Micro-Trains has a new (but not better) method for decorating billboard reefers

[DKS]

(I have to say that the small lettering is much sharper than I would have expected.)

Pretty sure the small stuff is pad-printed.

[mike in bc]

For $27 i dont want to be a test dummie

[peteski]

Yes. I clearly stated (with photos to back it up) that the small white lettering appears to be pad printed.  Seems that people at MT do realize that this printing process does have limitations.

One thing would have made this paint job *MUCH* more acceptable: spray paint the entire side white (which would result in smooth base coat) then apply the blur and red graphic using ink jet.  That would have avoided the problem of visible raster texture.  Then pad print the small white lettering.

I also suspect that the tiny triangles were probably a big deciding factor for using the ink jet instead of pad printing.  What they could have done is to mask and paint the car white and bottom part blue (up to almost the triangle area). The pad print just the strip of the triangles using a matching blue paint, red lettering on the top part and then white lettering on the blue area.  That would have required several expensive masking/paining  and pad printing steps, but IMO would have resulted in much nicer decoration.

The only problem would be that the sprayed blue and pad printed blue might have slightly different sheen. But I have seen in the past MT use the technique of spray-painting larger color areas while using same color pad printed on the outside of that sprayed area to get a nice sharp edge.

The color registration problem also concerns me (on the red letters).

As far as contacting MT directly, I could email Joe or even Erik Smith and either copy my writeup or point them to this thread. But Joe does read this forum anyways. You think that a direct email with the same info presented in this thread will have any more impact on their future car decorating decisions?

[Bob Bufkin]

I'm sure that Joe will be making some comments on this before long.

[JoeD]

nope...this thread is not worth my time.  But I am looking forward for comparable micro-scopic closeups on other manufacturers products headed our way.   Oh, you mean that won't happen?...

Joe

[daniel_leavitt2000]

As a modern modeler, I have no horse in this race. It would be neat to see how they do this new printing method.

[Puddington]

I think we have to support research; even that being done on "in production" product - that's often how you have to do it in this fast paced market and, it's not like it's life altering drug or a safety device. Clearly the pront doesn't tickle the fancy of some - ok; that's valuable market information. MTL can and should listen to the input, if not the indignation some have expressed.

Joe; don't take it personally (As we all have from time to time). I'd appreciate MTL's commentary on this new process which might one day be the standard to shoot for.

[up1950s]

nope...this thread is not worth my time.  But I am looking forward for comparable micro-scopic closeups on other manufacturers products headed our way.   Oh, you mean that won't happen?...

Joe

With that comment MTLs justification to do what they did to their customers and the way they did it is blatantly obvious . They do not care what modelers think . Screw us then give us the finger for pointing out our displeasure .

[Alaska Railroader]

Since this thread isn't worth the time you might as well delete the whole thing and forget it ever happened.

[mecgp7]

With that comment MTLs justification to do what they did to their customers and the way they did it is blatantly obvious . They do not care what modelers think . Screw us then give us the finger for pointing out our displeasure .

What this modeler thinks is that MTL produces products and I can buy them or not. I am not a rivet counter and don't need to use a microscope. Others complain about the price. For MTL not to "screw" us maybe they would have to raise the price. Can't do that.

This is not directed at any one forumite, but it is the same ol' horses&%t over and over on these forums. A company (which is usually one or two people) makes something and it gets blown to pieces because it doesn't meet the standards of individuals.  These same guys aren't ponying up and producing a better product. Heck, they don't produce anything at all. Don't buy the dang product.

If any want 100% prototypical accuracy, go get a job on a real railroad. It is the only way you will ever be happy. I couldn't have a hobby that triggered such anger, disrespect and frustration.

[mplsjct]

As far as contacting MT directly, I could email Joe or even Erik Smith and either copy my writeup or point them to this thread. But Joe does read this forum anyways. You think that a direct email with the same info presented in this thread will have any more impact on their future car decorating decisions?

Pointing Erik Smith to this thread probably wouldn't hurt, but after what Joe said, I'm not sure it would help. I get the feeling that all the mfg.'s will be using this technique eventually. One person's opinion, my experience with changing technology is the most complaints come from the people who's jobs are changing. (and I'm not saying anyone is complaining, because if anyone's critical of printing, it's me).

As I mentioned earlier, this method isn't perfected yet, but it is obviously improving, as compared with the photo's Peteski posted to the ones posted by David Smith.

[JoeD]

I'm not here representing MTL.  MTL wasn't asked to respond.  "I" was.  I don't speak for the company but am willing to answer questions as best I can.   Answering questions I have time for, defending myself to folks who may have axes to grind or personal issues, I don't. 

I can engage in the original post, and while I really do appreciate the effort and genuine concern by Peteski...I wasn't going to expend much of my valuable weekend off time fighting, or try to change the minds of other's (not Peteski) who are not interested in reasoned and well thought discussion.  It's all too easy to hide behind a spiffy screen name and sling poo...which is always the problem on forums...not just here.

Now, back to choppin' wood and daydreaming about that mega layout I want to build some day.

Cheers
Joe
(not an MTL rep on Railwire)   

[Catt]

I guess I am missing the point of this thread.What is the logical reason for for enlarging the image of that reefer? I would be willing to bet that any N scale paint and lettering would look like crap at that magnafication.

My take on this thread is that Peteski just felt like doing a P & M about Micro Trains so he started this thread and a whole bunch of you just followed right along behind him.

[central.vermont]

I don't own one of these and do not plan to just because of the era it fits but am wondering if someone can post
a picture of it that is not so close. I would like to know how well it does against the three foot rule. 

Jon

[LV LOU]

I guess I am missing the point of this thread.What is the logical reason for for enlarging the image of that reefer? I would be willing to bet that any N scale paint and lettering would look like crap at that magnafication.

My take on this thread is that Peteski just felt like doing a P & M about Micro Trains so he started this thread and a whole bunch of you just followed right along behind him.

I think the magnification is irrelevant..The quality of that paint is horrible.Just compare it to the actual,barely visible board separations.If you can see the boards,you can see the crappy paint.It looks like one of those Japanese sand gardens..The paint almost totally obscures them,and no other way to describe it,the HUGE FLAW that is the "RIBS" in the paint is almost half as big as what's left of the board separations.If I see that on a car,I won't be bringing it home..I have really good eyes for an old fart,that would drive me goofy..