Smurftastic Hopper

[tom mann]

The Epson is something like 5700x1200dpi and uses 6 colors.  You can see printing dots, but you have to be very, very close.

[sirenwerks]

Incredible! Details, please! Encore, encore!

[tom mann]

Here is a huge image to better show the Epson's capabilities:

http://www.mannresearch.com/rr/up/smurftastichopper_sample_01.jpg

[tom mann]

Ok, so I was hoping to finish this tonight.  Of course, all the handling messed up the other side. ;D  But the Smurf side is done.

It is not perfect, and I was afraid to use more microsol on the decal to get it to lay down better.  It took several decals to get one to work, because the sealer would crack and then allow water to ruin the decal. So when this turned out reasonable, I called it quits.

[tom mann]

Oh and those lines to the left of the "S" in Smurftastic are an Intermountain employee's dried glue thumbprint. ;D

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Lol.

BTW, really cool stuff Tom.

[DKS]

Tom, do you have this book?



Roger Gastman, Darin Rowland, Ian Sattler.
Paperback: 352 pages. Publisher: "Harry N. Abrams, Inc." (June 1, 2006)

[tom mann]

Tom, do you have this book?



Roger Gastman, Darin Rowland, Ian Sattler.
Paperback: 352 pages. Publisher: "Harry N. Abrams, Inc." (June 1, 2006)

Of course!

[tom mann]

Oh, but by the way, I've learned that train graffiti does not make for ideal source material for decals.  This is due to ribs, shadows, doors, that all need to be photoshopped out.  A better source is the many websites that have pictures of urban wall and building graffiti.

[tom mann]

A few things bothered me about the IM car:

1.  The fingerprint
2.  The ribs
3.  Somewhat melted looking end railings

So I redrew and resized the artwork for an MT car!  Getting the decal around the the bottom sill is still problematic.



I miss the etched metal roofwalk of the IM car, but appreciate the crispness of the MT car.

[bsoplinger]

A few things bothered me about the IM car:

1.  The fingerprint

You mean the fingerprint on the car was part of the car itself? I just figured you were jokingly referring to the fact that you got your fingerprint in the paint when you prep'd that side of the car for the decal.

[sirenwerks]

Tom,

Do you have an unlimited supply of to bay covered hoppers lying around? It sure sounds like it.

[tom mann]

A few things bothered me about the IM car:

1.  The fingerprint

You mean the fingerprint on the car was part of the car itself? I just figured you were jokingly referring to the fact that you got your fingerprint in the paint when you prep'd that side of the car for the decal.

Yep, it was either glue or it actually looked like it was a print left in soft plastic.  I didn't really notice it until I started taking the photos. ;D

Sometimes, IM brakewheels look half melted and squished, as if someone installed them while the plastic is soft.

[tom mann]

Tom,

Do you have an unlimited supply of to bay covered hoppers lying around? It sure sounds like it.

In all the scales!

[flight2000]

Tom, that's friggen awesome.....

I can't wait for your boox to arrive from Chulvis so I can start "beating up" my cars.  I've got a ton of brand spanking new hoppers that are screaming for some weathering.

You are a true inspiration.

Brian