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I am in the process of converting a UP Alco C630 to the Duluth Missabe and Iron Range Railroad.   To complete this transformation, I need 5 simple maroon colored D M I R decal.

In 1973, the Missabe needed additional power and purchased 10 Century series Alco’s from the Union Pacific.  They kept the basic livery colors, painted out the UP markings, blocked out the first number of their original four digit designations, and added simple block letters here and there, to identify the new owner as the DMIR.

I need 5 maroon colored DMIR markings.   Have been searching the internet for letter sets, but have not found any maroon colored sets and the sets I did find, did not have enough letters to complete the five markings.

I would appreciate any suggestions, advice, etc.    Would also like to hear from anyone experienced in printing waterslide decals with a inkjet printer?   Advice about ordering custom decals would also be welcomed.   Thanks for any help/advice you can provide!

Cheers, Dave

My project needs:

DSC07809DMIR#909noseDNIR cabDMIR long hood 902

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Yes, I do have an inkjet printer.   I would like to print my own but I was interested in the quality of the decals that result from this process.   Thanks Matt for the font suggestion.   Matt, were you pleased with the decals you made with decal paper?   I knew about the need for the clear coat spray to protect the lettering.   What did you use and how did it work?   

Anybody have experience with having custom decals made?    Interested in cost, quality and ease of getting it done.    Thanks for the help!

Cheers, Dave

 

While I am at it, Jim Wilhite (RIP), proprietor of LaBelle for a decade or so, made me decals from photos of my favorite Varney cars.  He also made some really neat stuff for Super Cub and Cessna 180 placards.  I won't bore you with that, but they look like silk screening on the instrument panels.  Bob does the same thing, but I haven't exercised him quite as much.  Herewith:CarnationMerchandise Service

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@AGHRMatt posted:

Last time I played with decal paper, I sprayed some waterproof clear coat over the decal film to protect the lettering. The font you're after looks like Times New Roman (might be "Railroad Roman").

Matt, when I work with commercial decals, I use Solveset, a setting solution that softens and makes the decal snuggle down into every crevice.   In your experience with home printed decals that you sprayed with the waterproof clear coat, did you experience any problem getting the decals to snuggle down?  Also, what product did you use for the clear coat?

Cheers, Dave 

@darlander posted:

Matt, when I work with commercial decals, I use Solveset, a setting solution that softens and makes the decal snuggle down into every crevice.   In your experience with home printed decals that you sprayed with the waterproof clear coat, did you experience any problem getting the decals to snuggle down?  Also, what product did you use for the clear coat?

Cheers, Dave 

I used Testor's clear spray, but I didn't use Solvaset so I don't know what it's impact would be.

Mixed results.  I always use Solvaset or similar, but you need care to avoid lifting the paint.  Most of my decals go over riveted tender sides, and my rivets are oversize (artistic license).  I usually get good snuggle down with custom decals.

LaBelle still exists, Alps printer and all.  My artwork can be used free of charge to generate decals for others, and should slightly reduce the cost.  LaBelle has some very useful SP steam decals, done for Stevenson Preservation.

@bob2 posted:

Mixed results.  I always use Solvaset or similar, but you need care to avoid lifting the paint.  Most of my decals go over riveted tender sides, and my rivets are oversize (artistic license).  I usually get good snuggle down with custom decals.

LaBelle still exists, Alps printer and all.  My artwork can be used free of charge to generate decals for others, and should slightly reduce the cost.  LaBelle has some very useful SP steam decals, done for Stevenson Preservation.

Thanks Bob for the input!   Can you give me more info, or contact information for LaBelle?   I'm tempted to get decal paper and give it a try.   Again my concern with "do-it-yourself decals" rest with the ability to get a good snug fit.

cheers, Dave

When I did my car, I wanted as smooth a surface as possible.  But one panel line ran right down the middle. 

I used a clear gloss from a rattle can to protect the home made decals.  Then I used MicroSet in the area I wanted the decal and applied.  A little while later after it set I applied MicroSol.  I covered the decal  with MicroSol 4 times.  That really snugged it up.

When I was happy with the decals, I sprayed the entire car with a clear coat.

IMG_20200603_212454199Screenshot_20200603-212237

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@Ron045 posted:

When I did my car, I wanted as smooth a surface as possible.  But one panel line ran right down the middle. 

I used a clear gloss from a rattle can to protect the home made decals.  Then I used MicroSet in the area I wanted the decal and applied.  A little while later after it set I applied MicroSol.  I covered the decal  with MicroSol 4 times.  That really snugged it up.

When I was happy with the decals, I sprayed the entire car with a clear coat.

IMG_20200603_212454199Screenshot_20200603-212237

Thanks Ron for the info.   Your Hawkeye decal looks very nice.   I plan to order some decal paper today.

Cheers, Dave

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