First Attempt at Decals in N scale 36ft NH Boxcars

[Specter3]

The decal set is for much later but from pictures I have the number and herald are correct. Or at least close enough that I am happy.

[bbussey]

What are you using for plastic, Athearn/MDC?

[Specter3]

These are the MDC boxes that the guy was selling in lots on Ebay a while back where it seemed like he bought out the remaining stock of unassembled stuff.

[Specter3]

Two more taking shape on the bottom.

I have figured out that piecing together numbers stinks!

[Chris333]

I made one of these long ago using a MDC boxcar and CDS transfers:

[Specter3]

Finished the decals that I could see and body mounted some Z scale 905s



Really like how the 905s look. N on left, Z on right.



Need to figure out whose metal wheelsets I need now. These atlas code 55 capable ones I had laying around are tight and draggy.

[tom mann]

Nice job on the numbering.  Decaling is my least favorite thing to do! 

[peteski]

These look nice. Tell us what paint (and/or clear coat) you used, and whether you used any decal setting solutions (and the brand names).

[Kisatchie]

These look nice. Tell us what paint (and/or clear coat) you used, and whether you used any decal setting solutions (and the brand names).

Hmm... and don't forget
to include your social
security number...

[peteski]

Hmm... and don't forget
to include your social
security number...

A bank account and credit card numbers would also be very helpful. 

With the recent thread about decaling techniques giving a wide range of methods, I thought it would be helpful to find out how Specter3 did those.

[nkalanaga]

If those are MT or MDC trucks Fox Valley wheelsets should work.  I've used them in a few MT trucks and they roll very nicely, as well as looking good.

[Specter3]

Peteski

I read that thread through a couple times before tackling these. I airbrushed the models with solvent based Pollyscale colors(I think)and let them dry thoroughly. Then with the directions in the thread I used a rattle can safe for plastic  gloss coat. Once that was dry I followed the directions on the back of the microscale package concerning dip time and dwell time on the wet napkin. Then with tweezers, a xacto blade and a pick I slid the decals where I wanted. After they dried I used multiple coats of decal setting solution until there was no discernable edge to the decal. I have had the stuff for years and I believe it is Testors brand. I then hit it with Testors rattle can dull and that was it. Best decal job I have ever done if I do say so.

For the wheels I saw where one person said that MDC and Rivarossi shared axel lengths. Can anyone confirm this?

[peteski]

Thanks Specter3.

So you did end up using the most conventional decaling method (over glossy surface, setting solution, then clear flat top coat).    If you used PollyScale or Polly-S paints for the base color then those are water-based paints.  Testors Glosscote and Dullcote are solvent-based lacquers.

[Specter3]

One should never rely on memory. Home now. Floquil paint and walthers Solvaset decal solution. I have yet to learn to use water based paints well. There was a recent thread on them and given our current choices I may have to learn but until forced I will keep shooting solvents because that is what I know how to do.

And it may be conventional, but it worked, so with this success I won't change methods until I need to.

[peteski]

One should never rely on memory. Home now. Floquil paint and walthers Solvaset decal solution. I have yet to learn to use water based paints well. There was a recent thread on them and given our current choices I may have to learn but until forced I will keep shooting solvents because that is what I know how to do.

And it may be conventional, but it worked, so with this success I won't change methods until I need to.

I also use solvent-based paint (Floquil, AccuPaint TrueColor and few other brands).  I have not graduated to using water-based paints for airbrushing. I do use them, but only in a very limited application.

Be careful with Solvaset - it is very potent and can ruin delicate decals.  But it looks like you're in control.