Decals (yet again!)

My latest PDC sheet*

I know I post a LOT about decals and artwork... it's kind of an obsession for me. I love how the correct artwork for a specific railroad, using their unique type ("font") can really add the right finishing touch to a model. I also notice that many people inquire on lists and forums if there are decals available for subject X or how they can go about creating artwork for decals. It's really not that difficult and the hardest part, the printing in white, is easier than you might think. 

My latest effort for illustrative purposes, not yet flat-coated and sharper in real-life than shown here... however, it looks exactly like PRR late steam era lettering because it's based on the Pennsy's actual lettering, not some generic "font" used by a "graphics" person at one of the model RR manufacturers. Also, it's the car number, reweigh location and date, etc. that I want.

First, the artwork. If you have a community college near you, the chances are quite good that they offer a class in Adobe Illustrator (before you say Illustrator is too expensive, read on please.) A class in Illustrator will teach you everything you need to know, and quite a lot more, to make decal artwork. Also, regardless of the software you choose, the concepts are similar and translate across software. The main thing is to learn how to work in vector graphics. Take the class. 

It's exciting to see the fruits of one's digital labors. Note that Jefferson Bus Lines is purely fictitious for my proto-lanced town of Jefferson, Oregon

Next, decide on software. If you like Illustrator, you can likely find an older version that you can buy outright on a site such as ebay. For what we are doing, even 15 year old Illustrator is adequate. Just make sure your current computer will support it. Alternatively, you can choose the Adobe subscription model (it always has the latest version!) You might find that you can subscribe, create the artwork you need in a month or two, and then unsubscribe. If you're enrolled at the community college, you'll qualify for the academic discount, too. Other options are out there, with the most common being Corel Draw. Find something that works for you and go from there.

Now for the printing and this is the part that's easier than you think... no Alps white inks or ghost white toner, unless that's the path you choose. You can simply save your file as a .pdf and send it off to PDC and within a week or so have your decals. You can fill up an 8.5" x 11" sheet to your heart's content. Also, since you're creating only what you need, you won't take up valuable real estate with extra number jumbles, reweigh locations and dates, repacks, etc. The white ink is fantastic and other colors are available, too.

I really encourage you to explore this... it's also not just for things on the rails. You can use it for signage, decorating, etc., for anything on the layout. Stop asking and start making!

*note that what you see here is converted from vector to raster (pixels) and downsampled to protect the work I have done to create all this artwork

PS - I am not interested in creating artwork for your projects. I don't have enough time for my own!