AMTRAK DECALS

You could add black dry transfer numbers on a white decal sheet then carefully cut out each number showing the white edge and applying to the side of the loco.

Micro scale made phase III diesel decals. That pack should have the numbers you want. 

For the life of me, I can't figure out where MTH came up with that shade of dark blue they have always used on their AEM-7.  I've only seen real ones with the lighter blue used on the Atlas model.

Thanks for the responses.  I'll see if I can find the Microscale number.  I'd like a 'real' decal, not a dry transfer of any kind.

Fred -- I agree.  It's not that big of a deal to me, as it matches the MTH Phase 1 Amfleets I have, and there are some pictures around that suggest a darker shade, though I suspect it is more the camera than the actual paint.

I agree with you on the Atlas model.  The paint appears the standard.  However, given the functions, sound and excessive detail on the new MTH model, I can forgive the paint and number deficiencies.  I would like to repair the side numbers if I can, and maybe the front logo as well.

I never realized how hard it is to find correct Amtrak decals. I may have to look at printing my own?

Hi Joe:

Well, that still implies you have the right font and size to print.  If you have a good source for that, I'd consider giving it a try.

I'd prefer to look at Microscale again (if I could find this alleged sheet they had for Amtrak), or those Champ sets I found.  In the case of that latter, as I mentioned above, I won't spent $20 on a decal sheet without seeing it first.

I look at some HO scale decals and compare. I have a proto 1 AEM7 and took off the Amtrak logo on the front using an old pencil eraser. Then copied Microscale 87-423 onto white decal paper and it works, decal size is hard to notice a difference. The numbers are a little too small.

Fred Brenek posted:

For the life of me, I can't figure out where MTH came up with that shade of dark blue they have always used on their AEM-7.  I've only seen real ones with the lighter blue used on the Atlas model.

They used it on these??? (where or when they shouldn't have)

Amtrak used the Helvetica font up through Phase III.  Arial is close, as it is the freeware knockoff of Helvetica. 

I made my own decals for use on my Heritage Genesis project.  They turned out well, but they are very hard to work with once they get wet!

Try a little more clear paint over decal, I had that problem too.

Nice work on those decals Jon!

Engineer-Joe posted:

Nice work on those decals Jon!

Not to steal the thread, but this was the final project.  I have made phase III decals as well, but haven't printed them for two passenger car projects I'm working on.  I draw them in AutoCAD.  I did this prior to all the manufacturers doing their versions way back in 2011.  Now of course my logo gallery goes to other uses.