Could anyone give me advice on decaling numberboards? I am getting back into the hobby after a 15 year break and could use some help. I used to do number boards with paint and dry transfers but never really cared for the results.
Thanks
John
I use clear labels on my inkjet printer.
For white #'s, I use a black backbround to bring out the #'s & white background for black lettering
Gordon
Check this out:
i by micro scale decals work great for me. Welcome back to the hobby as well.
http://ztrainman.tripod.com/
I’ve done the micro-scale thing too, but found it pretty complicated to make my own set of numbers, and then get them stuck on the little lighted numberboards. I’m sure something bigger than HO scale would be easier. What scale are you in?
Greg
I’ve tried several methods over the years, but Microscale decals work the best by far. Some sets include see through numbers for lighting. Plus they offer many sets for specific locomotives. And the size and font are very good for most railroads. So I’d go with Microscale.
Here’s a link, just scroll down to “Numberboards”
http://www.microscale.com/catalog_search.mv
Microscale=Microsurgery. You have to be real careful in trimming and applying those tiny numbers. It can be done, just takes some patience. I love it when the numbers are all together or at least paired. Single digits are tough to line up four at a time! [;)]
Microscale. Get the clear if the boards are lighted.If they are not ,you can paint the # area white before decaling. A friend applies the decals to styrene then cuts it to fit the # boards…works for him.
I use Microscale also, and for the lit boards, I use the clear numbers w/black border. I use a white wash on the board itself to give the clear number a white background, and the light shining through looks good as well. When the loco is not running, you can still read the number boards.
Thanks for all the great advice. I’ve seen the Microscale numberboards and wondered if there is a problem putting numbers on the blank background? I am modeling HO