Lettering and Decals
I have some locos that I want to be decorated like the prototype. I have been buying everything that had a prototype in Santa Fe in my time period.
The first one I need done is a 44 Tonner, USAT has them in the blue and yellow, but not the black with zebra stripes.
Decals:
https://www.modeldecaldepot.ca/
Stan Cederleaf is sadly no longer with us... for people reading old forum posts
hawmutt - http://www.shawmutcarshops.com/ - less expensive, but you might have to do more of the design work yourself.
Modern Rails: http://modernrails.com
Vinyl letters:
Del Tappero - G Scale Graphics - many reports of satisfied customers, also great inexpensive R/C systems and more.
Dry Transfers:
http://www.pulsarprofx.com/decalpro/Vertical/1_MENU/1b_Overview/Overview.html
Which to use?
- Decals are thinner and have a clear carrier, so small numbers and letters can be made. They are more fragile and take more work to apply.
- Vinyl letters are tougher and thicker. Some people complain about not being able to get the vinyl to apply closely to rivets, but Dell tells me that a little heat from a heat gun or hair dryer works wonders. Also, a tip from Jerry Hansen, use a pin to poke holes to allow trapped air bubbles to release. You cannot make really small letters, like rolling stock data.
