1:24 SCALE DECALS
Manufacturer: Foothill Model Works, P.O. Box 470, Willits, CA 95490. Price: FMW-306 D&RGW 5500 series 30-foot stock car lettering $7.95 per set; FMW-D&RGW 6700 series 30-foot idler flat lettering $5.95 per set; FMW-311 D&RGW 5900 series 34-foot stock car lettering $7.95 per set; FMW-319 D&RGW high side gondola lettering $7.95 per set. One set does one car. California residents please add 7 1/4-percent sales tax.
FOOTHILL MODEL WORKS may be a name new to many of us but its owner, Jerry Kitts, has been in the model railroad business for many years. He has two modeling passions, Southern California's Pacific Electric line and narrow gauge in general. Maybe that is why he offers superb decal sets for both.
Gee, I gave it away; his decals are superb. The lettering is extraordinarily accurate. It is sharp and crisp. Every shred of data is present. Some sets even offer a choice of graphics 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. Briefly, it is very preferable to apply decals to a non-porous, glossy finish. You should cut the backing close to each lettering section, soak the piece in water, and lay the backing paper on the section where the decal will go. Slide off the decal with a small, wet brush, removing the backing paper with tweezers. Position the decal with the wet brush. Blot away excess water with the edge of a paper towel. Apply decal setting solution (a mild solvent). After the decal dries (overnight), scribe along any board lines and puncture any bubbles with a needle. Re-apply setting solution. The next day, airbrush on a clear protective coat such as Testor's Dullcote or Glosscote.
Why go to all that trouble when dry transfers require less work? Because sometimes decals do the job better and sometimes they seem to fit into places where dry transfers refuse to go. Experience will be your guide. Besides, some people just prefer them.
After stating a product is superb, it is difficult to say more. So, if you plan to letter some D&RGW rolling stock, send away for Foothill's catalog. And, if you should order their decals, chances are you will agree with the conclusions of this review.-RR
