Weekend Update 4/4/21

[peteski]

Nice models!
I could do custom decals on a one-off basis for something like this-- price would depend on the size, but if I can squeeze them onto a sheet with some of my regular stuff, it would be quite reasonable.  A custom made roadfor name this probably would be around $10-15.  If it isn't sealed and you're interested, let me know (PM or email me at CCE Models).  --Jesse

@Jesse6669
What printer do you use for those decals?

[dougnelson]

Looks like you used a Lima coach and the combine to make one PB70, and a method to keep the sides attached to the floor. My method involved cutting the baggage door sides free then switching them to the opposite side. I had to plug only where one set of paired windows were on them. The baggage door steps get reversed position, but I'm going to replace them with pewter ones. Did you make those roof vents or are they Lemostream's?

But agree -- since the PB70's were so numerous and universal, you gotta wonder why nobody ever made any commercial models? If anybody, I'd figure BLI would be the ones to do it.

Yes, I kept the floors and sides intact.  The roof vents are actually Wheels of Time castings that I got from Matthew.  I also added the AC ice bunker from PRR Parts.  I used Gold Metal Models vestibule stairs, but the Keystone Details stairs may be a better match now.  If I could go back around 50 years ago, I would go to Italy and tell Lima to do the PB70.  Maybe BLI.  At least we can talk to them in English.

[OldEastRR]

I like to cut the sides at different points than the floor so it's not one big fracture point there. My method is a splicing-type one where the modified floor sections are joined at one point and the walls at another. That also insures that the car is assembled truly level, and there's no slight downgrade on each half that meets in a low point at the one big connection point.

[Jesse6669]

@Jesse6669
What printer do you use for those decals?

I do the art, but I don't print them myself; "I have a guy" (same philosophy as 3D printing--I don't want to invest in the top-end technology but will help someone else get the utilization out of it).  It's done on really good decal film (very thin), sharp with good registration-- I mostly do 1:450 and have been very pleased.  I recently did some N-scale Conrail H-45 hoppers and they were great.
Jesse

[peteski]

I do the art, but I don't print them myself; "I have a guy" (same philosophy as 3D printing--I don't want to invest in the top-end technology but will help someone else get the utilization out of it).  It's done on really good decal film (very thin), sharp with good registration-- I mostly do 1:450 and have been very pleased.  I recently did some N-scale Conrail H-45 hoppers and they were great.
Jesse

Thanks!  So is the "guy" actual business that produces custom decals, or a friend with a good printer who doesn't' mind printing few decals here-and-there for a friend?
 I'm asking because while I have the Alps MicroDry printer, I would be interested in finding someone who has a printer that prints waterproof inks/toner with high enough resolution and fine enough halftones to be able to print usable N scale decals (like photo murals or weathering) that in closeup don't look like they are made up of large color dots.

[Jesse6669]

I'm not an expert on the printing but I use Switch Line decals-- Christopher there does a great job.  The colors are halftones (not screen printed with that color ink) but are fine enough for me, so ymmv.  Whites/blacks, and primary colors are solid.  I had some orange that was a little "iffy" but it was a stripe about 0.5mm thick.   I'd suggest doing a test page--it's very reasonable cost and you can judge for yourself.  It does have to be vector graphics.

Jesse




 

[peteski]

I'm not an expert on the printing but I use Switch Line decals-- Christopher there does a great job.  The colors are halftones (not screen printed with that color ink) but are fine enough for me, so ymmv.  Whites/blacks, and primary colors are solid.  I had some orange that was a little "iffy" but it was a stripe about 0.5mm thick.   I'd suggest doing a test page--it's very reasonable cost and you can judge for yourself.  It does have to be vector graphics.

Jesse

Thanks Jesse.  From what I see on their website, it seems like they use a CYMKW laser printer, and the cost of custom decal printing seems quite reasonable.