I recently started painting my own undecorated diesel engine fleet. Through trial and error, I have worked out most of the problems getting the paint jobs to look right which can be a big task if you’re modeling Chessie engines as I am.
The advise I’m looking for has to do with the number boards. Most manufactures, if not all, ship undecorated models with clear number boards. How do the manufacturers, and then ultimately me, get the numbers boards to look good when they are illuminated? I’m sure they must use some kind of automatic painting system, but how do the rest of us re-create this high level of quality?
I’ve tried the Microscale decal set for lighted number boards, but the effect is not very good.
I need the advise of a skilled painter, or someone who knows a thing or two about painting.
ShellScale decals or print your own on clear decal film. You can print the numbers or the background, use some sort of frosting on the number boards before installing the decals to diffuse the lighting, use fiberoptics to illuminate.
You can also use clear shipping labels.
This is the approach I’m using to good effect on my Athearn locomotives.
I use a black background with white numbers. The numbers light up when the locomotive is being run.
Using a laser printer print out a full number board to size, cut it out (with a NEW xacto blade) and glue on with elmer’s glue (dries clear). Touch up edges with black ink pen.
I read this technique on another forum and tried it and it works rather well.
If you want to see a photo of one I have done post a reply to this and I’ll post one for all to see.