Well, I'm really eyeballing the size on this one in particular. But I find the graphic I want to use online, in PNG format, I calipered the original Coverall Paints sign's width, then I adjusted the size of the graphic in photoshop to the same width, upped the DPI to 300DPI, and then did a test print. Since this is a factory the sign size I think can be a little exaggerated. I'm sure I could go down in height and it wouldn't be too big of a deal. The graphic I used thankfully was in Black and Transparent on Google images. I was able to magic wand the letters in Photoshop, and then just use paint bucket tool to fill them in with the colors I wanted. I've been a photoshop guy for 20 years so I'm pretty used to doing these things. I used Scotch Double sided tape on the model card, then laid my trimmed graphic down on the tape, and then trimmed the entire "sandwich" of tape, card, graphic to a neat shape. To stick it to the building I used poster putty - that way if I want to remove them or make some changes I can. I might build a roof sign framework, and do a more industrial sign on the roof top instead but that's down the road
My mind is starting work - so now that I have this custom Montana Cans paint factory - I'm thinking maybe I can make some custom N scale freight cars for the factory. I was thinking of buying some solid color cars on eBay, and respraying them, and then using inkjet waterslide decals to put the graphics on the cars and then Testors dullcote them. hmmmmm
This is/was. Then I realized this structure I bought from Nicks scrap heap, is HO scale. Heh. It felt N scale in my hand. Ha. I was making good progress too. I'll maybe weather it and just use it as a display piece with some HO scale european cars.
And so it begins. New roof cut. Will order the Walthers roof detail kit. Tamiya rubber black is so useful for so many things.
Making some conex boxes/trailer containers for the factory. Did some dark gray weathering powder on the raised edges for some definition. I will need to order some professional decals at some point.
Testors has a decal printing kit you could try if you have an inkjet printer. Might not be the absolute same as custom made, but darn close in most instances.
Only if you don't seal them after you print. The trick is to use some sort of overspray - Dullcoat, Testors bonder, Future floor polish, Microscale Decal Liquid Decal Film - after the decal prints and the ink is dry.
Finally glueing the Mansion together after having it for month's. Thank goodness for those tight fitting medical/protective gloves, as my first time using Gorilla glue. The balcony was a real pain as it kept sticking to my gloves as I was trying to glue it and set it in place. Some of the windows that my friend 3D printed ( he 3D printed the mansion and garage ) for the structures don't fit, but most do, so it will be under construction. This thing is awesome. The files are attached if anyone with a 3D printer wants it. It's awesome and super thick too for the main parts! Have to glue the main floor to base or foundation, second floor to first floor, roof, and dormer roof parts on. Thingiverse 3D Files: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3210150/files Sorry the first one is blurry, tried again and still is. I'll try again later to get it in focus!
OK makes sense. I may try that, not really against letting the pros print em either I guess. I'll have to see what the options I are. The name of the professional printer for decals escapes me at the moment that I saw online the other day.
Her is an image that shows two containers. Big deal, I know, but I made the decals with my HP 8600 printer after loading the jpegs into an Excel file so that I could massage each image to fit the container. I used clear decal paper and have used a lot of white decal paper. I personally, should right, think they are pretty good. Could they be better, sure but I get satisfaction from the DIY thing and they are tolerable. BTW, the top container is one decal covering the entire side with another small one placed on top of the original. The bottom container is just painted grey with the goofy decal added. Thanks for looking! PS: here is another one I made recently. Each side is one decal with two small strips on the top of car: Please excuse the poor attempt at weathering, this car is 3D printed.
Another Morristown & Erie unit is taking shape, this time one of their awesome C-424,s #19. Got to get the decal sorted, they're nearly done. Enjoy your weekend, it's Friday night here in NZ. Cheers Steve
Testors makes decal paper that's decent. Walthers used to carry both inkjet and laser printer decal paper, under their own name, but I don't know if they do any more. Micromark also sells some under their brand thats good.
I ended up ordering this - it has high reviews - I am guessing I am going to have to coat it to prevent bleed? gonna give it a shot this weekend. https://www.amazon.com/Sunnyscopa-I...1814&sprefix=decal+paper,aps,103&sr=8-10&th=1
