I’m thinking of having some decals run off for a fictional reefer company I have in mind.
Has anyone here had any experiences getting custom made decals done? I know about Rail Graphics, etc, and I’d appreciate any pointers and tips.
I had a quick quote done a while back, and it seems really reasonable, but I think the costs could run waaay up, wicked fast.
Looking forward to hearing some views on this…
What was the quote? You also could make your own. Check the next micro-mark catalogue.
sfb
The custom decal places typically want you to get a “run” of at least a few identical sheets, sometimes as many as 100 (4.25" x 5.5"). That may be fine if you’re trying to decal a whole railroad’s worth of stuff.
For onesy-twosy decals, I’d make your own.
I use Rail Graphics for my freelanced ATLANTIC CENTRAL. Their work has always been great and I consider the prices very reasonable - never would even consider the hassles of making my own - don’t know why anyone would.
Here a few pictures of their decals on my equipment - please excuse the limited photography skills.
I designed the herald, but they did the final art work. The decal flim they use is top quailty.
Sheldon
Rail Graphics does minimum runs of 25 sheets, and it is a set that will often do two pieces of rolling stock. Depending on your choices, that run of 25 may be as little as $46. How much does decal paper cost? What if you want white lettering like me? Anyone say obsolete Alps printer costs?
They are very flexable and you can tailor you sets to do multiple types and styles of equipment - take a look at my pictures. Yes, I spent several hundred dollars, but I bought hundreds of sets in various colors and with special extras to do a whole railroad full of equpment.
For onesy-twosy projects why not just use dry tranfers or alphabet sets?
Sheldon
Right. I’m not sure what you’re taking issue with. If you need to do a lot of cars, this is a good investment.
But if you need one or two decals, I’d consider $46 to be a colossal waste of money. If you want white lettering, use white paper. Unlike custom printed decals, blank decal paper can be used to create many different decals.
The OP said “Reefer Company”. If he’s decaling a fleet of cars for his company, a run of custom sheets is probably right for him. If he wants one or two signs for the side of a building, I’d advise him to make his own.
Yup, I’m thinking of a reefer company with possibly 30-35 cars for now and probably quite a few more in a couple of years.
I am absolutely, positively totally computer illiterate. I find it a miracle I can set the CVs on my own decoders, and other than typing emails an posts, that’s the extent of my computer skills. So making decals is NOT an option for me.
I’m talking reefers here, so I’ll be also talking heralds on the sides… I have no problem lettering my own, of course, but as far as heralds go, someone else will have to make them.
Rail Graphics gave me a really reasonable quote sight unseen over the phone, but my heralds as drawn by me aren’t much more than crayon drawings.
So I’m scared of the price suddenly becoming absurd…
Well, I don’t know how complex your herald is, or if it is multi color, etc. But I sent them my herald done on print artist, but I printed it out and sent in by mail - they cleaned it up and turned it into camera ready art for almost no charge. I’m sure he will give you a firm quote if you send your samples, and I think you will be pleasently surprised.
Sheldon
Thanks Sheldon.
You’ve convinced me. I’ll give him a try, and keep my fingers crossed
Graphic arts setup fees are generally low in this age of computer aided graphics. Companies don’t have to keep a graphic artist on payroll as long as they have good software.
You might also inquire how long they keep your proofs around, in case you need a reprint.
I can answer this too, Rail Graphics assigns your sets a customer number/set number and keeps them on file indefinately for reprints, which are done at a lower rate since no additional set up is needed. It is apparent from the way he does business, that Rail Graphics has been very well computerized for some time now.
CTValleyRR - your whole tone in this thread has been negative and untrusting. Yet the answers most questions are clearly answered in the downloadable catalog/order form from Rail Graphics. And a search of this forum will yield a number of other threads where others have commented on their great experiance dealing with this company.
http://www.railgraphicsdecals.com/Webinfo.pdf
I wonder why you make all these negative assumptions? Have to order 100 pieces - False, maybe they won’t save your artwork - False. High cost? $1 or two a freight car is not high cost by any count these days - look at MicroScale prices.
Rail Graphics is one of the truely great small companies in our hobby. The service is personal and professional and the product is of the highest quality and very reasonably priced.
Sheldon
[quote user=“ATLANTIC CENTRAL”]
CTValleyRR:
CP guy in TX:
Thanks Sheldon.
You’ve convinced me. I’ll give him a try, and keep my fingers crossed
Graphic arts setup fees are generally low in this age of computer aided graphics. Companies don’t have to keep a graphic artist on payroll as long as they have good software.
You might also inquire how long they keep your proofs around, in case you need a reprint.
I can answer this too, Rail Graphics assigns your sets a customer number/set number and keeps them on file indefinately for reprints, which are done at a lower rate since no additional set up is needed. It is apparent from the way he does business, that Rail Graphics has been very well computerized for some time now.
CTValleyRR - your whole tone in this thread has been negative and untrusting. Yet the answers most questions are clearly answered in the downloadable catalog/order form from Rail Graphics. And a search of this forum will yield a number of other threads where others have commented on their great experiance dealing with this company.
http://www.railgraphicsdecals.com/Webinfo.pdf
I wonder why you make all these negative assumptions? Have to order 100 pieces - False, maybe they won’t save your artwork - False. High cost? $1 or two a freight car is not high cost by any count these days - look at MicroScale prices.
Rail Graphics is one of the truely great small companies in our hobby. The service is personal and professional and the product is of the highest qu
I’ve used Rail Graphics in the past for a private roadname. All of the decal sets were excellent. I was even considering going to a more modern logo and he hand drew some ideas for me and sent them to me. Rail Graphics know what their doing . Give them a shot. I believe you will be impressed. Always had execellent communication and service. PW