Period Building Signage

[C855B]

The past couple of days a few of us have been talking about signage on period-specific buildings, and the temptation to use whatever is on your computer for projects. This sometimes results in a graphic anachronism. It would be the equivalent of using the BSB "GREAT NORTHERN" lettering on the side of a tender. Correct RR name, but - oh, my - graphically, the wrong period.

Aside from my own research and "fun with old signs" stuff:



(...apologies for the file sizes, these were already on my server from architectural research projects...)

I found another interesting resource, http://www.ghostsignproject.com. All sorts of cool old signs to use as references.

Also, a few years ago we had a thread about somebody who had (on eBay, maybe) old sign collections designed for D-I-Y decal printing. Does anybody recall the source?

[Philip H]

There was a guy on Trainboard (and MR as I recall) who did sign file uploads for years.  I don't think he's posted since mid-2014.  Can't recall his user name . . . .  found it!

http://www.trainboard.com/highball/index.php?threads/more-signs-for-your-layout.45212/

[C855B]

OOOO! Thanks, Philip! I remembered them generally, but forgot just how good they were. Great reference!

EDIT: Yeah, I see the 404 error, too. Too bad. They are, however, mostly usable in N from the 72dpi screen capture. Can't enlarge 'em, tho'. Maybe your "little reminder" might inspire a redux.

[eric220]

Here's the new link to the galleries. Dunno if it helps or not.

http://www.trainboard.com/highball/index.php?media/users/tomkat.15007/albums

[C855B]

Thank you, Eric. There has to be a couple of thousand signs in that gallery. Only downside is the images are still 72dpi, so they're only good for smaller uses. No matter, great resource!

[eja]

Signs?   You want signs?

Take a look here  ......

http://www.bertc.com/subfive/flash/illustration_menu.htm


Hope you have lots of time 

[loyalton]

And another source especially if you like "walldogs":
http://www.fadingad.com/fadingadblog/

[tom mann]

Some inspiration:

http://www.messynessychic.com/2016/03/31/the-lost-art-of-street-typography/