I am working on a paint scheme for my (fictitious) leasing company locomotives. This involves a white stripe along the centre of the hood, about 6mm (1/4") wide. I don't think anyone makes decal stripes that wide, so was thinking of maybe getting some white decal paper and cutting the strips from that with a scalpel and straight edge. I do not want to mask and paint, so is this the best way? ------------------ Alan Curtis. Moderator. Member #12 The perfect combination - BNSF and N Scale! www.alancurtismodels.com Andersley Western Railroad Alan's American Gallery
Alan,want that with a gold border?Microscale has the Southern stripes used on the tuxedo scheme.You could double them applying one upside down to get a white stripe with gold borders. ------------------ Catt!#118 - A freelancer to the very end [This message has been edited by Catt (edited 04 January 2001).]
Alan, If you don't need anything fancier than just a white stripe, I think that what you propose is a good solution. Probably easier to do than masking and painting. Also, you have a good chance to have very clean borders (much cleaner than with masking and painting). Jean-Louis
I would say the whole decal thing is your best bet Alan. <BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by JLS: Alan, Also, you have a good chance to have very clean borders (much cleaner than with masking and painting). Jean-Louis<HR></BLOCKQUOTE> Jean, I don't like to tell some one different, but if masking is done correctly with precise placement and burnishing, you can have a razor sharp line with masking. Practice makes perfect! (or really close to) ------------------ Craig Martyn Best Looking Models Around Custom detailing AND N scale detail parts. BLMA N Scale Detail Parts BLMAinfo@aol.com
Alan A quick check of the MicroScale and Champ on line decal catalogs shows the widest white stripe by MS is HO-6" (0.0689 actual inches), stock number 87-214-1 http://www.microscale/com *********** The widest white stripe by Champ is HO-8" (.0833 actual inches), stock number S-73 http://www.minot.com/~champ/ ************ Ove the years I have used both with good results. The Champ decals are on a thicker stock and may be easier to place over a "long" distance -- getting decal stripes to lay out perfectly straight can sometimes be frustrating. With stripes 6 mm wide, masking and painting may be a better option. Good luck on your project! 8=) Don Brown Tucson AZ USA
Alan, I suggest masking and painting. I don't know how many leased units you are planning on, but if it is several paint will be cheaper in the long run. Also, I think that you can achieve very crisp lines if you are careful in tape placement. Just my opinion of course !! Happy Modeling!! John ------------------ The Santa Fe and Southwestern, Chief of the Southwest!!
Thanks for the comments, fellas. Being very busy, I am looking for the easiest and quickest way to do it Decal cost would not be a problem, as there would be more than enough in a full white decal sheet! Catt, I like the idea of gold stripes at the edges of the white ------------------ Alan Curtis. Moderator. Member #12 The perfect combination - BNSF and N Scale! www.alancurtismodels.com Andersley Western Railroad Alan's American Gallery
If you just want a white stripe how about using pin striping tape that is used on automobiles. I have used this type of tape and it works great and goes over details nicely. I work in a automotive paint store and have found several things that have made my modeling easier. The biggest problem with this is it is just a little bit thick. [This message has been edited by leghome (edited 05 January 2001).]
Larry, I think a friend used some automotive tape once. It would be ok for larger scales I think, but perhaps, as you say, a bit too thick for N scale. It is great for making track plans on control panels, though! ------------------ Alan Curtis. Moderator. Member #12 The perfect combination - BNSF and N Scale! www.alancurtismodels.com Andersley Western Railroad Alan's American Gallery [This message has been edited by Alan (edited 05 January 2001).]
Microscale makes plain Decals in many colors (including White). You just need to cut what you need and apply it as usual. Much easier than masking and painting. Jean-Louis
A modelling friend in St Paul, MN, built and painted a HH GP20 in GN's Big Sky Blue scheme. He printed the white striping on his ALPS using MicroScale's blank decal sheet. Came out great! Finding someone with an ALPS printer willing to print the stries as you want may be a better idea. Gary. ------------------ Gary A. Rose The Unofficial TC&W page TrainBoard Moderator and Member No.377 N to the Nth degree! [This message has been edited by Gats (edited 05 January 2001).]
