Patching on Rolling Stock? What's Your Favorite Method?

[oakcreekco]

I have some grain cars that I want to patch with new Road names/numbers.

Any prefered method for the black patching? I'm assuming black decals, but I haven't really seen decal sheets with just patches.

Appreciate any input and pics.

[Scottl]

I made black patches with a laser printer and clear film.  They were not 100% black but I could pre-shape them.  It worked pretty well if you have the gear.

[Curtis Kyger]

You could either use MicroScale black stripes (think HO 0n N-Scale or O scale on HO) or cut blocks from MicroScale Black Trim Film, either their TF-1 Black or TF-38 Flat Black

[oakcreekco]

You could either use MicroScale black stripes (think HO 0n N-Scale or O scale on HO) or cut blocks from MicroScale Black Trim Film, either their TF-1 Black or TF-38 Flat Black

Perfect. I didn't know about the Trimfilm sheets.

Between trimfilm and some stripes that I have, I'll be on my way.

Thanks

[Radisson.mcguire]

Honestly Smoke box Graphics makes a good patch decal set. Good amount of colors available.

[GaryHinshaw]

Honestly Smoke box Graphics makes a good patch decal set. Good amount of colors available.

These look great!  Do they offer them in N?  The web site only lists HO and O. I sent them a query, but maybe you've already crossed that bridge.

[basementcalling]

These look great!  Do they offer them in N?  The web site only lists HO and O. I sent them a query, but maybe you've already crossed that bridge.

Sadly, no, they only do HO and O scale. I emailed the owner about N scale versions and he was not interested in offering his decals in N at that time, but that was about a year ago.

As for patches, you can hand paint the patches, as prototype patches are not always square at the corners or perfectly straight edged either. They often do them by hand. Large imperfections don't look right in scale, however, so if your hands aren't too steady, put down a quick strip of scotch tape around the patch area, burnish it down with a fingernail, paint, blow dry, then peel the tape off.  Works well as long as you don't gob on the paint. I also brush from the edge to the center of a patch so the bristles aren't pushing against the tape edge, or leaving a buildup of paint along the edge that might bleed underneath.

[CR4100]

Circus City makes patch sets in a number of colors. https://circusdecals.ecwid.com/products/search?keyword=patch&categories=8816250&limit=30

This set includes different colors if you need some variety. https://circusdecals.ecwid.com/products/reporting-mark-paint-patch-set-n-scale

[GaryHinshaw]

^ Says the man whose avatar is a CR blue patch.    Thx for the tip.

[Radisson.mcguire]

Smoke box Graphics makes good decal patches in multiple colors. That's what I have been using for a few years now

[wm3798]

Why not use paint?



Lee

[Spades]

Fusion Graphics makes patches for various roads and leasers, as well as alphabets and well patches.  https://fsdecals.com/products/fsg-mwcx100-160

[packers#1]

These look great!  Do they offer them in N?  The web site only lists HO and O. I sent them a query, but maybe you've already crossed that bridge.

I haven’t bought any of their sheets yet (they’re on my list though!) but the preview shows a large variety of sizes and patches; one could probably cut the larger patches to make multiples in N from them, but the smaller ones may still work in N.