Hi everyone,
I’ve been doing custom lettering, numbering, and striping for my trains (and for friends) for quite a few years now. In that time I’ve collected a nice selection of colors and a second plotter which enables me to offer larger formats. In addition to permanent vinyl graphics, I can also provide removable custom-cut masks which you can then apply before air brushing.
If you’re interested in discussing a project, please send me a message. Thanks for looking.
Works well on live steam!
(http://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-UxlGfNNZvWw/UeyMfop5hhI/AAAAAAAABmI/bR228Qh-Uqg/s576/IMG_9913.JPG)
Small fonts are tricky in vinyl, but it can be done!
(http://gold.mylargescale.com/s-4/guilfords/rcrr%20ge%20guilfd.jpg)
Example of a computer-generated mask. The big G and cab numbering were done with masks.
I think I’m missing something here…can you explain how the mask works? I’m using a lot of press-apply lettering and I wonder if a mask is something you re-use?
Thanks.
Hi John,
You might think of it more like a stick-on stencil that allows you to airbrush your lettering. Its not the same kind of vinyl that you would use for permanent lettering as the adhesive is intended to be applied over painted surfaces. I generally only use these one time to avoid unwanted overspray.
In the case of the big G on my U25, I painted the loco white and made masks for the big G and numbers. Afterward, I sprayed the orange, and masked over where I wanted the orange line. Next I sprayed the dark gray. Finally I removed all masks to reveal the protected images below.
(http://gold.mylargescale.com/s-4/guilfords/rcrr%20ge%20guilfd.jpg)
If the loco was all white with a dark gray G, I would have painted the loco white first and then applied a “negative” mask of the G.
Thanks for your interest!
Jeff
I would like to contact you on my switcher build in a while. I like the idea of spraying the base color, applying a mask, spraying the top color and removing the mask to make the logo. If I understand you correctly.
Do the stick on letters need to be cut around before removing? I’ve never worked this way yet.
Might be easier to just make the letters??
Hi Joe,
You’ve got the right idea.
On my U25, the large G never would have laid out smoothly over the doorways and hinges in white vinyl. But by having the large letter in paint form you can still see all the detail below. The trick is getting the mask to conform and adhere to the uneven surface for a long enough time to paint your next color.
Next to the big G, however, I installed permanent vinyl letters spelling out “Rockwall Canyon”. Since these letters are smaller, it’s less obvious that the vinyl has some thickness to it. The combination right next to each other was a bit risky, (regarding aesthestetic consistency) but I was pleased with the results.
Perhaps I could send you a sample mask to try out? (send me a PM).
Jeff
