Logo design and decals

I don't know if this should be here or in the Inspection Pit; but anyway, How do you go about designing a logo for your railroad? Also how do you transfer the design into actual decals? I want to design logos for my Escanaba and Copper Range and its' subsidiary the Duluth and Dry Lakes.

 

This is a good question and I think it's quite appropriate to the Freelance Forum.

I figure it goes one of two ways;
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• taking the history and geography into account in the design, or</font>
• the corporate/company identity you wish to convey.</font>

Firstly, taken the names you have for your freelanced roads, look at the Duluth, Missabe and Iron Range's arrowhead emblem representing the history of the area (indian tribes). Though this example has been used before, something along the same lines could be used. Also, proximity to the Copper Range and/or Great Lakes may feature as these would be identifiable to the area of operations.

Secondly, the corporate identity. If you are freelancing a modern railroad look at the designs of MRL for example. It's a simple, modern graphic that is easily identifiable once known.
Catt's Grand Valley GVR logo is also a good example of using the railroads initials as the logo and can be used either in a modern or traditional style.

Either way, keep it as simple as possible to lessen the cost of creating decals to your design. There are professional businesses using screen-printing techniques and ALPS printers that provide decal services and there's those who do it as a sideline using an ALPS at home.

I'm certain others who have been through this process already will able to give a more in-depth answer.

Hope this helps.

 

I agree with Gary. First, you need to work out the corporate identity. Is your railroad a grinder-meaning hardworking, simple railroad, who spends money on things besides flashy schemes; or is it looking for a public relations coup in a colorful and upbeat scheme?

As far as decals are concerned, my vote goes to GMC Rail. Gary (a different one than GATS) helped me pick a lettering font, help clean up my logo, and provided me with plenty of decaling material for a rather low cost.

http://www.sound.net/~gcollins/GMCRail1.html

Including artwork and design help, I paid a little more than $50 and got enough to letter a dozen box cars, a dozen hoppers and a dozen locomotives. Plenty for my small shortline.

Jeff
Augsburg & Concord R.R.
(a fictional shortline in Central Illinois)
http://www.pegnsean.net/~revnjeff

 

Thanks Gary and Jeff. You've helped me get focused. I put GMCRail in my favorites and will get with them.

 

Good thoughts from the posts, let me give you an alternitive.

There's a guy on the web named Ben Coifman, who sells RailRoad Fonts for about 13.00 per. Here's what I did: bought RR Roman, when into Microsoft publisher and designed my logo, printed it out on MicroScale 'White' decal paper and now I have all my engines, buildings, etc. with a comon logo.

Just another way to skin the cat.

[ 07. May 2003, 18:20: Message edited by: Gats ]

 

What type of printer are you using?
Thanks,
Bill

 

Wabash one

I'm using just a normal cheap inkjet HP printer. You need a printer that accepts the heavier decal film. I had been using a $99.00 Lexmark, had to throw it out and buy a $109.00 HP. Bring a piece with you when you go to buy it and try it out before you buy it.

Since the only printer that could print white was an alps ( no longer made ) I have to use 'white' decal film.
I have also found that when printing any color except black on 'clear' decal film, the colors are not very heavy. They look fine when you print it out but once you put it on the object the color is not very saturated and it looks crummy.

Hope this helps Bill,

 

Yes, thank you, it does help. I had always heard that you could only use an ALPS printer for decals.
Appreciate the info!

 

Hey, It sounds like another Freelanced road I can Interchange with
Seeing as you will be modeling the south shore of Lake Superior, How about using an outline of Lake Superior as a frame for your herald.Your Lettring can than be either on the outside with some type of photo or graphic on the inside, or your lettering can be contained within.
I am licking around a few Ideas for my own D&NE (not the real shortline, the new and improved regional hauler)I am considering several items,One is an Arrowhead turned pointing down with a Moose cameo, Another and perhaps simpler is A simple NP type round Logo with a Loon cameo centered.While some of the programs do a fair job of creating, I have found that doing Simple Blowups of parts printed out and then cut and placed on the printings gives you a better feel for the actual piece of art.It also gives you options that the computer program may not allow.Good Luck.I Hve many hours in this but i am getting closer