Custom Model Railroad Signs

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Any good recommendations for software to create my own custom signs for buildings?

Thanks

2

https://inkscape.org/en/

Inkscape is a free vector graphics app, similar to Adobe Illustrator.

Steve S

3

Contact and purchase, “Model Builders”’ software from Evan Designs. www.modeltrainsoftware.com… Really great software. Doug

4

I use Microsoft Publisher most of the time as I can overlay lettering, color and graphics and resize the sign by grouping all of the boxes together and then just grab a corner and adjust the box size up or down as needed.

Then print

BOB H - Clarion, PA

5

I think the drawing tools in MS Word, Publisher, Powerpoint, which are pretty much the same, can all do a pretty decent job once you learn how to use them. It’s mostly learning how to use the rectangle tool, text box tools and color fill tools. While you can grab a corner like Bob says, you can also open the formatting box to enter the exact dimensions you want.

Vector based drawing programs give you a lot more options, but you don’t really need them if you’re just making signs for yourself and printing them out at home.

Jim

6

Hi

I use Macromedia Fireworks. Only because I’m used to it as I used it for creating web sites. Not only is it good for making my own signs but it’s great for importing signs and expanding or shrinking them to a required size. Problem is that you have to buy Macromedia. Not sure how much it is now as I’ve had mine a few years now.

Cheers

7

I use MS Paint and MS Word. Word allows me to scale and print images and lettering with a lot of control.

I prefer to print signs on cardstock rather than regular paper. It’s stiffer and keeps the sign flat. Because I’ve got an inkjet printer, I like Aileen’s Tacky Glue for attaching signs. It doesn’t soak through the paper and ruin the artwork like some other glues will.

For this sign, I ran the paper through the printer twice, first to apply the “crackle” background and then again to add the lettering. I also put a border around it with balsa wood strips from the craft store.

8

I use Word-for-Windows. It has lots of fonts, you can download more fonts, you can set text color and background color. It will suck in images and resize them.

You can use GIMP, a very powerful graphics program that can do about anything Adobe Photoshop can do. GIMP is hampered by a confusing user interface and terrible documentation, but heh, it’s free.

9

I use CorelDraw and Photo Shop and can pretty much make any sign or graphic. These software’s are not cheap but I have old versions that I used when I was working (retired now!). There are some free versions of similar softwares but I haven’t tried any of them (don’t need to.).

-Bob

10

Thanks for all of your responses. When I get back to the sign I’ll go over this thread again and try out some of these ideas.

I couldn’t figure out how to just add a new post so I just replied to the last one.

11

You got that right. I can do all sorts of stuff in Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign and know a few CAD systems, but I can’t make heads or tails of GIMP.

12

I’m with Bob on both of these choices. I’ve been using Corel Draw since the late '90s and PS Elements 11 does wonders in the photo and graphic editing work.

I download a lot of high resolution graphics (textures) here: http://www.cgtextures.com/

then merge and resize them for building interiors, roofing, windows, backgrounds and lots of signage.

Have Fun! Ed