Are There Areas on a Diesel that are Hard to Decal?

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Hi

I want to try painting and decaling some of my engines. They would all be old, diesel switchers … NW, SW, etc

Can I put the decals anywhere on the hood?

Or is it hard to do, or does it look bad, to try to put decals over lots of detail? Over doors, louvers, etc?

It seems like a lot of engines I see, the decal/painting is done on large, flat areas of the hood.

I ask, becasue, I want to get some custom decals, and I have to figure out how large to make my lettering, etc.

Thanks alot
goat

2

Hello, Yardgoat46.
I’ve done a lot of my own painting and decaling over the years and, to answer
your questions, yes you can decal anywhere on the shell. I have several tips:

  1. Make sure that you are decaling over glossy paint, Decals don’t set well on flat.
  2. Use a decal setting solution. I like Champ Decal Set myself, but Microscale
    makes good ones too, and there are others.
  3. Have patience. After applying decals and setting solutions, don’t touch 'em.
  4. If in doubt, the manufacturers’ instructions can be very helpful.
  5. For decals over uneven areas-louvers, radiators, door details,etc.-repeated
    applications of setting solution may be needed.
  6. Puncture any air bubbles with a needle or a sharp #11 blade and re-apply
    solution.
  7. When decals are completely dry, wash model to remove any excess adhesive,
    let dry and then seal with a clear flat paint.
    These ideas and techniques should work well for you. Hope this is helpful.[tup]
3

“Are There Areas on a Diesel that are Hard to Decal?”

YES! F unit noses!

Thats the reason Aggro has no Blackwidow F3s! The silver on that rounded surface is too much!

4

If you do a clean, neat job with the decals, they should go into the nooks and crannys of whatever details on ye hood.

5

I’ll have to agree with Aggro on this-covered wagon noses are difficult.
Straight decals do perverse things on compound curves.
Great day, all!