FMW Decals
Manufacturer: Foothill Model Works, P.O. Box 470, Willits, CA 95490. Price: FMW-315 D&RGW 30 foot boxcar lettering $7.95 per set; FMW-327 D&RGW 30 foot reefer lettering $8.95 per set; FMW-331 D&RGW 40 foot reefer lettering $8.95 per set. One set does one car. California residents please include 7.25-percent sales tax.
IN OUR APRIL issue, we reviewed the first four offerings from Foothill Model Works and the word we used was "superb". Foothill's three latest decal sets are every bit as good-the equal of any graphic product available in any scale in our hobby.
A D&RGW 30 foot boxcar decal is probably the single most useful set any manufacturer can offer. Foothill's comes with the flying Rio Grand herald and both versions of the "toilet seat" herald. It includes extremely accurate and complete lettering for every part of the car. It comes in white, of course.
The two reefer sets come in black (for the sides) and white (for the ends) and are equally complete. We have reproduced the black lettering from the 30 foot reefer set above.
As we wrote in our last review, the graphics on both sets is extraordinarily accurate. It is sharp and crisp. Every shred of data is present. Where appropriate, the sets even offer a choice of heralds and lettering to represent different eras, such as post-1926 or post-1939. Larry Larsen and I scrutinized the sheets and found nothing to criticize. And, as we have pointed out in previous reviews of dry transfer lettering sets, 1:24 scale lettering is preferable for decorating LGB, USA Trains, and Bachmann 1:22.5 scale models because the cars tend to be a little short.
Foothill prints their decals on a very thin film, so you must use extra care in applying them. The instructions explain the procedure very clearly. Remember, unlike dry transfers, it is very preferable to apply decals to a non-porous, glossy finish.
Foothill Model Works' decal sets are outstanding. If you plan to letter some D&RGW rolling stock, you owe it to yourself to investigate their product line.-RR
