Z scale Intermodal Decals

TNT'z has been updated. The update includes some new 20' & 40' container decals and a simplification of a few pages. Also some new items I am working on. Have a look!

TNT'z

Tim

 

Tim,

For the stock MTL containers, what are you using to prep them for decals? I tried to pre-wipe the Decal-Sol on and it just beads. I know a decal won't set unless the Sol stays whetted as a film across the surface. I washed them in dishwashing soap and rinsed with distilled water but no better. The ones that I have to repaint are not going to be a problem but I bought decals for the mostly stock colors.

BTW: is anyone going to make corrugated containers ???

 

You're in Luck!

I use a Q-Tip to smear Decal-Sol across the face of the container. Yes, it will bead up but I hold the container level to keep the Decal-Sol on the surface. As I place the decal on the container, I make sure I run it across the Decal-Sol which then drags the beaded up Decal-Sol to the desired location. I use the same Q-Tip with Decal-Sol to gently roll Decal-Sol across the top of the decal. You can see a visible difference in the decal as it starts to disolve somewhat. I then use a wet, actually damp, with water, Q-Tip to Gently roll over the decal. As I roll the damp Q-Tip across the decal, it removes any excess Decal-Sol from the decal and at the same time smooths the decal against the surface. For the doors and the ends I use this same procedure except I also use the tip of the Q-Tip over the contours. You have to ensure their are NO AIR BUBBLES under the decal, especially at contours! Not good! Use the tip of a sharp hobby knife blade to break the surface of the decal and then apply some Decal-Sol over that cut spot. Wait a few seconds and work the Q-Tip to make the bbble go away!

I have learned so much playing with decals. I have the hardest time keeping alot of them level, sometimes they turn on me as I roll them. Ugh! At least they look good from a distance!

Any further questions, please ask!

*Now, for the last question!

http://www.makemymodel.com makes 20', 40', 48', & 53' corrugated containers in Acrylic RP material. They are sturdy, yet still brittle due to the Acrylic material. I have some of these containers, but have yet to paint of decal any of them. Hopefully soon! Check them out! They have all of these sizes to fit the top of Marklin Containers and another set to fit the top of Micro-Trains containers!

Hobo Tim

 

Sol's a bit strong. I don't have a problem with the milder -Set, as long as the surface is clean (and the -Set stays as a film). The float on, get really flat. Overcoat of Sol or Liquid Cement and they are PERMANENT.
If all else fails, a coat of Dull or Gloss coat gives a perfect surface, just adds an extra film to the thickness, a small problem with the Well Cars where the container fit sorta tight already. espcecially with a Dull Coat over coat after the decals.

 

I have a bottle of Decal-Set but........

I have one bottle of Decal-Set that I have used one time. I tried to get a decal to form to the corrugation of one of my cast resin 53' containers! After a minute or so I stopped fighting with it. I wiped the Decal-Set off and opened the much feared Decal-Sol. Gone thru 2+ bottles ever since!

When I apply large decals, I swab on the Decal-Sol onto the surface to be decaled, then I use the needle tip tweeZers to pick up the decal from the wet sheet. I then place the entire decal onto the soaking wet paper towel and then apply it to the surface. The additional water makes the decal slide where ever I need it to go without any fear of it "all of a sudden sticking". Plenty of time to maneuver the decal into place. Then I roll on Decal-Sol on top, then use the water-wet Q-Tip to roll the decal into place. Contour and all!

For Sale: One Used Bottle of Decal-Set! Only Used Once! :teeth:

Hobo Tim