Does anyone have an idea for an alternative to decals? My failing eyesight and shaky hands make cutting out and applying individual decal numbers (I model in HO. I can’t even imagine what N and Z scalers do!!) Finally, I printed them out with my inkjet printer, glued them to the number boards (Athearn has the clear acrylic ones), and inserted them. I’m pleased with the results. PS, I did straighten out the handrails on the front. Later, when I get a chance, I’ll be cutting out the centers of the endrails and adding chain. What are some of you using, and where are you getting the chains for YOUR handrails?
Those look great! Shellscale makes number sheets, their sheets are set up so that any combination of 2 double-digit numbers can make a four digit number board. It’s a lot better than having to cut individual numbers out. They also have virtually every style of numbers used for number boards on EMD, GE and ALCo units.
Your number boards turned out well, Marlon. [tup] Unfortunately, the alternatives to decals are, for the most part, as difficult or moreso to use. I prefer dry transfers, but making up numbers and roadnames, not to mention dimensional data digit-by-digit, is even harder than it is with decals, as you get only one chance. Place it in the wrong spot and it can’t be moved, only re-moved.[swg]
Almost all of my passenger cars were lettered with dry transfer alphabet sets (gotta pick a shorter roadname) [banghead]
Another alternative is to use a paint brush, as I did for the cab heralds on a few diesels:
As for chain for those end railings, it was discussed HERE.
Wayne