Westlake Publishing Forums

I use (custom) waterslide decals for things like signs.

Not easy for one or two in a hurry, but fine if you can plan ahead.

pdc.ca use a high resolution laser for full colour (+white).  Highly recommended.

I don't have a handy pic of any signs (and I've misplaced my unused stock), but attached wagon lettering uses the decals (9mm/ft scale).  An added benefit is that the decals can be distressed to fade the lettering.  I used a fibreglass brush to scuff up the wagon numbers here.

Generally vector graphics will give a better result than raster, so ideally draw signs rather than using images.  Nevertheless images can still work very well.

Thanks to everyone for your interest and comments.

Bill and Russ:
Actually, all the necessary signs fit on a postcard. But you can only buy whole boxes of photo paper from us, at an outrageous price. I have therefore printed the signs on relatively thick and smooth paper, which you can get as individual sheets, on a trial basis. I'll see if anyone of my friends can help me out with a single sheet of photo paper.
This sealing of photos: could it be that they have been laminated? I do have a laminator.
You're really right about the Danger sign. I'll have to redraw that. Incidentally, of course, I don't know when these signs were attached to the machines.





Bernhard

The Cleveland Hulett's operated until 1992 so the signs could be correct for the modern era. Wonderful progress on the model Bernhard.

About Bill's post: Not only Kodak but also Epson has glossy photo paper that nominally lasts a century (if you keep it away from direct sunlight). If you print on glossy paper you shouldn't need a clear coat. -- Russ

This Hulett Ore Unloader seems to come from outer space – absolute surreal! Not only the scale and the dimensions are beyond all I have seen before, also the work required! I admire your courage to tackle such a project! 

Bernhard,Magnificient!

About your danger signs: Several years ago I had very good luck getting photo prints of signs at a Kodak kiosk in a pharmacy. There were two different types of kiosks. One method was self service and
very quick, but the results were not lightfast and quickly faded. The other method was operated by a tech. It was much more durable and the images were infused into a thin plastic layer on the front surface of the photo paper. I could remove almost all of the paper backing to reduce the thicknes of the signs.

Unfortunately I do not remember what that method is called. The tech person who operated that kiosk is gone. She was very helpful at adjusting color balance and other variables to ge accurate prints at no charge when she saw what I was trying to do. Since her departure the equipment has not been well maintained and now is only self service by the customer. Perhaps you can find someplace near you that does durable photo prints.

I scaled the signs to fit on a standard (U.S.) 4 inch by 6 inch photo print, on glossy paper with NO border. Selecting "add a border"changed the size of the image area and the scale of the signs.

The signs looked like enameled metal signs, but with a light spray of a Krylon clear flat coating they could easily be other materials. Some of the signs have been on my layout over 15 years and do not appear to have faded at all under normal room lighting.

One question: Where did you find the originals for the signs that you printed? They appear to me to be newer than signs that would have been on the Hulett Unloaders when they were in service.

UPDATE: Bernhard, I didn't find any helpful information about Kodak photo kiosks, but I did find good information about KODAK PROFESSIONAL Inkjet Photo Paper:

When printed with state-of-the-art pigmented inks, prints made on KODAK PROFESSIONAL Inkjet Photo Paper are projected to last in excess of 100 years, even when displayed without additional protection, such as behind glass.

Incredible. A masterpiece in the making.

Stuart

Just incredible.

Quote from: Bernhard on July 14, 2024, 01:15:08 PM873 parts for the two towers

Not counting the rivets I imagine?

873 parts for the two towers

Bernhard