Rub-on letters for 1/144th planes

13 July 2006, 08:22 PM

Has anybody ever used rub-on letters for personal and squadron markings on 1/144th planes? I'm trying to find an easy way to model the personal and squadron markings of the Allied planes. Any help will be appreciated.

SteveS · 15 July 2006, 05:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sogriffin

Has anybody ever used rub-on letters for personal and squadron markings on 1/144th planes? I'm trying to find an easy way to model the personal and squadron markings of the Allied planes. Any help will be appreciated.

The method I've used with rub-on letters with great success is to apply them first on to clear decal sheet and then treat them as you would any decal. This way its much easier get them straight the first time without the frustration of trying to line them up on the model. That's never worked for me.

Also for stripes, I've just brushed or sprayed onto clear decal paper and then just cut to size and apply.

If using decal solutions, try them first on scrap rub-ons to be sure they don't dissolve the brand of rub-ons your using.

Salute,
Steve

Rufe · 15 July 2006, 11:58 PM

I have used dry transfers several times in 72 scale, and they looked quite good. Available fonts is the biggest problem. You can trim them beforehand and it might be more realistic font wise. If you get some larger letters, you can cut them up into geometric shapes.

I think I found them in a local Railroad hobbyshop.

16 July 2006, 02:39 PM

Thanks SteveS, I hadn't thought of placing the letters on decal paper. Have you tried the Testor's decal software. Apparently, it allows you to make your own decals and then print them. I'm curious if this software really would work for 1/144th planes.

SteveS · 22 July 2006, 06:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sogriffin

Thanks SteveS, I hadn't thought of placing the letters on decal paper. Have you tried the Testor's decal software. Apparently, it allows you to make your own decals and then print them. I'm curious if this software really would work for 1/144th planes.

I have tried the Testors system in my never ending quest for the perfect home made decal. I wasn't impressed with the software but to be honest and fair to Testors, I wasn't using the full version of software but just the "squeaker" version that comes with the starter kit. For my usage, I found it limited in its capabilities in that its geared around cars and later aircraft.

I also found that the clear spray "Decal Bonder" supplied with the kit didn't work that well with the inks used in my HP printer. Instead I found that a couple of thin coats of any brand acrylic clear work much better for me than the lacquer based clear supplied with the kit. But again I believe that this is based on the HP inks rather than the clear.

For manipulating images, almost any graphic software program will work. The only limitations in printing will be those of your printer.

I prefer and have been using with good success the white and clear paper sold by MicroMark. http://www.micromark.com Some of the other brands I've tried were worthless.

Salute!
And lets see some pix of your efforts!

Steve