scratchbuilding signs
DESCRIPTION
Scratchbuilding Scale Signs for Model Railroading - Learn how to create scale signs for your model railroad structuresTRANSCRIPT
“Scratchbuilding Scale Signs ”Using Your Computer
Scott Povlot
Introduction
● Why Make Your Own Signs?
● Making your own signs– Prototype
– Custom
● Printing● Modeling
Why Make Your Own Signs?
● Create a unique model● Match your prototype
● Signs as scenery– Set a mood
– Set a location
– Set a time period
● Identify industries for operations
Signs As Scenery
Black & White PhotographsPhotographic Collections, Special Collections Department & Archives, Georgia State University Library
http://www.library.gsu.edu/spcoll/avcoll/atlphoto.htm
Time Periods
Time Periods
Location, Location, Location
Signs, Signs – Everywhere Signs
Prototype Research
● Photos– Historical Societies
– Archives
– Books
– Internet Photo Galleries
Prototype Photos
Internet Search
● Image Search– Google
– Yahoo!
● Online Sign Vendors– eBay
– Vintage Reproductions
Internet Image Search
Google Search Results Atlantic Sign Search
Images Found
Modeling Example
More Examples
Gordon's Potato Chips
Website Resources
– Online Sign Vendors● eBay
● Billboards of the Past– http://www.billboardsofthepast.com/
● Desperate Enterprises– http://www.desperate.com
● Vintage Concepts - Gas/Oil signs– http://www.vcsigns.com
● All Posters – Vintage– http://www.allposters.com
● Gas Signs– http://gassigns.org/
Website Resources
● Railroad Line - Signs for Structures Topic– http://www.railroad-line.com/forum/topic.asp?
TOPIC_ID=9280
● Mike Tylick– http://www.trainweb.org/tylick/signintro.htm
● Fading Ad Campaign– http://www.frankjump.com/
Make Your Own Signs● Tools
– Microsoft Word– WordArt
– Microsoft Paint
– Photoshop
● Typefaces / Fonts– www.fontface.com
– www.dafont.com
Formatting Words
Customizing a Sign
Printing
● Printer– Laser
– Inkjet
● Printer Settings– “Best” setting
– Paper Type
Paper
● Paper – Weight
– Type
– Brightness
● Finish– Gloss
– Matte
● Copy Paper● Photo Paper● Card Stock
● Inkjet Decal– White
– Clear
Modeling
● Preparation– Cut with sharp scissors or knife
– Color edge with markers
● Application– Apply directly with white glue
– Mount to thin styrene, optionally
– Sand back for a “painted on” look
● Weathering
Modeling Signs
Painted Brick Signs
Painted Brick Signs
● Print sign on copy paper● Sand (in one direction) with 200 grit● Apply with full strength white glue or glue
stick● Apply to painted brick siding● Emboss sign in brick mortar lines using
fingernail or toothpick● Dry brush with brick color paint● Weather as desired
Conclusion
● Research Prototype● Match Location and Timeframe● Search Google or Yahoo! Images● Resize to scale w/ graphics program
● Create new signs with word processor● Use appropriate typefaces
● Questions?