Appeal of Kit building and Plastic Model Decals Building realistic scale models has always held a lot of appeal. The reason for this may not be certain, but most people are happy to enjoy the process and results of model building without question. If you enjoy something, and there are no side effects, then why
What is Decal Paper? For many years the only decals available were the premade type. We would get decals in model kits, in some crafts, for some ceramics, or just as novelty items like stickers. We had a little choice here, but not a lot. We only had a choice between what was already available.
Paint and Plastic Model Decals Hobby models almost always include a decal sheet. This has insignias, markings and stencilling which would prove too difficult to paint on. A good set of decals provides the level of detail that boost a models’ authenticity to unsurpassed heights. Traditional decals are wet transfer. This means they are briefly
ALPS Decal The ALPS printer line has been discontinued, but still has a respectable following amid some professional printers and many hobbyists It was one of the few printing systems that could produce white alongside every other colour. This was an advantage when printing on a background other than white. Model train enthusiasts and other
Printer Decal Paper Christmas is only a few weeks away. Some of us will be getting the decorations out of storage. Some of us will be making some new decorations, and printing our own cards. To do this we need both a few creative ideas, and the right equipment to do the printing. Christmas decorations
Waterslide Decals Plastic model decals add that extra level of fine detail to scale models. This is something that is often impossible to achieve with paint or other means. But decals are not without issues. Some common issues are: Getting the design you want: For many years decals came with the predesigned model kit. The
Decal Paper Personalised gifts show more thought than something generic. The idea with a gift is to buy something that the other person would like. We have a good chance of achieving this with something we specifically design for the specific individual. Decal paper give us a good chance of this. We can design a
White Toner Decal Most printing is done on white paper. So when we want to include white in a colour design we leave the area blank. This works well for most situations, and our sense of aesthetics tends to like large areas of white on printed mediums. Problems occur when we need to use
White Toner Decal Printing white decals has always been a problem. Very few home printers will print white. We cannot produce white by mixing other colours, you need to use white ink, which very few printers have. This is not a problem when printing on white paper because any area that needs to be white
Model Trains and Layouts Model trains are usually bought pre-made, and perhaps painted and customised with model decals. Much of the building with the model train hobby is in the layout. Train enthusiasts spend a lot of time building realistic stations and buildings on city or country landscapes. This takes substantial skill and creativity. Most
Most people realise that having a hobby tends to be a healthy thing. It is something we pursue for pure enjoyment, perhaps producing a satisfying result in the process. It is simultaneously about us, and hopefully a connection with a few like-minded others. Some benefits of hobbies. – Escapism. Not to be underestimated. If we
Scale Models The fine details for many scale models, including model trains, is usually applied with decals. Only decals can provide the fine insignia and writing, the letters on a number plate, that would prove impossible with paint. Of course decals only look good if they are applied well. A poorly applied decal will actually
Model Train Layouts While some hobbyists enjoy their train sets without any context the more serious enthusiasts often build elaborate layouts for their trains. These layouts are often highly detailed, perhaps even reflecting a historical train location. The components of these layouts may be purchased whole, purchased as build it kits, or sometimes made from
Scale Models Many scale models of Racecars or layouts for Model Trains will include replicas of advertising. These will almost always be logos, neat and concise insignia, that promote a company. A lot of effort goes into these Logos. It is an art that relies on communicating an idea with minimal lines and colours. Logos
Decals for Model Trains Well crafted decals on a model train and train layout makes a huge difference. The decals can add the fine detail that adds a sense of realism to scale models, both the train itself and other vehicles on the layout. If your layout is based on a particular historic/real world railroad
Scale Models There is a lot of appeal in making a scale model of something we admire. And there is a lot of satisfaction in finishing the model. Ideally we want the little model to look as much like the real thing as possible. There are several ways to do this. Paint Almost every hobby
Model Trains Actual trains never really exist in isolation, they are part of a city or country infrastructure. Models trains layouts reflect this. Hobbyists spend considerable time building realistic layouts for they trains. This is a major aspect of the hobby. Model Train layouts are not difficult; the basic woodwork and electronics is often reasonably
Waterslide Decals Decals are made to be used decoratively. So they work well for Christmas time, where we are always looking for new ways to decorate the home, or to personalize gifts. There are many ways to use inkjet decals creatively. Candle Decal Paper An old idea, but a flexible one. We can add personalized
Scale Models If we go to the trouble of building a scale model we will want to get the best possible results. This means painting, applying waterslide decals, and perhaps applying a final clear coat. Of course we need to make sure that these processes do not clash. It is possible for a clear coat
Getting the Best Results with Scale Models Scale models come in many sizes and types, from military aircraft to model trains. But from simple to challenging all models require skill and knowledge for assembly, and if we want superior results then we need some additional knowledge and more practiced skills. – Know you subject. If
Scale Models Most of us have hobbies of some sort. These provide a sense of satisfaction that some careers may not otherwise give. And perhaps fulfill a need that even family and relationships do not fully provide. We may speculate on the reason we are attracted to a particular hobby, or even to the
