alan2525

One thing that would be usefull would be a set of Tank Registration numbers made from a photograph - so sets of 0-9 made in a particular scale. The letters would need to be vector with the font matched up to a photo of an actual tank.

If you could do those from a photograph in red and white, that could be useful.

Also private owner wagon lettering and tare weights, wagon numbers etc for freight rolling stock...

With any decals representing advertisements and company names, would this pose a problem with copyright and use of registered trademarks though?

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winterdyne

The short answer is no. Breach of trademark / copyright is usually enforced only where the trademark is being used in a similar field, or in a manner which directly impacts the business for which that mark is used. For use on a model railway etc, you can generally assume that no action would be involved, especially on a small hobbyist scale. Advertising reduced to model size is still advertising (and not harmful to the company in any way). That said, if the mark is used in a manner the holder deems 'inappropriate' the mark can be protected more vehemently. This was allegedly the case with volkswagen and the recent 'transformers' film. VW didn't want their products being associated with war machines. The black beetles that the SS used to drive around in obviously don't count. ;-) Basically though, it's not that much of a concern, the worst that can realistically happen is I'd get a Cease and Desist order for trading that image.

The tank registration marks etc. are no problem at all. I'd need one roughly square (to the number) photo to a number to get a judgment of angles for corners etc and general shape, and from that I can extrapolate the style to other numbers for which I don't have such a good source.

radish1us

Hi again, what drawing program is it that you are going to use?

regards radish

winterdyne

Photoshop for the most part, but I've also got Corel and a few others.

radish1us

Thank you for that.

jraah

I was directed to this post by radish1us – thanks radish!

Well winterdyne, as someone has already mentioned very few companies do custom decal work, and those that do, charge an extortionate price! I live in Staffordshire, not far from you, and have e-mailed and telephoned those few companies. One would only do large batch run-offs, which would have cost me a 3 figure sum!

I think there is a big need here in the UK for what you are offering, but having said that, you business would not perhaps be viable if you relied on doing custom decals only. What I mean by that, is the fact that certain model makers like the steam locomotive buffs who can take several years (often a lifetime) to complete a model, would only want one set of decals during that time.

I’m not into steam locos or kit building and the sort of decal I am looking for would have to be custom printed. Here is an example of the sort of thing I am looking for -

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i234/Asperula/potwheelL.jpg
http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i234/Asperula/potfrontleftL.jpg

This is an example of the sort of work I would need, but the artwork, layout and dimensions would of course be done by me.

I have an active website - www.scalemodelhorsedrawnvehicle.co.uk and forum -http://forum.scalemodelhorsedrawnvehicle.co.uk/ where other members would perhaps from time to time require similar custom decal printing at an acceptable price

Have you, or are you, also putting out “feelers” in similar model and hobbies forums and groups?

If you did start up your business and I was a satisfied customer, (which I’m sure I would be!) I would put up a link to your site on my website.

I wish you all the best in this enterprise and hope you are successful with it!
I will look in here regularly!

Best wishes,

jraah.

winterdyne

The spokes don't look too hard, nor do the axles. The wheel rim itself I think would be difficult to cut by hand (but possible). I can't do kiss-cut decals (you'll have to trim them yourself). But yeah, if you're doing the art I'd be able (and happy to) provide the print service.

By the way - with a light cream back colour, you could print decals like that on a standard inkjet printer.

I note the gold on the axles appears to be metallic - to get this done you're gonna need an alps or similar setup - I won't be able to do that unfortunately.

I'm putting out feelers all over the place - but I'm sortof concentrating on the sci-fi end of things as that's my bag, so I'm familiar with what's commonly needed. I'm always happy to hear more ideas though!

jraah

Yes, it would be difficult to cut the whole diameter of the wheel rim by hand, and even more difficult to apply the decal in one piece – so the way it is usually done is to print it, cut it and apply it, in 4 separate quarters.

You are correct to a degree, but I have only included this as an example, and an extreme one at that! This model would be the Daddy of all models regarding the decal work, and not something I would tackle for quite a while yet! The decals I would want at this point in time would be less ornate and would be pale blue/black to go on a deep red background and dark blue/black on a sky blue background. Metallic gold or silver; I won’t be needing!

Thank you for your prompt reply and interest.

Regards,

jraah

alan2525

Just a thought, it's a bit dependent on whether or not the printer will be able to print on vinyl or not, but have you thought about the possibility of a vinyl cutter too? I'd really appreciate the ability to have paint masks cut from my own drawings and combined with the ability to create custom stickers would be a pretty handy one stop shop!

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rawfodog

When you set this up, will we be able to send you design, or pictures of waht we want to stick on our kits? For example, I want to make a tornado F3 dam buster sqd' but no markings for it (as far as i know), so I could send you design or picture of it and you send me the product? Or will you work you way through all the RAF, army, navy units ect and making markings for ships, tnaks aircraft?

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It's only when you look at an ant through a magnifying glass on a sunny day that you realise how often they burst into flames