? to protect the decals from peeling an flaking off in time? as I see shiney paint, altho it could be a glass finish as well, an thats what I'm seeing.. But most of us use Dullcote for the finish clear coat to protect the paint, an most of all the decals.... Otherwise, nice work! and as you said....The more ya do, the better you'll get (altho a decent job done) but Pratice makes perfect! I don't think my first decal job looked that good!
Thanks for your comments and encouragement. Seeing my own results makes me feel like a "serious" modeler now. It feels good to actually paint something completely, not just a patch job. I still need to do the step faces and handrails yellow, and of course she needs a little weathering, then I will do my dull coat. It was so much easier having a great prototye photo to work from and I would like to acknowledge George Elwoods Fallen Flags site. What a great resourse. I couldn't have done this without those pictures.
Your profile says you're an N scaler. If that loco is N scale I truly applaud your skill and dedication and eyesight. (I spent 2 hours just fitting the handrails on an Atlas HO diesel the other day - had to use a magnifying glass ) (Actually the profile also says you make microchips - I suppose you would need good eyesight for that ) [ 01. October 2003, 19:24: Message edited by: Mike Sheridan ]
Hey balou line, I like the paint job and the decal job. I confess I am a bit of a wuss. One reason I model eastern coal belt roads is because their paint schemes are so simple. I love the N&W and B&O and C&O and WM (whoops how did the Wild Mary get in there - they have that difficult circus scheme - oh yeah, because they had the simple speed lettering scheme earlier). Anyway, your effort looks great. I confess I like decalling and am saddened to hear about the number of firms exiting the business. I like the opportunity to inexpensively create a paint and lettering scheme that is not available in an off-the-shelf model. Regards, Clifton Linton
